Coffee & Black History Month

Coffee, native of Africa... you know that, right? But did you know how this little bean traveled all the way to Latin America?

Since the story I'm going to relay to you is documented fact which you can go look up for yourself... I'm going to tell you the shorted version of it

A waring faction amongst coffee farmers developed and grew more and more heated over territorial lines.

One of them came to his senses, called for a vote and they all agreed to call in an Arbitrator. He was Brazillian and had a solid and trusted reputation.

It was customary practice to greet a guest with a lovely bouquet of flowers presented,in this case, by the farmer's wife.

Arbitration commenced and things seemed to be simmering down... well sort of, because whilst this waring tribe were sifting through their differences, the Arbitrator, was,...shall we say,.. hotting it up with the farmer wife.

Well do the math: farmer's wife + Latin Lover= Passionate Love....and as is the nature of such love, unpredictable events soon unfold.

When it was time to see the Brazilian off to his homeland, the custom of the gifting flowers was repeated. Farmer's Wife, broken hearted in seeing her Paramour off decided to give him something more than flowers.

She took fresh, ripe, coffee cherries, which of course contained the fertile beans and put one into each of the flowers she was to present him. In so doing she accomplished a list of unimaginable things...

1-She launched the fiercest competition, which has continued to this day, to her country's economical security. But what kind of match is a dry matter like national economy when dueling with a burgeoning romance!

2- she got even with her ill tempered husband who had been a grouch for a long time due to this war he was fighting... and by

3- sending coffee to Latin America made her the champion of it's rescued economy. These little beans, traveling in a lover's bouquet, enriched the lives of many. And we have the pleasures of many flavour profiles due to her single act of rebellion. Never tell me sin cannot be delicious!!!

Now, maybe when you enjoy your cup of Roast House Coffee, ( fair trade and organic, of course) you'll remember this little known historical fact and Celebrate with us: Black History Month! Thank You, Africa !