– 2023 Calendar –
May
Welcome to the exclusive calendar page! Here you'll learn more about the pictures represented in each month's calendar, scan each month to learn more about the ministry and some facts about Ethiopia!
This months topic: Coffee
The Story
Coffee was first discovered by a young goat herder in the Kaffa region around the 9th century. The goat herder, Kaldi, noticed his goats were acting strange after they would eat berries from this plant. Thinking they produced some supernatural benefit, Kaldi took them to the local orthodox priest. The priest, after hearing the story from Kaldi, declared the berries demonically possessed and cast the berries into the fire. When the coffee berries hit the fire, they produced a delightful aroma. And somewhere along the way, they decided to grind, brew, and drink the first cup of coffee.
The Process
Traditional Ethiopian coffee is brewed in a Jebena, typically a clay pot with a long tall stout. The beans are crushed into a coarse grind and are brewed directly in the jebena. The coffee brews over coals and is ready when it starts bubbling out the top. It's poured into little cups called 'sine buna'. Don't forget to let it sit, the grounds aren't filtered out! Ethiopian coffee is typically enjoyed with sugar and popcorn
The Culture
Because of the rich and ancient history Ethiopia has with coffee, it's no wonder that it's engrained in the culture. Coffee shops line the streets of Addis Ababa, in the medians of roads, in the small villages, and even under the shade tree. It's considered an honor to visit one's home and be treated with a traditional coffee ceremony where the entire process of brewing a cup of coffee is prepared for you. The ground is covered with grass, there may be incense lit, the raw beans are roasted and the aroma fills the area. The cooked beans are ground, brewed, poured, and enjoyed and it's all done by hand, no machines!