Believe it or not, coffee was first discovered by a goat! More specifically, it was a young goat herder named Kaldi in the 9th century who made the discovery. He noticed his goats acting unusually energetic after eating the cherries from a coffee tree. Curious, Kaldi tried the cherries himself and experienced a similar burst of energy. This story doesn’t appear in written records until the 16th century, but it’s a fascinating tale that feels very likely.
It’s Not Just Starbucks
In today's coffee culture, Starbucks is often synonymous with the word "coffee." The brand has become so iconic that it’s practically a coffee cliché in some circles. However, some of the best coffee I've ever had came from small, independent roasters you’ve probably never heard of. So next time you’re in a new area, try searching for "coffee" on your smartphone instead of heading straight for a Starbucks.
Light Roast Has More Caffeine Than Dark Roast
Contrary to popular belief, light roast coffee actually contains more caffeine than dark roast. The reason for this is simple: the longer coffee beans are roasted, the more caffeine is lost during the process. Think of it like cooking with alcohol—some of the original elements evaporate with the heat. So, light roast may give you a bigger caffeine boost than its darker counterpart.
Espresso Is Not a Type of Bean
Many people mistakenly think "espresso" refers to a specific kind of coffee bean, but it’s actually a brewing method. Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee at high pressure. The confusion likely comes from products like "chocolate espresso beans" and "espresso blends," which can make it seem like espresso is a type of bean, but in reality, it’s just a type of preparation.
Coffee Comes from a Cherry
Coffee doesn’t just come from a tree—it grows from a bush that produces cherry-like fruit. The coffee bean is actually the seed inside these cherries. If coffee weren’t such a prized commodity, we might see these coffee cherries on store shelves. The taste of a fresh coffee cherry is often described as a deliciously tart fruit, with notes of honey, sweetness, and even hints of peach and watermelon.
Coffee Was Once Illegal
Believe it or not, coffee has been banned three times in history by different cultures. The first ban occurred in 16th-century Mecca, where the prohibition lasted for 30 years before being overturned. The second ban was in Europe, when King Charles II attempted to shut down coffeehouses in the 17th century in a bid to quell political unrest. It didn’t work—coffee was too popular. The third ban happened in 1677 under Frederick the Great of Prussia, who prohibited coffee in Germany because of concerns about its economic impact. Many religious groups have also prohibited coffee consumption at various times, and some continue to do so today.
Over 50 Species of Coffee
There are more than 50 species of coffee worldwide, but only two—Arabica and Robusta—are commonly grown for commercial production. If you’re a coffee enthusiast, it’s worth exploring the different varieties and species available, as they offer unique flavor profiles and experiences.
500 Billion Cups of Coffee Per Year
Each year, more than 500 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide. The majority of those cups are enjoyed at breakfast, making coffee a daily ritual for millions of people.
Coffee Can Fuel Cars
It may sound unusual, but coffee can actually be used to fuel vehicles. While the technology isn’t yet efficient enough for widespread use, it’s exciting to know that coffee could one day fuel more than just our bodies. There have even been experimental coffee-powered cars that demonstrate this possibility.
Second Most Traded Commodity
Coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world, coming in just behind oil. And now that we know it can also be used as fuel, it's possible that coffee could one day take the top spot in global trade.