14 Interesting Facts About Your Morning Coffee
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For millions of people around the world, coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a cherished morning ritual that kickstarts the day with its invigorating aroma and energizing effects. Despite its popularity, there’s a lot more to this beloved beverage than meets the eye. From its rich history to its surprising health benefits, coffee has a fascinating story that goes beyond simply being your morning pick-me-up.
Here are 14 interesting facts about your morning coffee that will give you a deeper appreciation for every cup.
Coffee Is Actually A Fruit
Many people are surprised to learn that coffee beans are not actually beans at all. Coffee comes from the pit of a cherry-like berry that grows on bushes. These coffee cherries are typically red when ripe, though some varieties may be yellow or orange. The “bean” we roast is actually the seed found inside this fruit, which is why coffee is botanically classified as a fruit.
It Takes About 37 Gallons Of Water To Grow One Cup Of Coffee
Coffee production has a significant water footprint. From growing the coffee plants to processing the beans, it takes approximately 37 gallons of water to produce just one cup of coffee. This fact highlights the importance of sustainable coffee farming practices and water conservation in coffee-producing regions. It also underscores the global impact of our daily coffee consumption on water resources.
Coffee Was Originally Chewed, Not Drunk
Before coffee became a popular beverage, its energizing effects were enjoyed by chewing the berries directly from the plant. Ancient African tribes mixed coffee berries with animal fat, rolling them into edible energy balls. This practice is believed to have been used during long hunting expeditions or warfare. It wasn’t until much later that people began brewing coffee as a drink, likely first in Yemen in the 15th century.
Decaf Doesn’t Mean Caffeine-Free
Contrary to popular belief, decaffeinated coffee is not entirely free of caffeine. The decaffeination process typically removes about 97% of the caffeine, but a small amount remains. An average cup of decaf coffee still contains about 2 to 12 milligrams of caffeine, compared to the 95 to 200 milligrams in regular coffee. For most people, this small amount doesn’t have noticeable effects, but it’s important to know for those with strict caffeine restrictions.
The World’s Most Expensive Coffee Comes From Animal Poop
Kopi Luwak, also known as civet coffee, is the world’s most expensive coffee, often selling for hundreds of dollars per pound. This coffee is made from beans that have been eaten and partially digested by the Asian palm civet, a small mammal native to Southeast Asia. The civet’s digestive enzymes are believed to change the flavor of the coffee beans, resulting in a smooth, less acidic brew. However, this practice has raised ethical concerns about animal welfare in recent years.
Coffee Can Boost Your Physical Performance
Drinking coffee before exercise can significantly improve your physical performance. Caffeine increases adrenaline levels in your blood, which helps prepare your body for physical exertion. It also stimulates the breakdown of body fat, making fatty acids available as fuel. Studies have shown that caffeine can improve physical performance by 11-12% on average. Many athletes use coffee as a natural and legal performance enhancer.
Coffee Was Once Considered A Sinful Indulgence
In the 16th century, coffee was considered a sinful indulgence by some religious groups. In 1511, it was banned in Mecca for its stimulating effects. Some believed it to be intoxicating and thus prohibited by Islamic law. In 1615, the controversy even reached the Vatican, where some urged Pope Clement VIII to ban the “Muslim drink.” However, upon tasting it, the Pope allegedly declared, “This devil’s drink is so delicious… we should cheat the devil by baptizing it!”
The First Webcam Was Invented For Coffee
The world’s first webcam was created at the University of Cambridge to monitor a coffee pot. In 1991, computer scientists in the university’s computer laboratory set up a camera to watch the coffee pot in the Trojan Room. This allowed them to see if there was coffee available without making a wasted trip to the coffee pot. The camera operated until 2001, demonstrating how coffee has inadvertently contributed to technological advancements.
Coffee Can Help Prevent Cavities
While many believe coffee stains teeth, it may actually help prevent cavities. Coffee contains compounds that kill bacteria responsible for tooth decay. A 2009 study found that drinking coffee without additives was associated with a lower risk of dental cavities. However, this benefit can be negated by adding sugar or other sweeteners to your coffee, which do promote tooth decay.
The Boston Tea Party Made Coffee The “National Drink”
The Boston Tea Party of 1773 was a significant moment in American history, and it had an unexpected effect on coffee consumption. When the American colonists revolted against British taxation by dumping tea into the Boston Harbor, many patriots switched to drinking coffee as a sign of their rejection of British rule. This shift helped establish coffee as America’s preferred hot beverage, a trend that continues to this day.
Coffee Can Potentially Lower The Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes
Several studies have suggested that regular coffee consumption may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A large review of studies found that each cup of coffee consumed in a day was associated with a 7% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This effect is believed to be due to coffee’s high antioxidant content and its ability to affect insulin sensitivity.
The Word “Coffee” Has Arabic Roots
The word “coffee” entered the English language in 1582 via the Dutch “koffie.” This word evolved from the Ottoman Turkish “kahve,” which in turn came from the Arabic “qahwah.” Interestingly, “qahwah” originally referred to a type of wine, and its application to coffee may be due to the drink’s stimulating effects, similar to those of wine.
Coffee Is The Second Most Traded Commodity In The World
After crude oil, coffee is the most traded commodity in the world. It’s estimated that 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed globally every day. The coffee industry employs more than 125 million people worldwide, making it a crucial part of many national economies, especially in developing countries. This fact underscores the immense global impact of our daily coffee consumption.
The Largest Cup Of Coffee Ever Filled A 9-Foot Tall Cup
In June 2012, Caffé Bene in South Korea set a Guinness World Record for the largest cup of coffee. The cup measured 9.9 feet tall and 7.3 feet in diameter, holding 3,758 gallons of coffee. The brew used 100,000 coffee beans and took a team working in shifts over three hours to prepare. This feat demonstrates the fun and sometimes extreme passion people have for coffee around the world.
