‘Ah, that heavenly aroma of a steaming hot cup of coffee!’ If you are a coffee addict and cannot fathom functioning before downing a cup, you would know what we are talking about. For extreme lovers, a cup of coffee is their fuel to kickstart the day. People who are fond of drinking quality coffee usually need a mug to stay operational and active throughout the day.
When we are on the topic of coffee, let us provide you with some exciting and fun facts that all coffee lovers should know!
- Goats Discovered Coffee!
Even though the exact origin of coffee is unknown, a myth has it that a goat herder originally discovered coffee. It so happened that the goat herder found his goats to be specifically energetic and peppy after eating berries from a particular tree. After observing this peculiar behavior, the goat herder forwarded his observations to an abbot, the father of monks, who made a concoction out of the berries and consumed it. He also observed that this berry drink kept him attentive through his long prayer sessions. This myth tells us how the discovery of coffee and its stimulating effects took place.
- Chewing Was the Initial Mode of Consumption:
Did you know that coffee was initially chewed and was not always a liquid drink? If not, then you know now! Today, you may prefer to sip on your steaming cup of java; however, according to several historians, the initial consumption of coffee was in the form of edible energy balls.
The first African tribes are known to consume coffee by grinding the berries together and mixing it with animal fat. The people later turned the mixture into tiny caffeinated balls for eating.
- Only One American State Grows Coffee: Hawaii
Even though coffee consumption in massive in America, there is only one state that produces it. Feasible coffee harvesting conditions include high altitudes, fertile soil, and tropical climates. It is the reason why only Hawaii has been able to provide the beloved coffee in all of America. Hawaii is producing coffee long before it even became a state. Recently, however, specific farms in California have started harvesting coffee bushes.
- An Average American Spends More Than $1000 On Coffee Each Year:
Americans love their coffee! It is a fact that the average American spends approximately $1092 on coffee consumption each year.
- Finland Ranks as The Leading Consumer of Coffee:
Even though Americans spend a whopping amount on coffee each year, it is Finland, which has the most coffee consumption! Finland is known to be the coffee capital and rightly so since the Finnish people love drinking coffee. Each year, coffee consumption reaches approximately 12 kilograms per capita. Norway and Iceland tread behind Finland as the significant consumers of coffee. According to the figures issued by the International Coffee Organization, the US takes the 26th rank in coffee consumption. Finland, however, does not produce any coffee on its own.
- Arabica and Robusta: Two Main Types of Commercial Coffee
The two main types of coffee sold in the commercial market are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are more difficult to harvest and also vary hugely in taste. They have a subtle distinction to their flavor. On the other hand, Robusta has a more significant content of caffeine and is characterized by an indistinct to harsh taste. It is known as the lower quality coffee category.
- The Largest Coffee Producer in The World: Brazil
Brazil is known to produce the most massive quantity of coffee beans each year. The coffee produced by Brazil majorly includes the Arabica type. Vietnam and Columbia rank as the second and third largest coffee producers in the world.
- Coffee Is A Fruit:
It may come as a surprise, but yes, coffee is a fruit! It grows on trees, and the coffee fruit closely resembles a berry. It is cultivated in its fruit form and then further processed for the coffee. The coffee beans are the seeds inside the cherry shaped coffee fruit.
Each coffee fruit has two beans sitting side by side. Some coffee cherries have a single seed inside and are known as peaberries. These are known to be more flavorful and sweeter. Shocker, no?
- Smallholder Farmers Produce Most of The World’s Coffee:
Even though Brazil and Vietnam have highly mechanized and efficient coffee production processes, 80% supply of coffee comes from 25 million smallholder farmers. Most of the coffee processes, such as harvesting, drying, and fermentation of coffee beans, are done by hand to produce top-quality coffee grains.
- Coffee Is Healthy:
If consumed in a balanced amount, coffee is healthy! According to research, due to the presence of certain beneficial nutrients such as riboflavin, potassium, and magnesium, and the high levels of antioxidants, coffee may be beneficial to consume. The benefits of drinking coffee may include an increased fat-burning capability, a boost in energy levels and metabolic rate, etc.
Coffee consumption is also known to reduce the chances of type-2 diabetes, dementia, and some particular types of cancers. Now you can drink that third cup of java without any dreaded guilt.
- World’s Most Expensive Coffee Is Cat Poop:
Kopi Luwak, also termed as cat poop coffee, is produced using a unique process. The coffee beans are digested by Civet, a cat-like animal native to Indonesia, and later pooped out. The coffee farmers gather the cat feces, then rinse, desiccate, assort, and heat it to produce the special Kopi Luwak. The digestive system of the Civet consumes the coffee fruit and the pulp while the coffee beans stay intact and are pushed out as feces.
The beans are said to undergo a peculiar fermentation process inside the Civet’s digestive system, which is known to give the Kopi Luwak its superior taste. One cup of Kopi Luwak sells for up to 100 dollars.
- Coffee Reduces Muscle Pain:
After an intense cardio workout, it is advisable to consume a high-protein breakfast. However, adding a cup of hot coffee will benefit you even more since coffee is known to reduce muscle pain by almost 48%.
Conclusion:
Coffee is a popular drink that has numerous fans worldwide. Some coffee lovers are addicted to their java so much that they cannot imagine starting their day without it! Coffee revives one’s senses and provides a boost to your energy levels. But coffee also has some interesting and unique facts that many do not know. How many of the abovementioned coffee facts did you already know? Thank us because we bet you didn’t know most of them!