Coffee-Ethiopian Style

Since the growth of places such as Caribou and Starbucks, there has been a increase in the variety of coffee flavors on the market. The birthplace of coffee is considered to be the highlands of Ethiopia. There people having been drinking coffee for centuries. So, it's not surprising that, drinking coffee has evolved into a kind of ceremony or ritual. It could be described as something like afternoon tea.

The host or hostess either invites friends or family over for coffee in a casual manner or coffee is made after supper or lunch. Traditionally, her guests sit in front of her, while she makes the coffee. It is brought raw and whole from the market and is roasted gently on a charcoal or wood stove. The aroma in the room is sometimes enhanced with few granules incense, placed in a bowl in powder form. The incense is warmed with a clump of charcoal from the stove. In some places, the bowl gets passed around and each person waves the smoke all over their form with their hand.

The setting of this gathering can vary too. On special occasions, such as Meskel( an traditional Orthodox holiday which celebrates the finding of the true cross), grass is cut and strewn all over the floor with meskel flowers( yellow daisies).

The roasted coffee beans are pounded with a mortar and pestle and placed in a clay pot that has a round bottom and funnel top. A stop of basket reeds covers the opening. The pot is put on top of the charcoal oven or fire. When the coffee starts to boil up the funnel, the hostess takes it off the fire. Sometimes, she tastes it to make sure it is at the right strength (everyone in Ethiopia loves their coffee extremely strong).

Beside her, there is a table tray that holds small bowls/cups that are usually ornately decorated. The hostess pours the coffee out and passes it to each guest on a tray. Depending on your tastes and where you are from, sugar or honey can be used. Sometimes, a special clarified butter is added. This butter is made from cows which produce very thick creamy milk, so it is as good as drinking it with cream. The butter has some spices which add to the flavor as well. The atmosphere in the room is laid back and relaxed. It's a time to chat and be comfortable with good friends.