THE STORY OF COFFEE !

Well, coffee originated as a drink over 3000 years ago! In Ethiopia..
Who would have thought that a berry that was discovered by a herd of goats would be the single most important ingredient in the world’s most popular drink?
It was originally drunk only at ceremonies, but then was used a medicine in the 9thC and in 1454 was popularised by Mufti of Aden who ordered it to be served at mosques throughout the country.



However, it was banned in 1511 become it promoted unacceptable behaviour and people were executed if it was found in their possession!
Money changed all that - once a tax was imposed on it and it became a economic factor it became popular again. When coffee was believed by some Christians to be the devil's drink. Pope Vincent III heard this and decided to taste it before he banished it. He enjoyed it so much he baptized it, saying "coffee is so delicious it would be a pity to let the infidels have exclusive use of it." GO the Pope!



By the mid 16thC wealthy folk even had a kahreci ( a coffee steward) in their homes. Their sole job was to make coffee for their employers and visitors - I want one of those!
Of course, the English didn't approve when it arrived at their shores.. Opinion ranged from it tasting like " fresly ground soot" to "the essence of old shoes" ( but then they DO like their tea)