How was coffee discovered?

The discovery of coffee is often attributed to an ancient legend involving an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi. While the story is anecdotal and lacks historical documentation, it has become a widely shared origin tale for coffee.

The Legend of Kaldi: According to the legend, Kaldi noticed that his goats became unusually energetic and lively after eating berries from a particular shrub. Curious about this effect, Kaldi tried the berries himself and experienced a similar burst of energy. Excited by the discovery, he shared the news with a local monastery.

The monks at the monastery decided to use the berries to create a drink that helped them stay awake during long hours of prayer and meditation. They prepared a beverage by boiling the berries, and the resulting drink not only kept them alert but also provided a sense of invigoration.

While the legend of Kaldi is charming, it's essential to recognize that the actual historical origins of coffee are challenging to pinpoint. The cultivation and consumption of coffee likely have more complex and gradual historical roots.