Welcome, Coffee Lovers!
Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker of a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, there’s always something new to learn about the world’s favourite beverage. In this blog, we’re brewing up some fascinating coffee facts that will surprise and delight you. From its rich history to health benefits and even the strongest coffee in the world, get ready for a cup full of interesting facts that will elevate your appreciation for this beloved drink. So, grab your favourite mug and keep reading – there’s a lot to discover!
1. Coffee is a Fruit: Coffee beans come from the coffee cherry, a fruit. The “bean” inside the cherry is actually the seed, and it’s surrounded by a fleshy fruit layer this is usually discarded during processing.
2. Coffee Can Improve Memory: Some studies suggest that caffeine, the main active ingredient in coffee, may enhance brain function and improve short-term memory and cognitive performance.
3. The World’s Strongest Coffee: The world’s strongest coffee is a variety called Death Wish Coffee, which has doubled the amount of caffeine compared to a standard cup of coffee. It’s marketed as the “world’s strongest” and can give even the most hardened coffee drinkers a serious boost.
4. Coffee Was Once Considered “Devil’s Drink”: In the 1600s, some religious leaders in Europe tried to ban coffee because they believed it was associated with Satan. Pope Clement Vill famously declared coffee so delicious that it should be blessed, thus saving it from being banned.
5. Coffee Could Help Burn Fat: Caffeine in coffee is known to increase metabolism and fat burning, which is why many fitness experts recommend drinking coffee before a workout to boost performances and fat loss.
6. The First Coffee House in the World: The first coffee house opened in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) in 1554. These places became centres for conversation, discussion, and socialising, helping coffee gain popularity across the world.
7. Coffee Consumption Can Affect Your Sleep: Caffeine can stay in your system for up to 6 hours, which can affect sleep if consumed later in the day. It has a half-life of about 3 to 5 hours, meaning half the caffeine remains in your body after this time.
8. There Are Over 100 Different Coffee Varieties: While Arabica and Robusta are the two most common types of coffee, there are over 100 different coffee species. Some lesser-known varieties, such as Liberica and Excelsa, have very distinct flavours.
9. Coffee is a Key Export: Coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world after oil, with over 25 million coffee farmers worldwide, mostly located in tropical regions. Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombian are some of the top coffee-exporting countries.
10. The Average American Drinks 3 Cups a Day: According to studies, the average American consumes about 3 cups of coffee per day. That’s roughly 400 million cups of coffee consumed in the U.S. daily.
11. Espresso Isn’t a Type of Coffee Bean: Espresso is actually a method of brewing coffee, not a specific type of bean. The beans used for espresso are usually roasted darker, but the term “espresso” refers to the brewing technique of forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee.
12. Coffee Can Be Good for Your Liver: Research shows that drinking coffee may reduces the risk of liver diseases, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Studies suggest that people who drink coffee regularly have lower levels of liver enzymes and a decreased risk of liver damage.
13. A Coffee Tree Can Live for Up to 100 Years: A healthy coffee tree can live for a century, but it generally produces high-quality beans for about 20-30 years. After that, the yield and quality start to decline.
14. Coffee and Creativity: Studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption can help boost creativity. Some researchers believe caffeine stimulates brain areas involves in problem-solving and creative thinking.
15. Coffee Prices Can Be Affected by Weather: Coffee production is highly sensitive to climate conditions. A dry season or cold weather can greatly affect the yield of coffee crops, which in turn can drive up prices for coffee beans globally.
These facts showcase just how fascinating coffee is, from its deep history to its modern-day impact on health, society, and even the economy.