History of coffee
The coffee plant originated in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa, where the plant grows wild. But the propagation of the coffee bean began in Yemen, formerly Arabia, some say as early as AD 575, but certainly was well developed by the 15th Century.
There are a few different legends as to how coffee was discovered, however, the most popular is that of the 'dancing goats'. A young goat herder called Kaldi, after seeing his usually sleepy goats eat certain berries then become wildly animated, tried some for himself with similar effects. He shared his discovery with the local monks, who were much more alert during their evening prayers.
The tea plant
According to legend, tea was created in ancient China over 5000 years ago when Emperor Shen Nung boiled water under a tree. Leaves fell into the water and a delicious and refreshing taste was experienced. The consumption of tea spread throughout Chinese culture and reached every aspect of society. The cultivation and preparation of tea in ancient China began to take shape and in 800 AD, Lu Yu wrote the first definitive book on tea.
In Japan, Buddhist priest Yeisei brought the first tea seeds and religious meditation enhanced the value of tea. The association of tea and Zen Buddhism elevated it to an art form and to the creation of the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Over time, tea houses began to develop and drinking tea became an every day part of life.
In Australia, tea arrived with the first fleet in 1788 and soon became an imported staple during colonial times. Everyone from servants and officers to convicts drank tea and in early folklore, swagmen roamed the country side sharing stories over a cuppa beside the campfire.