A Jump in the History of Ethiopian Coffee

Chances are that, if you call yourself a Melburnian, you are in love with that dark, bitter and addictive substance that is sold by the millions every day in our lovely city: yes, we are talking about coffee. The origins of the drink are as dark and mysterious as coffee itself, and SisterWorks is ready to bring you on a journey of discovery.

Where does coffee come from and what is exactly a “coffee ceremony”? Forget the fancy lattes and artsy cappuccinos, and get ready to be immersed in the fascinating history of Ethiopian coffee.

Legend has it that coffee was discovered around 850 A.D. by Kaldi, an Abyssinian goatherd who lived at the source of the Blue Nile River. Observing his goats, Kaldi noticed that they would get very excited after chewing on some bright red berries, so he decided to try them and was soon overwhelmed by joy. 

He picked a bunch of the magic berries and brought them to the monks of a nearby monastery. The monks thought the fruits were evil and threw them in the fire. Roasting, they filled the holy place with a fragrant aroma. In order to preserve them, the berries were crushed and placed in a pan filled with hot water, which gave life to a rich and scented brew that the monks then drank all night. 

From that moment, it became a daily habit for the monks to drink that inebriating liquid which would give them strength and keep them awake for their prayers.

Having been around for so long, it is not a surprise that coffee, today, represents a cornerstone of Ethiopian culture, as well as a huge portion of the country’s economy, providing the livelihood of over 15 million people.

The ceremony of coffee brewing is a daily family ritual for most Ethiopians, and their social life thrives around coffee drinking, usually conducted by a woman dressed in traditional clothes. In the most traditional households, it can take up to three hours and is performed three times per day. 

The coffee is roasted on a bed of scented grass, and the process is long and fascinating. Family and friends gather around the room and, when the coffee is served, everybody drinks it with plenty of sugar and accompanied by some snacks.

This week, here at SisterWorks, centuries of Ethiopian tradition and culture will be brought to Melbourne by a passionate lady who arrived in this country four years ago, Genet. 

If you too are eager to immerse yourself in a different culture, come and be part of Genet’s very own coffee ceremony in traditional Ethiopian style. The ritual is very important for her, who used to perform it with her loved ones, and is now determined to keep the family tradition alive. 

Genet will guide you in the discovery of special tastes and fragrances, as well as teach you how to make Ethiopian coffee and give you anecdotes of its history. 

Do not hesitate and take this chance to travel far away and back in time with SisterWorks!

Get your tickets at  https://sisterworks.org.au/product/genet-coffee-ceremony-workshop/