My recommendation this month takes us back to where, very possibly, the story of coffee began. I am recommending our Ethiopia Guji Hambela, As a famous author of a most comprehensive study of coffee in its time, William H Ukers wrote in 1922 in his “All about coffee” “ While the true origin of coffee drinking may be forever hidden among the mysteries of the purple East, shrouded as it is in legend and fable, scholars have marshalled sufficient facts to prove that the beverage was known in Ethiopia from time immemorial”.
The most popular legend of its discovery is of a goat herd named Kaldi. Kaldi noticed that his goats would not lay down at night after they had been nibbling the ripe fruits of bushes growing nearby, so legend has it that he picked the fruit and ate some and felt so elated and awake that it became a regular practise.
Unfortunately for Kaldi he confessed this habit to the principle of the religious order to which the goats belonged. Who thought this sounded very suspect (I think it possibly sounded like intoxication, alcohol of course forbidden) He took the ripe fruit and threw it into the fire, but such was the delicious aroma that came forth, he raked out the coffee and used it to prepare a concoction which he so enjoyed that he thought it just the right preparation to dispense to his brothers in order to keep them awake during their prayers.
It’s just pure legend, but it is true to say that in Ethiopia there are still some areas where coffee grows wild and the beans produced are of keen interest to coffee researchers from all over the world.
Our Ethiopia Guji is produced on the Hambela farm within the Oromia region by Aman Adinew and his brother Michael in the Guji zone. We light roast this special coffee to bring out its light and bright flavour. We recommend serving it black brewing it for filter, it also makes for a vibrant flavourful espresso. I find it have a medium to strong full flavour that I can enjoy at any time. Especially for breakfast or just on its own when like Kaldi I need a little encouragement to cope with the day.
I hope you enjoy my recommendation.
We are always delighted to have your feedback. Contact us on info@hrhiggins.co.uk
With my very best wishes
Tony Higgins
