Fun Facts About Coffee!

Coffee: the magical elixir that turns ‘leave me alone’ into ‘good morning!’ Whether you’re sipping it for the caffeine boost or simply because it’s socially unacceptable to drink wine at 8 a.m., here are some fun facts about coffee that will perk up your day—no espresso shots required!

Coffee Was Discovered by Goats: According to legend, coffee was discovered by a goat herder named Kaldi in Ethiopia. He noticed his goats became energetic after eating the red cherries from a certain tree – that tree turned out to be the coffee plant! – Check out this fact and others in “The Coffee Chronicles” https://amzn.to/4iOfBPX
Coffee Is the Second Most Traded Commodity: After oil, coffee is the most traded commodity in the world. Over 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed daily worldwide!
Coffee Beans Aren’t Actually Beans: Coffee “beans” are technically the seeds of the coffee cherry, not true beans. The cherries are harvested, and the seeds inside are what we roast to make coffee. 50 different Coffee and Espresso drinks made at home! https://amzn.to/40b70zr
There Are Two Main Types of Coffee Beans: Arabica and Robusta are the two primary types of coffee beans. Arabica is known for its smoother, sweeter flavor, while Robusta has a stronger, more bitter taste and higher caffeine content.
Coffee Was Once Banned: In the 16th century, coffee was banned in Mecca, as it was believed to stimulate radical thinking. It was also banned in France by King Louis XIV in the 17th century, who thought it would be used in political gatherings.
Coffee Helps You Stay Awake, But It Doesn’t Hydrate: Coffee is technically a diuretic, which means it can make you pee more often. While it wakes you up, it doesn’t hydrate your body the way water does.
The World’s Most Expensive Coffee Comes from Poop: The coffee known as Kopi Luwak is made using beans that are eaten, digested, and excreted by civet cats. The beans are then cleaned and roasted, and this unusual process leads to a smooth, unique flavor – but a hefty price tag, sometimes up to $600 per pound!
Coffee Can Boost Your Memory: Studies have shown that coffee can improve short-term memory and enhance cognitive function. A cup of coffee may help you remember things better, whether it’s a test, meeting, or just what you had for breakfast.
Coffee’s Lifespan Can Be Very Short: Coffee is best consumed within two weeks of being roasted. After that, the beans begin to lose their flavor, so fresh coffee is always the tastiest! Keep your coffee fresh by storing it on an airtight canister like here! https://amzn.to/3ZUtALi
The Coffee Belt: Coffee grows best between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, in a region known as the “Coffee Belt.” This area spans countries in Central and South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
The First Coffeehouse in the U.S. Was Opened in 1696: The first American coffeehouse, called “The King’s Arms,” opened in Boston in the late 17th century. Coffeehouses became important social hubs, where people discussed news, politics, and business. Check them out! https://amzn.to/49VKSw8
Coffee Beans Have a “Best Before” Date: Coffee beans are best consumed fresh, and they tend to lose their freshness within a week or two after roasting. Keep your coffee beans sealed tightly to preserve their flavor.
Coffee Can Make You Smarter (Sort of): The caffeine in coffee works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel tired. This results in a temporary improvement in focus, alertness, and energy.
Coffee Is the Fuel for Invention: The term “coffee break” was first used by workers in the 1950s in the United States, and it quickly became a staple of office culture. Coffee breaks help increase productivity and creativity in many work environments.
Coffee Was Once Used As Currency: In ancient Ethiopia, coffee was sometimes traded as currency. Similarly, during the colonial period in the Caribbean, coffee beans were used as a form of payment in some regions.

Coffee is not just a drink – it’s a fascinating global phenomenon with an interesting history and culture! Enjoy your next cup with a little extra appreciation for its rich story. ☕