Coffee
and it's history is certainly an amazing subject. This is one of our
most well loved drinks but just where did it come from and what are its
origins. Who exactly promoted its use and why?
About 850 A.D it is said that a lone shepherd and his flock came across
a strange and mysterious plant growing upon a secluded and forgotten
hillside. Before he could stop them some of his herd had began to gnaw
away at this unusual berry. After about fifteen minutes or so the
herder started to notice that his sheep were behaving in an odd manner.
Not only were they unusually alert but they also appeared to be
extremely hyperactive. Now being a little weary and extremely tired the
shepherd decided to try the berries and see if the end results would be
the same for him as they had been for his flock.
To his pleasant surprise the shepherd began to feel wide awake and he
too became very alert. After a few hours had passed along came a
wandering monk who, after being informed of the plants amazing
qualities proceeded to scold the poor shepherd and lecture him on his
foolish indulgence. After he had finished telling the shepherd just
what a sinner he had been the monk set upon his journey but not before
he had added a little something to his backpack and supplies.
Back at the monastery the monks decided to try this new and exciting
substance. Soon the endless hours of praying were endured with the
greatest of ease. Coffee, the drink had been revealed to the world. Its
widespread use then took a grip in the Ethiopian lands before then
migrating on to the Arabian outlands. Here it was to be held for many
years as a sacred substance but was eventually to be unlawfully
exported by a merchant called Baba Budan. Word of its qualities were
soon to spread and within a few years coffee was to emerge as one of
the most valued commodities of all time. Now would you believe that
each year we drink an amazing four billion cups and there are those
among us who would cry at the thought of starting their day without it.
Although coffee is mainly known as a sleep suppressant there are those
who consider coffee to have many health benefits. It is thought that
people who suffer from asthma and partake of the beverage have at least
25% less symptoms which may be due to a substance in coffee called
theophylline. This is known as a bronchodilator and quite simply it is
thought to help those who suffer with the disease to breath with a
little more ease. Drinking coffee on a daily basis is also thought to
help lower your chances of developing colon cancer by a figure also in
the region of about 25%. This may be due to the fact that coffee helps
to keep you regular. Coffee can do more than just help you get through
your day!
Aside from the benefits that have been mentioned above, it has to be
said that simply enjoying coffee as a beverage is a delight that will
never be easily surpassed. The unbelievable thing is that most people
have no idea of the different tastes and delights that this monarch of
all drinks has to offer. One of the fastest growing trends of the past
few years has to be the rising popularity of obtaining coffee via the
internet. Never before has it been so easy to sample such a huge
variety of blends, tastes and aromas, and all at the click of a mouse.
I order coffee frequently through the internet and I always make a
point to record the country, blend and from whom I purchased.
Now you know the story of the magic beans I hope that next timeyou are
considering popping into the local coffee shop you recall the story of
the wandering sheep herder and consider just what you might be drinking
were he not to have wandered with his flock onto that lonely hillside.
Take the time to try the many different varieties available and I
promise you the joys of coffee will be sure to tantalize your
senses,tease your tastebuds and delight your friends and associates.
Latte or mocha?
