Coffee: that magical brew that gets millions of us out of bed every morning. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a full-blown coffee addict, there’s probably a lot you don’t know about your favorite drink.
Ready to test your coffee knowledge? I’ve brewed up a list of 15 facts and fiction about coffee that might surprise you.
Coffee was discovered by goats
Legend has it that coffee was discovered by an Ethiopian goatherd named Kaldi. He noticed his goats became energetic after eating berries from a certain tree. Kaldi tried the berries himself and felt the buzz. He then shared his discovery with local monks, and coffee’s popularity spread from there. While this story is probably more myth than fact, it’s a fun tale about coffee’s origins.
Decaf doesn’t mean caffeine-free
Surprise! Decaf coffee isn’t completely caffeine-free. The decaffeination process removes most of the caffeine but not all of it. A cup of decaf usually contains about 2-12 milligrams of caffeine, compared to 95 milligrams in a regular cup. So, if you’re super sensitive to caffeine, even decaf might give you a little buzz.
Coffee beans aren’t really beans
Here’s a shocker: coffee “beans” aren’t beans at all. They’re actually the seeds of coffee cherries. These cherries grow on bushes, and each one usually contains two seeds. These seeds are what we roast and grind to make our beloved coffee. So next time you sip your java, remember you’re drinking a fruit seed brew!
The world’s most expensive coffee comes from animal poop
It’s true! Kopi Luwak, the world’s most expensive coffee, is made from coffee cherries that have been eaten and partially digested by an animal called the Asian palm civet. These little creatures eat the ripest, tastiest coffee cherries. Their digestive process is said to change the flavor of the beans, making them smoother and less bitter. The beans are then collected from the civet’s droppings, cleaned, and roasted. A cup can cost up to $100!
Coffee can be good for your health
Despite what you might have heard, coffee can actually be good for you. Studies have shown that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of several serious diseases like type 2 Diabetes, Parkinson’s, and some types of cancer. Coffee is also full of antioxidants. Of course, like anything, it’s best enjoyed in moderation. Too much can lead to jitters, sleep problems, and other issues.
The largest cup of coffee ever made could fill a swimming pool
In 2019, a company in Colombia set the world record for the largest cup of coffee ever made. The cup was over 9 feet tall and held 22,739.14 liters of coffee. That’s enough to fill a small swimming pool! It took 50 people and 3,000 pounds of coffee to make this gigantic brew. Now, that’s what we call a caffeine kick!
Coffee doesn’t actually sober you up
It’s a common myth that coffee can help sober up a drunk person. In reality, coffee doesn’t lower your blood alcohol content or speed up the breakdown of alcohol in your body. What it can do is make a drunk person feel more awake, which can be dangerous. They might think they’re sober enough to drive when they’re not. So remember, time is the only real cure for drunkenness.
There was once an attempt to ban coffee
In the 16th century, some people in Mecca thought coffee was as bad as alcohol and tried to ban it. The sultan had to step in and declare that coffee was sacred and banning it would be blasphemy. Coffee houses in England were also once seen as hotbeds of rebellion, and King Charles II tried to ban them in 1675. Luckily for us coffee lovers, these attempts failed!
Coffee can help plants grow
Used coffee grounds can be great for your garden. They add nitrogen to the soil, which helps plants grow. Coffee grounds also help attract worms, which are good for the soil. Some plants, like roses and blueberries, especially love soil with coffee grounds in it. So next time you make coffee, don’t throw away the grounds – your plants might enjoy them!
The first webcam was invented because of coffee
In 1991, computer scientists at Cambridge University set up a camera to monitor the coffee pot in their break room. They were tired of walking to the pot only to find it empty. The camera sent live images to their computers so they could see if there was coffee before making the trip. This became the world’s first webcam! From such humble beginnings, webcam technology has come a long way.
Coffee doesn’t dehydrate you
Contrary to popular belief, coffee doesn’t really dehydrate you. While caffeine is a mild diuretic (meaning it makes you pee more), the water in coffee more than makes up for this effect. Studies have shown that drinking coffee counts towards your daily fluid intake. So your morning cup of joe isn’t just waking you up – it’s also helping to keep you hydrated!
There are two main types of coffee beans
Most coffee comes from two types of beans: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are more popular and makeup about 60% of the world’s coffee production. They have a sweeter, softer taste and less caffeine. Robusta beans have more caffeine and a stronger, harsher taste. They’re often used in espresso blends and instant coffee. Knowing the difference can help you choose the perfect brew for your taste!
Coffee can boost your workout
If you’re looking to improve your exercise performance, coffee might help. The caffeine in coffee can increase adrenaline levels in your blood, which helps your body prepare for physical exertion. It can also help break down body fat, making it available for use as fuel. Many athletes drink coffee before competing to give them an extra edge. Just be sure to stay hydrated!
The world’s largest coffee-producing country is Brazil
Brazil has been the world’s largest coffee producer for over 150 years. It produces about a third of all coffee in the world! The country has over 220,000 coffee farms. Coffee is so important to Brazil that when the government had a huge coffee surplus in the 1930s, they burned it to keep prices stable. Talk about dedication to the bean!
“Espresso” doesn’t mean “fast”
Many people think “Espresso” means “Fast” in Italian because it’s made quickly. But that’s not true! “Espresso” actually means “Pressed out” or “Forced out.” This refers to how espresso is made– by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure. So next time you order an espresso, remember you’re asking for “Pressed out” coffee, not “Fast” coffee!
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