Turtle gatherings around the globe should rejoice as we celebrate a drink discovered by dancing goats!
Dancing goats you ask? Yes, way back in 700 AD an Ethiopian herder by the name of Kaldi was amazed by the display of his goats dancing near a tree. They were eating the cherries of the tree and bouncing about in glee! With a bit of trepidation and excitement Kaldi ate a few cherries from the tree and found a rejuvenation of spirit and felt light on his tired feet!
Kaldi gathered a bunch of cherries and rushed off to visit the smartest monk in the area. After long prayer and a bit of wine they decided to boil the cherries into a drink. They were up all night drinking wine and sipping the tart drink. In their inebriation, some cherries missed the pot over the fire and roasted in the coals. The aroma motivated them into further experimentation!
From the dancing goats of Ethiopia to the cozy coffee houses named “Schools of the Wise” in Egypt, Persia, and Turkey, this dark elixir has journeyed far and wide, sipped by kings and commoners alike. It has seen scrutiny under the gaze of Pope Clement VIII, only to be baptized and embraced as a Christian drink. In the swirls of its rich, aromatic depths lies tales of trade, tradition, and transformation.
And so, my dear Turtles, just as we uphold our ancient and honorable traditions, let us also raise a mug in celebration of this time-honored beverage.
But, jesting aside, as we celebrate coffee, let us also remember the importance of supporting those who cultivate this drink. It’s not merely about relishing a cup, but being aware of its origins, and the hands that have nurtured it from the ground to your goblet.
Raise your mugs high, fellow Turtles, and may our spirits be as vivacious as the caffeinated dance of Kaldi’s goats. Let’s embrace this day and every day with the same zest and vigor.
Coffee, the beloved beverage of many around the globe, is more than just a morning ritual or an afternoon pick-me-up. For centuries, people have turned to this aromatic drink not only for its taste but also for its apparent ability to boost productivity. But how exactly does coffee enhance our ability to get things done?
- Increased Alertness: The primary active ingredient in coffee, caffeine, acts as a stimulant that affects the central nervous system. This stimulation can lead to increased alertness and reduced perception of fatigue, allowing individuals to focus and stay awake for longer periods.
- Improved Concentration: Regular coffee drinkers often report heightened concentration and improved cognitive functions after their cup. This can be especially beneficial during tasks that require sustained attention or during periods of the day when one might typically experience a mental lull.
- Enhanced Mood: Caffeine has been found to stimulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, mood, and reward mechanisms in the brain. An improved mood can lead to a more positive outlook on tasks, reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed and increasing motivation.
- Faster Reaction Time: Studies have suggested that caffeine can help improve reaction times, making individuals feel more responsive and quick, which can be crucial in tasks that demand immediate decisions.
- Memory Boost: There’s evidence to suggest that moderate coffee consumption can support certain memory functions, especially the ability to recall information in the short term.
- Facilitation of Social Interaction: The social ritual of having coffee breaks or visiting coffee shops can lead to improved interactions and collaborations. Such breaks can also provide a necessary respite, refreshing the mind for improved productivity when returning to tasks.
However, like all things, moderation is key. Overconsumption can lead to jitteriness, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. It’s also worth noting that individual responses to coffee can vary widely. While it’s a productivity enhancer for many, it might not have the same effect on everyone.
So, raise a mug fellow Turtles and celebrate National Coffee Day with a fellow Turtle and dance to your hearts desire!
I have some weird coffee that I enjoy late in the day when I need to really focus on work. It is made by Four Sigmatic and is made from Lions Mane and Chaga mushrooms with a little coffee kick. While much less caffeine it really lights you up to think and focus.
Want to get fancy and spend a lot of money on coffee? Check out this Breville Barista touch expresso nachine in stainless steel!
