1. Coffee Was Discovered by Goats
Legend has it that coffee was discovered by an Ethiopian goatherd named Kaldi. He noticed his goats were full of energy, even at night, after eating berries from a certain tree. After sharing this observation with local monks, they used the berries to stay awake during lengthy prayers, and thus the legacy of coffee as a ‘wakeful’ drink began.
2. Coffee Beans are Actually Seeds
Often referred to as ‘beans’ due to their appearance, coffee beans are actually the seeds of the coffee cherry. The fruit, when ripe, encases two seeds within – these are what we roast, grind, and brew to enjoy our beloved coffee.
3. Coffee Was Once Considered a ‘Bitter Invention of Satan’
When coffee was introduced in Europe in the 17th century, it faced severe backlash. It was initially dubbed the “bitter invention of Satan.” However, Pope Clement VIII, charmed by the drink’s taste, gave it Papal approval, and coffee soon became a staple in Europe.
4. Espresso Means ‘Expressed’ or ‘Pressed Out’
Espresso, the base for many of our favorite coffee drinks, has an interesting etymology. It comes from the Italian term ‘café espresso’, which essentially means ‘pressed out coffee’. This is a direct reference to how espresso is made – by forcing boiling water under high pressure through finely-ground coffee beans.
5. Coffee is the World’s Second Largest Traded Commodity
Behind oil, coffee stands as the second largest traded commodity in the world. Over 25 million farmers across 50 countries contribute to the global coffee trade, underscoring the massive scale and importance of coffee in the world economy.
6. Finland Consumes the Most Coffee Per Capita
While you might think that the U.S. or Italy might consume the most coffee, it’s actually Finland. According to statistics, Finns consume approximately 12 kilograms of coffee per person per year, making them the world’s leading coffee consumers.
7. The World’s Most Expensive Coffee Comes From Animal Poop
Kopi Luwak, the world’s most expensive coffee, can cost up to $600 per pound, and it’s made from coffee cherries partially digested and then defecated by the Asian palm civet, a cat-like creature. The digestion process supposedly gives the coffee a uniquely rich flavor.
8. Coffee Wasn’t Always a Drink
In the early days in Africa, coffee was often used in a much different form. The coffee cherries were crushed and mixed with animal fat to create energy-rich snack balls. It wasn’t until the 13th century that people began to roast coffee beans, the first step towards brewing coffee as we know it today.
9. The Largest Cup of Coffee Ever Brewed
In 2014, South Korea set the Guinness World Record for the largest cup of coffee ever brewed. The cup held over 3,700 gallons—that’s more than half the volume of a typical swimming pool!
10. George Washington Invented Instant Coffee
Don’t let this fact confuse you – it wasn’t the first U.S. President, but rather a Belgian man living in Guatemala named George Washington who invented instant coffee in 1906. His invention offered a quick, convenient way to enjoy a cup of joe and remains popular to this day.
There you have it – ten fun and fascinating facts about our beloved coffee. As you sip your next cup, impress your friends with these tidbits, and celebrate the intriguing world of coffee that goes beyond the cup. Remember, every coffee break is a chance for a fun coffee conversation!