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?