According to legend, coffee owes its discovery to goats.

In the 9th century, an Ethiopian herder named Kaldi noticed his goats dancing and skipping sleep after eating red berries from a certain tree. Curious, he tried them himself and felt a sudden surge of energy.

Kaldi shared the berries with monks at a nearby monastery. Skeptical, one monk tossed them into the fire, releasing a rich, irresistible aroma. The roasted beans were ground, steeped in hot water, and the first cup of coffee was born. Monks soon found it kept them alert during long prayers.

From Ethiopia, coffee spread through the Arab world as qahwa, then reached Europe by the 17th century, fueling lively cafés and Enlightenment debates.

Today, more than 2 billion cups are enjoyed each day, all thanks to a herd of restless goats and a happy accident.