Coffee crops and rituals are vital to Ethiopians

Did you know that the most popular kind of coffee plant originated in a country found on the east coast of Africa? The coffee is called Arabica and the country is Ethiopia. Although nobody knows for sure how and when people began using coffee as a beverage, many believe it began as early as the 9th century, more than 1,000 years ago.

Coffee has long been Ethiopia's most important crop and largest export. It is equally important in the daily life of Ethiopians. Many customs center around the drinking of coffee.

If you were a guest in someone's home in Ethiopia, the hosts might roast, grind and brew coffee right in front of you. Then everyone would drink it together, with maybe just a sip for the kids. The whole process could take up to an hour, or longer if neighbors and friends came to visit and have coffee too.

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