To most of us, coffee is the MVP of all mornings. It’s the first thing you reach for even before you talk to another soul. But did you know that this yummy drink has been banned in history, can make you more attractive (scientifically proven!), and even helped in the invention of the webcam?
We hope you’re sitting comfortably because these surprising coffee facts will show you just how magical this bean is! From silly controversies to fascinating accomplishments, here are 15 facts you probably didn’t know about your favorite drink.
It’s Actually a Fruit
Let’s start with a relatively known fact. Though we know them as coffee beans, coffee is actually a fruit. The ‘beans’ we grind are found in the center of a berry, which is actually a cherry-like fruit of the coffee plant. The fruits are usually red or purple and are quite small. That little fact makes us appreciate the complex flavors in our coffee even more.
Coffee Wasn’t Always a Drink
This one came as a complete shock. According to historians, coffee was quite the delicacy among East African tribes before the rest of the world discovered it could be turned into the famous caffeinated beverage it is today. In those days, people would grind the berries together, then add some animal fat and roll everything into small treats that were consumed for energy!
Decaf Actually Has a Bit of Caffeine
Ever had a cup of decaf in the evening and found yourself wide-eyed at midnight? Here’s why! Decaf actually means reduced caffeine, not caffeine-free. The first decaf coffee was created in the early 1900s after a shipment of beans soaked in seawater by accident, leading to the discovery of decaffeination. This process removes about 97% of caffeine from the beans, meaning a small percentage still remains.
Brazil Grows the Most Coffee in the World
When it comes to coffee production, Brazil reigns supreme, supplying nearly a third of the world’s coffee. The country’s ideal climate, with its warm temperatures, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil, makes it perfect for cultivating coffee beans. Regions like Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Espírito Santo are hubs of sprawling coffee plantations. From that morning espresso you adore to your iced latte, there’s a good chance your favorite beans were grown under the Brazilian sun.
Finland Is the World’s Coffee Capital
Surprisingly, Finland holds the title of the world’s coffee capital not for growing it, but for consuming it. Finns drink more coffee per capita than any other nation, averaging 26 pounds per person per year. Coffee isn’t just a beverage in Finland; it’s a cultural ritual woven into everyday life. From “kahvitauko” (coffee breaks) at work to social gatherings, there’s always coffee brewing somewhere.
Coffee Was Once Banned
Believe it or not, coffee hasn’t always been universally loved. It was even banned in some parts of the world! In the 16th century, leaders in the Ottoman Empire outlawed coffee, fearing it encouraged rebellious behavior in public coffeehouses. Similarly, Sweden declared coffee illegal in the 18th century, along with coffee-related items like cups and saucers. It was even labeled the “devil’s drink” by the clergy in some parts of Europe. Thankfully, coffee’s irresistible charm won in the end.
Beethoven Was a Bit Cuckoo About Coffee
Ludwig van Beethoven was as particular about his coffee as he was about his music. The legendary composer insisted on using exactly 60 coffee beans per cup. According to historians, he meticulously counted them each time! It’s said his morning routine revolved around brewing this perfectly measured beverage. Perhaps it was the caffeine that fueled his creative genius, giving us masterpieces like Symphony No. 9.
Coffee Helped Brazil Attend the 1932 Olympics
In 1932, Brazil’s economy was struggling, and the country faced a dilemma about how to fund its athletes’ journey to the Olympics in Los Angeles. The solution? Coffee. As the world’s largest coffee producer, Brazil loaded a ship with coffee beans and sold them along the way to cover travel expenses. While the athletes didn’t bring home medals, the creative use of coffee as currency showcased its importance to Brazil’s identity and economy during hardship.
The World’s Most Expensive Coffee Comes From Animal Poop
Yes, you read that right. One of the priciest coffees in the world, kopi luwak, is made using beans digested and excreted by civet cats. Found primarily in Indonesia, the beans undergo a unique fermentation process inside the animal’s digestive system, enhancing their flavor. The result is a smooth, less acidic brew that enthusiasts pay hundreds of dollars per pound for. While controversial due to animal welfare concerns, kopi luwak remains a luxury curiosity in the coffee world.
The World’s Largest Coffee Cup Was Over 26,000 Liters
In December 2022, Tonic World Center S.A. de C.V. in Guanajuato, Mexico, set a new Guinness World Record by brewing a colossal cup of coffee containing 26,939.22 liters (7,116.59 US gallons). This massive brew required 300 kilograms (661 pounds) of coffee and was held in a cup measuring 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) in diameter and 3.05 meters (10 feet) in height. Impressive doesn’t even begin to describe it. Our only question is, who ended up drinking it?
Nescafé Made the World’s First Instant Coffee
Nescafé revolutionized coffee drinking when it introduced the world’s first commercially successful instant coffee in 1938. Created in Switzerland by Nestlé, this innovation came in response to Brazil’s surplus coffee beans during the Great Depression. By developing a method to preserve coffee’s flavor and aroma in a quick-to-make powder, Nescafé changed the way the world enjoyed its favorite drink. From wartime rations to modern kitchens, instant coffee remains a staple for its convenience and rich taste.
Coffee Is Essential to Soda Production
Coffee plays a surprising role in the soda industry. Many popular soft drinks, like Coca-Cola and Pepsi, rely on caffeine to provide that familiar energy boost, and much of it comes from coffee beans. The caffeine extracted during the decaffeination process of coffee is often repurposed for use in sodas and energy drinks. This unique connection ensures that coffee isn’t just your morning go-to but also an essential ingredient in beverages millions enjoy worldwide.
There Are Four Types of Coffee Beans
All the coffee we enjoy comes from four primary types of beans: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Arabica is the most popular, prized for its smooth and complex flavor, while Robusta is known for its strong, bitter taste and higher caffeine content. Liberica offers a unique, fruity aroma, and Excelsa, often grouped with Liberica, adds depth and tartness to blends. Each bean type contributes distinct flavors, ensuring a diverse and rich coffee experience for enthusiasts around the globe.
It Would Take About 70 Cups of Coffee to Kill a Man
While coffee is a beloved pick-me-up, too much of it can be dangerous and even lethal. Caffeine toxicity, which can cause symptoms like rapid heartbeat, seizures, or death, typically occurs when a person consumes about 10 grams of caffeine. With an average cup containing 95 milligrams of caffeine, it would take around 70 cups consumed in a short period to reach this level. Thankfully, such extreme intake is highly unlikely. Still, this is a reminder that moderation is key!
CIA Headquarters Has a Starbucks
Even the CIA needs its caffeine fix, and for that, there’s a Starbucks located within the agency’s Langley, Virginia, headquarters. Dubbed “Stealthy Starbucks,” this branch operates under heightened security measures. Baristas undergo extensive background checks and are escorted on and off the premises. Unlike typical locations, this Starbucks doesn’t ask for customer names to protect identities. Receipts label it as “Store Number 1,” and loyalty cards aren’t used to prevent data tracking. Despite these unique protocols, it serves the standard Starbucks menu, providing a familiar comfort in an otherwise secretive environment.
