1. Coffee is the Most Popular Beverage in the World
After water, coffee is the most consumed beverage on the planet. Over 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed globally each day.
2. Coffee Was Once Banned
In the 17th century, Sultan Murad IV of the Ottoman Empire banned coffee because of its stimulating effects. People could be punished for drinking it, and the authorities even went so far as to search people’s homes for coffee beans.
3. Coffee Beans Aren’t Beans
Coffee “beans” are actually the seeds of the fruit of the coffee plant, known as the coffee cherry. These seeds are extracted from the cherries, roasted, and then ground to make coffee.
4. The World’s Most Expensive Coffee
The civet coffee, or kopi luwak, is considered one of the most expensive coffees in the world. It’s made from beans that have been eaten and then excreted by a civet, a small animal. The fermentation process inside the animal’s digestive system supposedly gives the coffee its unique taste.
5. The Birthplace of Coffee
Coffee is believed to have been discovered in Ethiopia in the 9th century. According to legend, a goat herder named Kaldi noticed that his goats became unusually energetic after eating red berries from a certain tree, which led to the discovery of coffee.
6. Coffee Was Originally Eaten, Not Drunk
The first people to consume coffee didn’t brew it — they actually ate the raw beans, often mixed with animal fat to create a kind of energy-rich snack.
7. There Are Two Main Types of Coffee Beans
Arabica beans are the most popular and account for about 60-70% of the world’s coffee production. They are known for their smoother, more complex flavor.
Robusta beans are more bitter, contain more caffeine, and are often used in espresso blends. They make up around 30-40% of the world’s coffee production.
8. Caffeine Is a Natural Pesticide
The caffeine in coffee beans acts as a natural insecticide, protecting the coffee plant from pests and predators. It paralyzes and kills insects that try to consume the beans.
9. Coffee Has Over 1,000 Different Aromatic Compounds
The aroma of coffee is due to a complex combination of over 1,000 volatile compounds that are released during the roasting process, making coffee’s scent so distinct and beloved by many.