Coffee is one of the most beloved beverages in the world. It’s the go-to drink for millions of people to kickstart their day or recharge during a mid-afternoon slump. But while we all know how to brew a cup or grab one from our favorite café, there’s so much more to coffee than just caffeine. In this article, we’ll explore 10 coffee facts that you probably didn’t know, ranging from its fascinating history to its cultural impact and even its health benefits.
1. Coffee Was Originally Eaten, Not Drunk
The way we consume coffee today is quite different from how people first experienced it. Coffee’s origins can be traced back to Ethiopia, where it is believed that an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi discovered coffee after noticing his goats became unusually energetic after eating the berries from a certain tree. Kaldi didn’t brew coffee as we do today. Instead, he, along with local monks, would mix the berries with animal fat and consume them in a solid form as an energy snack.
It wasn’t until coffee beans were dried, roasted, and brewed that the method of drinking coffee as a liquid became popular, especially in the Arabian Peninsula during the 15th century.
2. Coffee Is the Second Most Traded Commodity in the World
After crude oil, coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world. This makes it a vital economic driver, particularly for the countries that produce it. Countries like Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, and Ethiopia are among the top producers of coffee beans. It’s estimated that over 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed daily worldwide, contributing significantly to the global economy.
Coffee’s impact is not just limited to the beverage itself. It’s a part of countless industries, from agriculture to retail, making it a cornerstone of the global market.
3. The World’s Most Expensive Coffee Comes From Animal Poop
While most of us are used to the idea of drinking coffee from freshly brewed beans, there is a rare and expensive type of coffee that involves animal digestion. It’s called civet coffee or kopi luwak, and it’s made using beans that have passed through the digestive systems of civet cats. The beans are eaten by the animal, fermented in its stomach, and then excreted. Once collected, the beans are cleaned, roasted, and brewed.
The process is said to give the coffee a unique, smooth taste, with less bitterness. However, due to the labor-intensive process and the ethical concerns about animal treatment, it remains controversial and incredibly expensive.
4. Coffee Can Boost Your Memory and Focus
Beyond its ability to wake you up, coffee is also known to enhance cognitive function. The caffeine in coffee acts as a stimulant that can improve memory, focus, and concentration. Studies have shown that caffeine can help block adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleepiness, which in turn boosts alertness and mental clarity.
Additionally, some studies suggest that coffee may have long-term cognitive benefits. Regular coffee consumption has been linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline and diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. So, that cup of coffee could do more for your brain than just get you through the day!
5. The First Coffeehouse Opened in Istanbul in 1554
Coffeehouses are more than just places to get your daily dose of caffeine—they’re hubs of social interaction and intellectual exchange. The first known coffeehouse, qahveh khaneh, opened in Istanbul, Turkey in 1554. The establishment quickly became a popular place for people to meet, talk, play chess, and discuss politics. Coffeehouses soon spread to other parts of the Ottoman Empire and eventually to Europe, with England and France seeing the first establishments open in the 17th century.
These early coffeehouses played an important role in fostering social movements and intellectual discussions. In fact, the coffeehouse culture is often credited with helping to spur the Age of Enlightenment, as ideas were exchanged freely in these spaces.
6. Coffee Was Once Banned in Mecca
While coffee quickly gained popularity in the Middle East, it also faced opposition at various points in history. In the early 16th century, the ruler of Mecca, Suleiman the Magnificent, banned coffee due to its growing popularity. The authorities were concerned that coffeehouses were becoming centers of political dissent, as people gathered to discuss matters in an open, communal space.
At one point, coffee was even banned by the Ottoman Empire and other rulers across the Middle East. Despite these attempts to suppress it, coffee eventually gained widespread acceptance and spread to Europe and beyond, solidifying its place as a global drink.
7. Espresso Doesn’t Actually Mean “Strong Coffee”
Many people associate espresso with strong coffee due to its concentrated form, but the term “espresso” doesn’t refer to the strength of the coffee; it refers to the method of brewing. Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure, creating a small, concentrated shot of coffee with a rich, intense flavor.
In fact, an espresso shot contains less caffeine than a regular cup of coffee because the serving size is much smaller. A standard espresso shot is about 1 ounce, while a regular 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains more caffeine due to its larger volume.
8. Coffee Was Once Used as Medicine
Historically, coffee was not just a popular beverage—it was also used for medicinal purposes. In the 17th century, coffee was believed to have a wide range of health benefits and was often prescribed as a treatment for ailments like headaches, indigestion, and even low energy. Some early medical practitioners believed that coffee could help improve digestion, cure fatigue, and treat asthma.
Today, while coffee may not be considered a medicinal treatment, it still has numerous health benefits, such as providing antioxidants and reducing the risk of certain diseases, as we mentioned earlier.
9. The Coffee Plant Can Live for Decades
The coffee plant is known for its longevity. A healthy coffee tree can live for 30 to 40 years and continue to produce beans throughout its lifetime. However, the most productive period of a coffee plant’s life is typically between 5 and 10 years. After this period, the tree may begin to produce fewer beans, but it can still live for several decades.
Most coffee farms will replant their coffee trees after about 20-30 years to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality beans. Some coffee plants, especially those grown at higher elevations, can live even longer if properly cared for.
10. Coffee Can Be Used to Deter Insects
Coffee isn’t just good for drinking—it can also be used as a natural insect repellent. The strong scent of coffee has been shown to repel certain insects, such as ants and mosquitoes. If you have a garden, you can sprinkle used coffee grounds around your plants to deter pests. The caffeine in the coffee grounds may also help boost plant growth by adding nitrogen to the soil.
Additionally, placing used coffee grounds in areas where ants or other insects are a problem can help keep them away from your home.
Coffee is a fascinating beverage with a rich history and a variety of surprising uses and benefits. From its humble origins as a snack for goats to its current status as a global commodity, coffee has played an important role in cultures around the world for centuries. Whether you’re enjoying a cup for its energizing effects or simply because you love the taste, there’s no denying that coffee has earned its place in the hearts and minds of millions. So, the next time you take a sip of your favorite brew, remember these quirky coffee facts and enjoy your cup even more!