As far back as 850 A.D it is said that a lonely sheep herder and his
charge stumbled across a strange and mysterious berry
growing on a secluded and forgotten hillside. Before he
could stop them, some of his sheep had already began to
sample this strange fruit. After about ten minutes or so the
shepherd began to notice something unusual about his sheep.
They no longer looked tired after their long trek that day.
In fact they appeared to be wide awake and very alert. The
shepherd had never seen them behave this way and he was
curious. Now being a little tired and weary himself the
shepherd decided to try the berries for himself. Just as had
happened with his flock he too became wide awake and pardon
the pun, extremely "full of beans". Just then a monk
happened by and after hearing what had happened proceeded to
scold the poor shepherd and lecture him on his foolish
indulgence. Having had his say the monk continued on his
journey but before he set off he made absolutely sure that a
plant was secured amongst his belongings.
Back at the abbey the monks decided to try this new magical
stimulant. Soon the endless hours of praying became easy to
endure. Coffee the beverage had been unleashed. Its
widespread use first took hold in the Ethiopian regions
before then moving on to the Arabian empire. Here it was to
be held for many years as a sacred substance until it was
illegally exported to the outside world by an Arab called
Baba Budan. Word of its effects then began to spread and in
a short while coffee was to become one of the most treasured
commodities in our history. Today we drink a staggering 4
billion cups each and every year and there are many among us
who would simply refuse to start our day without it.
Although coffee is well known for keeping us awake there are
also health benefits associated with the drinking of coffee.
It is said that those who suffer from asthma and partake of
the drink have 25% less symptoms due to a substance called
theophylline. This is what is known as a bronchodilator and
quite simply it is claimed to help those who suffer from the
disease to breathe a little easier. Drinking Coffee on a
regular basis is also meant to help lower your risk of colon
cancer by a figure also in the region of around 25%. It is
thought to do this simply by helping to keep you regular
which in turn helps fend off disease and illness.
Apart from the benefits that have just been mentioned it has
to be said that simply drinking coffee as a beverage is a
delight that cannot easily be surpassed. The amazing thing
is that the average person has no idea of the varied tastes
that this hallowed bean has to offer. One of the growing
trends of recent years has to be the rising popularity of
ordering coffee via the wonder we call the internet. Never
before have we been able to sample such a wide variety of
tastes, blends and aromas without having to endure the
tedious trials of hiking around the city. I myself tend to
place small orders but I always make a point to record the
name, blend and of course exactly 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.
Cappuccino or mocha?
About the Author
Mary Chambers is a regular contributor to the Fuzzy Coffee Directory