Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. It’s a delicious drink that can wake you up and make you feel energized. But did you know that coffee has a lot of interesting facts?
From where it originated to how much water it takes to grow a pound of coffee, here are 10 Coffee Facts You Should Know About.
1. It’s a fruit
Most people don’t think of coffee as a fruit, but it really is. The beans that we brew to get our morning buzz are actually the processed and roasted seeds of a fruit called a coffee cherry.
The coffee plant produces a bright red, cherry-like fruit that contains two coffee beans inside. These beans are technically a seed, but they’re referred to as beans because of their similarity in appearance to vegetable seeds.
The goat herders and monks who first discovered coffee’s energizing effects probably knew that this berry-like fruit had the power to keep them awake and alert. Then they realized that if they crushed the cherries and drank the juice, it would give them an extra boost. Coffee fruit, also known as cascara, is often discarded during coffee production, but it’s gaining popularity as an ingredient in supplements and drinks.
2. It’s a berry
From a biological perspective, the beans that we brew into our cup of coffee are actually seeds from a fruit called a coffee cherry. The fruit resembles a small, bright red grape and is covered by an outer layer of skin (the exocarp) that ripens to shades of dark red.
This berry-like fruit was first discovered in the 15th century when it was said that an Ethiopian goat herder noticed his animals were particularly energetic after eating the fruit. He shared his discovery with monks who started brewing the berries for their own energy.
Today, the plant is grown in two different species: Arabica and Robusta. Brazil grows about a third of the world’s supply, but Finland is the biggest drinkers, with the average Finn downing 12kg a year! The coffee fruit and the coffee bean are both jam-packed with antioxidant polyphenols that can provide our bodies with many health benefits.
3. It’s a plant
It’s important to note that coffee is a plant. The ‘beans’ grow inside the centre of a berry called a coffee cherry, which are then roasted to make our favourite caffeinated drink. It’s a shrub in its natural habitat but can also take on treelike characteristics depending on the species, says Dr Davis.
The Coffea genus of plants is found all over the world and can even be grown as a houseplant here in the UK. In their native habitat, Coffea trees can reach up to 8 metres in height but when they’re cultivated they rarely grow taller than 2 meters.
The coffee plant is so popular that people have tried to ban it – as recently as the 18th century, Sweden banned both coffee and coffee paraphernalia for its supposed satanic qualities. But coffee is here to stay, with Finland being the country that drinks the most (on average 12kg per person every year). So sit back and enjoy your brew!
4. It’s a food
Coffee is a food that many people can’t live without. It is jam-packed with antioxidants and has been shown to help prevent certain cancers. It has also been linked to lower inflammation, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and other conditions.
It is thought that coffee was discovered in the 1500s by a goat herder in Ethiopia who noticed his goats were more energetic after eating certain berries. He shared these findings with local monks who made their own drink from the beans and the rest is history.
One of the most coveted varieties comes from the feces of an Asian palm civet, a wild cat-like creature. The beans are roasted in the creature’s excrement and then excreted, creating a smooth and less acidic coffee called kopi luwak. It is a highly coveted beverage that can cost up to $275 a pound.
5. It’s a drink
Coffee isn’t just a beverage – it’s also a culture. It’s an essential part of our day-to-day lives, and it isn’t going anywhere!
In the 1500s, an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi noticed his goats were acting jittery after eating certain berries. He decided to try the berries himself and found they made him more alert. Kaldi shared his discovery with monks, who began brewing the berries to make coffee.
Coffee is also a healthy drink when consumed in moderation. Many studies have shown that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of heart disease and Parkinson’s disease. The most famous coffee lovers are the Finns, who consume around 12kg per person each year! The largest coffee producer is Brazil, which produces about a third of the world’s supply. They are followed by Vietnam and Colombia. It is possible to overdose on coffee, though.
6. It’s a drink for the elite
Coffee became the drink of choice for scholars and intellectuals, first in Muslim culture and then later in Christian Europe. Coffee houses became places where people could gather to discuss politics and philosophy and share ideas. Check here the List of coffee roasters in Singapore to learn more.
The exact discovery of coffee is unknown, but it began in the 1500s when a goat herder noticed his goats seemed particularly energetic after eating some specific berries. The herder shared his discoveries with monks, who tried brewing the beans and found that they had an energy-boosting effect.
Brazil is responsible for a third of the world’s coffee production. It’s a popular beverage in Scandinavian countries and the United States. People who like to savor the taste of their cup slurp it loudly to ensure that they get every flavor, including sweetness, bitterness, and acidity. This is because different parts of your mouth are best suited for different flavors.
7. It’s a drink for the poor
Many people around the world drink coffee without thinking much about it. However, for those who are less fortunate, this beverage offers a number of vital benefits that can improve their lives. From affordability and energy-boosting properties to cultural connections and community empowerment, coffee has a significant impact on the lives of individuals who are struggling with poverty.
It’s believed that coffee was first discovered by a goat herder in Ethiopia in the 1500s. He noticed that his goats seemed to be energized after eating coffee cherries. He shared his discovery with local monks, who found that drinking the beans helped them stay awake all night and pray. The monks then started roasting the beans and brewing them into a drink. They added sugar to sweeten the taste. Coffee has been a popular drink ever since.
8. It’s a drink for the young
Coffee is a drink that many people love, especially young people. It’s a great way to start the day, and it can help you focus and get your work done. Coffee also contains caffeine, which is known to have stimulating effects.
Coffee can be a great way to wake up, but it’s important to drink it in moderation. Too much coffee can cause you to become jittery and anxious.
There are 80 countries in the world that grow coffee. One coffee plant produces about a kilogram of beans. The best coffee is made from beans that are harvested at just the right time. It’s called the “golden hour.” This is when the beans are at their most flavorful.
9. It’s a drink for the old
A cup of coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. We often take this beverage for granted, but there are many interesting facts about coffee that we might not be aware of.
According to an ancient legend, coffee was discovered by a goat herder in Ethiopia in the 1500s. He noticed that his goats were frolicking and had a lot of energy after eating certain red berries. He tasted the berries himself and found that they were energizing. He shared his discovery with local monks who brewed the beans into a drink.
Coffee can be dangerous if consumed in excess, but you would have to consume a tremendous amount in a short period of time to experience a lethal dose. Coffee is also good for you and can help you live longer.
10. It’s a drink for the future
In recent years and decades, coffee has become more than a pick-me-up drink. It’s also becoming a health and wellness beverage. Several studies have shown that drinking coffee can boost your immune system and reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease, heart attack, depression, and dementia.
Coffee is also an important source of nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B’s. And it can help ease muscle pain, because caffeine blocks the brain’s natural adenosine receptors.
As a result, many consumers are looking for coffee with ‘transformational properties’ that can help them feel and perform better. This will have a major impact on the future of coffee. For example, brands will have to find ways to meet growing demands for more protein in RTD coffee or develop lab-grown products that can mimic the taste of real coffee. In addition, meeting environmental sustainability requirements will be crucial in some markets.