50 interesting facts about coffee

Coffee is a drink that is popular all over the world. Many countries have their own traditions associated with it. The drink began to be consumed more than 700 years ago. Since that time, attitudes towards it have changed several times, as have the methods of its preparation. Interesting facts about coffee will be useful not only to fans of this drink, but will also surprise those who are neutral about it.

The birthplace of coffee is ancient Ethiopia.

Ethiopia is one of the main coffee producers in the world and on the African continent.
Coffee trees are far from uncommon in different countries, but they appeared there not so long ago. The plants that produce the bitter, aromatic Arabica beans originate in ancient Ethiopia. It was here that the trees from which all the varieties originated were first discovered.

It will come as a surprise to Robusta lovers that their favorite drink comes from Africa. The Congolese coffee tree is native to the grassy banks of the Congo River.

Interestingly, the coffee drink was first prepared not in Africa, but in ancient Arabia. Africans simply used bitter grains as a spice in cooking.

Most are grown in Brazil (about 3 million tons per year), Vietnam (about 1.8 million tons), Colombia (800 thousand tons). Where coffee beans are planted in special nurseries, providing sufficient lighting and climatic conditions. After six months, seedlings are sent to pre-fertilized fields. The first fruiting begins after two years. Coffee beans are collected by hand, with the participation of seasonal workers.

Coffee is a great stimulant, but only for the lazy

The main active ingredient of your favorite drink can affect people’s brains in different ways. The effect directly depends on the functioning of adenosine receptors. There are four types of molecules that trap caffeine:

two of them stimulate and invigorate, working like the gas pedal in a car;
the other two slow down the brain, like the brake pedal in a car.

In most people, “inhibitory” receptors dominate over those that speed up brain activity. By drinking a drink and getting a dose of caffeine, the brain's "brake" is blocked, causing a feeling of alertness.

A minority of the inhabitants of our planet have the opposite ratio of adenosine receptors. They initially have more “gas” receptors than inhibitory ones. Caffeine entering the body blocks the predominant number of forcing receptors. As a result, brain function slows down, and the person experiences relaxation.

As for instant coffee, recent research by doctors shows unexpected results. In their opinion, instant coffee can have the opposite effect, calming and relaxing.

The reason lies in the fact that when processing fruits used in the production of instant coffee, the peel is removed, which is the source of the main dose of caffeine.

The valuable substance, peeled together with the peel, is used for the production of energy drinks and a number of pharmaceuticals. Coffee lovers get the core of the beans, which contains a high concentration of theobromine, a substance that has a relaxing effect.

The first coffee shop in history opened in 1500

The first information about the coffee drink dates back to the 1000s AD.
The discoverers of invigorating nectar were the Arabs; it was they who brought grains from Africa and began to grow them on the Arabian Peninsula. The drink bore little resemblance to everyone’s usual coffee – cinnamon and crushed ginger coffee were added to the aromatic liquid. From the Arabian Peninsula, the coffee tree came to the Ottoman Empire. It was not until the 16th century that traders began transporting grains by sea to Europe.

It is said that the first coffee shop was opened in 1554 in the Tahtakale region by Halepli Hakem and Surieli Shems

The first coffee shop was opened in Turkey around 1500. Coffee appeared in England much later - around 1600. For a long time, only men were allowed to drink the invigorating liquid.

Bitter beans arrived in France in the 1700s; in Russia, the appearance of coffee occurred under Tsar Peter the Great. According to historians, the drink did not gain much popularity in the country. Tsar Peter had to open special coffee shops and almost force people to drink “bitter drink,” which is what his subjects called the aromatic liquid.

Historical excursion

There are several hypotheses about how people first realized the existence of coffee and its beneficial properties.

Here are two stories that happened in Ethiopia so long ago that it is impossible to verify their authenticity today. Here, believe it or not, believe it or not.

One of the stories is about a shepherd named Koldi. He discovered that goats happily pluck berries from trees, and after eating them, they then stay awake all night.

The shepherd was an inquisitive man and decided to experiment - he tried these berries himself and also could not sleep until the morning. Thus, the main secret of coffee was revealed, which the shepherd shared with his fellow villagers.

The second story is related to forest fires that raged near the Ethiopian city of Kaffa.

One of them destroyed almost all the trees, leaving behind charred trunks and branches with fried grains.

Surprisingly, instead of the disgusting smell of burning and soot that accompanies fires, the residents of a nearby village this time felt a pleasant aroma.

Having gone to look at the consequences of the disaster, they discovered its source: the berries on coffee trees, which had previously been considered absolutely useless, smelled so magical. It is not surprising that they found use almost immediately.

And here are the events (no longer legends!) that took place around coffee in subsequent history:

In England, by royal decree of 1675, the so-called “coffee houses” were closed, since the citizens who gathered there over a mug of coffee were planning to protest against the legitimate government.
The first coffee shop in Paris was opened in 1689 by a lemonade seller named François Procope. He hoped to attract local bohemians as visitors (the coffee shop was located opposite the theater). And so it happened: the nice establishment was chosen by actors, musicians, and artists.
In Russia, coffee first appeared as a medicine. Alexei Mikhailovich, the second tsar of the Romanov dynasty, father of Peter I, used this drink for a runny nose, loss of strength, and headaches.
Among the visitors to the Venetian cafes “Florian” and “Guardi”, opened in 1615 and 1720, were such famous personalities as Goethe, Liszt, and Byron.
The reason for popular unrest in Prussia in 1785 was the ban on the consumption of coffee by ordinary people.
In many European countries, coffee was considered a drink for Muslims, which Christians should not drink.

The situation was successfully resolved with the help of Pope Clement VIII: he liked this drink so much that he blessed its use.

Coffee once saved two twin brothers from death row. The Swedish king Gustav III allowed the execution of the sentence to be delayed for the sake of a scientific experiment: one of the brothers was given coffee and the other tea to determine which drink was more harmful. As a result, the test subjects outlived both Gustav III himself and the doctors - one of the brothers died of natural causes at 83, and the second even later. The end to the scientific dispute was never reached.
A custom, funny from a modern point of view, existed in Turkey - the groom swore an oath that he would provide his wife with coffee for the rest of her life, otherwise the marriage would end in divorce.
In England, women turned to the authorities with a demand to ban coffee (the petition read “sickening water”), since this drink, or rather spending time in coffee establishments, distracted their spouses from the family hearth.
The first chess tournaments in a number of countries began to be held in coffee establishments.
In 1790, the first advertisement for coffee appeared in one of the American newspapers, paid for by coffee powder manufacturers.

Here are some interesting facts from modern history:

coffee ranks second (after oil) in global sales;
In Italy, the price of espresso is controlled by the government, giving this product important national significance.

The name of coffee was given by the Arabs

The origin of the ancient name “coffee” entered the English language in 1598 from the Dutch word “koffie”.
Historians do not have a single opinion on where the name coffee came from. There are several versions, the most popular and quite plausible is associated with the nomadic Arabs. “Kava” translated from Arabic means “invigorating”, “giving strength”. It was this drink that nomads used to invigorate themselves during long marches. The name was preserved, but in Western European countries the drink began to be called “cafe” or “cafe”.

Another version is associated with the province of Kafa. It was here that trees were first grown for industrial purposes and named after their country. The name has been preserved, but has been slightly transformed.

Traditions of use

Coffee was not always consumed the way we do today. Arab warriors, for example, took on a campaign a kind of “energy” cake, which included coffee beans.

But even after becoming a drink, coffee has not lost its national flavor.

Bedouins brew coffee with cardamom and ginger, it turns yellow in color. The French were the first to add milk to coffee.

In Ecuador, the drink is brewed very strong and sugar is added. Placed in the refrigerator, it thickens; before use, it is diluted with boiling water.

Belgians prefer to enjoy coffee while snacking on chocolate. In Morocco, coffee is seasoned with pepper, and in Ireland they add whiskey (read more about Irish coffee here).

The Vietnamese prefer the drink chilled, almost ice-cold, and very strong.

There are four main types of coffee, not two.

Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa: four types of coffee that grow on the globe
There are four varieties of coffee trees in the world. The most common is Arabica (Arabic coffee). It occupies about 70% of the world market and is considered a leader. It has a rich coarse aroma, a pleasant strong taste with bitterness. Often used to prepare coffee blends or instant granules.

Robusta is another variety of coffee trees, significantly inferior in production to Arabica. It has a sour aroma, refined taste, and slight sweetness. Used in pure form or in mixtures with Arabica.

The most popular Arabica coffee has a rich, bright aroma and a pleasant, strong taste with a hint of bitterness.

Two more types of varieties, less known, are Excelsa and Liberica. They have much in common with Robusta, but are significantly inferior in taste. They are used to give the drink strength and lasting aroma.

Healing tea is prepared from coffee leaves

The leaves of the coffee tree can compete with everyone's favorite beans.

Tea made from coffee leaves is not as strong. But it lacks the characteristic bitterness and has a richer taste.

The main advantage of coffee tea is the presence of compounds in its composition that reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. In addition, they contain a high concentration of polyphenols - powerful antioxidants that protect cells from the effects of free radicals, thereby inhibiting the aging process.

The first coffee was prepared at about 10 o'clock

Ancient peoples infused coffee for 5-8 hours.
In ancient times, coffee was prepared according to a simple recipe, which was used only for medicinal purposes. Whole unrefined grains, previously dried under the hot rays of the sun, were poured with water, sent to an open fire, boiled or simmered for half an hour. Be sure to insist for 5-8 hours.

Spices were added to the coffee (cardamom, ginger, cinnamon powder). The prepared infusion resembled ordinary green tea in tone and did not have much strength.

Drying and roasting of coffee beans began only in the 7th century

A few decades later, they came up with the idea of cleaning the grains, frying them over an open fire and pre-grinding them. The principle of creating the drink did not change - the coffee mass was poured with water, boiled and infused. The only difference is that the liquid was more aromatic and strong, and acquired a dark tint.

They drank coffee hot or cold and added sweet ingredients (sugar, honey). The poor segments of the population did without sweets, drinking only bitter liquid, often from poorly refined grains.

Where did coffee come from?

There is a legend that goats were the discoverers of coffee. An Ethiopian shepherd who lived in the 9th century noticed that after eating unknown dark red berries, his four-legged charges became extremely energetic and playful. The puzzled peasant took the fruits to the monks, who prepared an invigorating decoction, which today ranks second in the ranking of the most popular goods in the world.

Until the middle of the 16th century, savoring the wonderful nectar was the prerogative of the inhabitants of the East. Europe learned about coffee in 1615, when Venetian merchants first brought brown beans to Italy. The attitude towards the unprecedented bitter liquid was ambiguous. The priests called it a Muslim potion, blackening the blood of Christians. Pope Clement VIII defended coffee, saying: “This drink is so delicious that it would be a pity to leave it to unbelievers.”

Among the amazing facts about coffee, there are prohibitions on its consumption. Thus, in 1623, the Ottoman Sultan Murad IV introduced severe penalties for drinking the drink. And 154 years later, the ruler of Prussia, Frederick the Great, issued a manifesto on the superiority of beer over the brown elixir. According to the decree, the inhabitants of the kingdom must start the morning with a good mug of foam.

The structure of the coffee berry includes four layers

Usually there are two grains in a coffee berry, but sometimes during pollination only one develops.
A coffee berry, regardless of the type of tree, consists of four layers in structure. The upper part is a silvery thin skin covering the grain. During frying, the film turns into a fragile husk, which easily lags behind the walls of the main part.

The parchment shell is the next layer of the berry, quite hard and dense. The purpose of the patch is to protect the interior from damage and temperature changes. Peeling of the parchment shell is usually carried out before transporting the grains to protect the goods from loss or damage.

Another layer of the berry is gluten, which has a high percentage of sugar content. The adhesive shell is often confused with the core. Gluten is not removed when grains are cleaned - the sweetness or bitterness of the drink depends on the quantity. The core of the berry is the pulp. It is this part that is used in making traditional coffee.

Coffee is a real cornucopia of nutrients. The berries contain:

vitamins (B1, B6, PP);
caffeine;
tannins;
carbohydrates;
minerals (potassium, iron, zinc, calcium);
proteins.

It is believed that the higher the coffee tree grows, the more aromatic the drink is obtained from its beans. The
beans also contain a high percentage of acids, which, when heat treated, provide the drink with a persistent strong aroma.

A cup of coffee is a great way to manipulate

Caffeine is an amazing substance that can have a special effect on the brain. It increases the ability to perceive the logic of your interlocutor, thereby helping you agree with a statement different from yours.

This is confirmed by a repeated experiment, in which more than a hundred people participated each time. All of them initially expressed their opinion regarding a certain problem.

After this, the organizers divided the respondents into 2 groups: the first was treated to coffee, the second was not. At the same time, the organizers persuaded everyone to change their point of view, citing weighty counterarguments. As a result: people who had not tried coffee remained unconvinced, but those who managed to pamper themselves with the aromatic drink did not stand their ground for long.

Hence the conclusion: if you give a coffee connoisseur his favorite drink, then it will be easier to manipulate him. But it is worth considering that the more your opponent is distracted by things not related to the subject of the conversation, the lower the likelihood of finally convincing him.

The traditional cooking method was invented by the Arabs

First, high-quality green grains were fried until brown.
Many recipes for preparing an aromatic drink have been preserved by the Arabs. The process of brewing coffee turned into a real action, which is why it took at least an hour. Only high-quality grains were used, always green.

Clay cups were filled one third with green grains and covered with hot coal from fruit trees. The next step is frying until brown. Each grain was taken out and carefully examined - if burnt or undercooked areas were found, the raw material was thrown away.

After brewing in a Turk, the coffee was poured into small cups and immediately served to the table.

The roasted grains were ground using wooden mortars into a fine powder resembling dust. The required amount of coffee was poured into the Turk with cold water and placed on low heat - the drink should not boil, but simmer slightly. The prepared aromatic liquid was poured into a large clay container, infused a little, poured into small cups, and immediately served to the table.

Unusual uses

A person is always not enough of the hints that nature gives him; he begins to figure out how else to manage her gifts.

In Uganda, green coffee beans are used to make unique talismans by mixing the beans with herbs and spices. Bags with the “magic set” are hung throughout the house.

In the small British town of Banbury, a power plant operates on coffee grounds, and in addition, it is used for guessing, as is, however, customary in many countries around the world.

Greek young ladies have used coffee to implement a rather funny way to “send off” an unwanted suitor - they treat him to coffee without foam. The girl offers the one who is attractive a cup with an appetizing thick “cap”.

In Japan, they came up with baths (or rather, swimming pools) with coffee - they give the bather strength and health.

Cosmetologists around the world prepare scrubs, masks, and self-tanning products from coffee beans. Coffee is used as a dye for fabrics, and it helps restore the shine of leather products.

Coffee grounds are used as fertilizer for indoor plants.

Looking for unusual cinnamon coffee recipes? Be sure to check out our page!
If you are interested in how smoked Lapsang Souchong tea came about, what its beneficial properties are, and how to brew and drink it correctly, read this publication.

The first interesting legend associated with coffee

The properties of coffee were first discovered by the Ethiopian shepherd Kaldi, who noticed that his goats became energetic after eating berries from an unfamiliar tree.
There are many legends associated with the coffee drink. One of the most interesting is related to the discovery of coffee. According to legend, we have goats to thank for the invigorating drink; it was they who helped discover the properties of berries from coffee trees. One day, a shepherd grazing animals in a coffee grove noticed that the goats were happily chewing the leaves and red fruits of the tree.

At night, the shepherd was in for a surprise - the goats didn’t even think about going to bed, they moved briskly and showed no signs of fatigue. The frightened man shared his observations with the abbot of the monastery, located not far from the pasture.

The monastery decided to take advantage of the discovered qualities of coffee - an infusion prepared from the berries was given to the monks, who had to stand nights in prayer. Only many years later did the clergy learn to roast the grains, grind them and prepare invigorating nectar.

Fun facts about coffee

There is a well-known legend about the eastern doctor Omar Sheikh, who, while walking, saw a fragrant tree with unusual fruits. He picked the fruits and began to brew them, taking them as a medicine. After some time, the healer noticed that his health had improved significantly, vigor and efficiency appeared. He began to heal hopeless patients with his method, and revealed the recipe for the medicine to his son only on his deathbed.

The drink “cappuccino” owes its name to the Capuchin monks, whose dark clothes resemble the color of the drink, and whose gray hair resembles the foam of whipped cream.

In ancient times, Turkish grooms promised to provide girls with coffee for life upon engagement. Due to failure to fulfill the oath, the spouse had the right to file for divorce.

Frozen passengers at the airport were offered coffee with whiskey to warm them up. This is how the well-known Irish coffee appeared.

An interesting story happened in our time. Coffee was recently put on trial. In 2003, Naples pharmacists accused it of negative health effects: increased blood pressure, heart disease and nervous system disorders. After the trial, the drink was completely acquitted, and all charges were refuted by his lawyers.

On the plantations, each worker collects up to 700 kg of grains per day

Coffee beans are collected only by hand.
It is often mistakenly believed that coffee berries grow on bushes. Valuable plant materials used to prepare an invigorating liquid are collected from trees. Plants can grow up to ten meters and develop a gorgeous, huge crown. It is difficult to collect berries from large trees; special equipment is required, so already 3-4 years after planting the seedlings, pruning begins. The optimal plant height is 3-4 meters.

Collection is carried out only by hand. The beans are sent into large wicker baskets that can hold about 100 kg of raw materials. One worker can collect up to 7 such baskets per day. The payment for the work is quite high - 8-10 dollars for one braid.

You can harvest up to 1.5 thousand berries per year from one mature coffee tree.

The age of coffee trees is up to 70 years. The largest number of fruits are harvested in the first ten years after the start of fruiting. Every year the plants produce fewer and fewer grains, so it is not advisable to keep the trees for a long time - 20-25 years after planting they are uprooted, the soil is fertilized and young seedlings are planted.

2. It is drunk in dozens of different countries, morning and evening, at lunch and at breakfast. And how many of its varieties have been bred at present is impossible to count!

3. The usual drink from roasted grains crushed into powder began to be prepared only in the 13th century. At the same time, they began to add cinnamon, vanilla and milk to coffee.

4. Don't forget that you shouldn't drink too much coffee - it can be harmful to your health.

5. Coffee was discovered around 850 AD, but its real popularity came only a few centuries later.

6. The most common type of coffee is Arabica (69% of world production), followed closely by Robusta (29%), and the remaining varieties account for only 2% of world coffee production.

7. In Italy, coffee was first discovered in 1615, and in 1720 in the city of Venice, on St. Mark’s Square, the world-famous Florian cafe opened, which was visited by Goethe, Casanova and Rubinstein, and the Guardi cafe, which was visited by Liszt and Byron.

8. In Uganda, green coffee beans are usually mixed with spices and sweet grass, dried and hung in bags around the house as decoration and a talisman.

9. Coffee does not contribute to dehydration. Caffeine has long been blamed for its diuretic properties, but this is actually not true. As long as you don't drink coffee in large quantities (more than 500 to 600 milligrams per day, or two cups), there won't be any negative effects.

10. The first coffee shop in Paris opened in 1689 and was called Procope. Its owner was lemonade merchant Francois Procope. It was located opposite the theater, and its main visitors were representatives of bohemia - artists and painters.

11. The main coffee producer on Earth is Brazil. It is interesting that workers of Brazilian plantations collect not only ripe berries, but all fruits without exception. Sometimes they use a pneumatic device to shake the branches of the coffee trees so that the berries fall to the ground.

12. Italians drink coffee with sugar, Mexicans - with cinnamon, Germans and Swiss - with hot chocolate, Belgians - with chocolate. Ethiopians add salt to their coffee, and Moroccans add pepper.

13. In the Middle East, cardamom or other spices are often added to coffee. Austrians drink coffee with whipped cream. Egyptians prefer “pure” strong coffee, adding sugar, milk, cream, and cardamom if desired.

14. Coffee contains important nutrients needed for survival. One cup of coffee contains 11% of the daily recommended intake of riboflavin (vitamin B2), 6% pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), 3% manganese and potassium, and 2% niacin and magnesium.

15. In Russia, coffee has long been considered more of a medicine than a tasty drink - it was used to treat migraines and a number of other diseases.

16. The height of the coffee tree is a little more than 9 meters. But since it is more convenient to collect fruits from lower trees, now the height of coffee trees rarely exceeds 3 meters.

17. The coffee genus consists of approximately 90 plant species, but only two of them are used on an industrial scale.

18. In those countries where coffee grows, it is still collected by hand. An experienced picker can harvest up to 7 baskets of beans per day, each weighing up to 100 kilograms. Payment for this work ranges from $2 to $10 per basket. After the beans are dried and roasted, the price of the basket increases to $110.

19. Instant coffee was invented in 1906 by a Belgian named George Washington.

20. Coffee lovers visit the dentist much less often. The elements contained in this drink prevent bacteria from settling on tooth enamel.

21. Espresso does not have as much caffeine as drip coffee. Espresso is prepared quickly by passing water under high pressure through the ground beans. Since this reduces the contact between water and coffee, there will be less caffeine in the Espresso cup.

22. If you drink 4 cups of coffee a day every day, this can minimize the risk of gallstones and cirrhosis of the liver. Moreover, coffee drinkers have a 60% reduced chance of developing Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease.

23. In 1675, the British monarch Charles II closed all the "coffee houses" in England because he believed that citizens opposed to him were gathering there. The king's example was repeatedly followed by other world monarchs.

24. Caffeine is a substance banned by the International Olympic Committee. If, during testing, more than 12 micrograms of caffeine per liter is detected in an athlete’s urine, he will be removed from the competition.

25. Studies have shown that diuresis does not change significantly when a person drinks caffeinated drinks. So as long as you enjoy coffee in moderation, there is little cause for concern.

26. Coffee was discovered thanks to Ethiopian goats. According to legend, Ethiopian shepherds were the first to drink coffee after seeing how goats behaved and chewed the berries of this plant with pleasure.

27. Caffeine begins to act very quickly. It only takes about 10 minutes from the first sip until the caffeine begins to take effect.

28. The first coffee shop in Vienna was opened by the Pole Kolzycki. He was a real coffee fan and managed to save more than one bag of coffee beans when the Turks leaving the city set it on fire. It was thanks to the Turks that the Austrians already in 1683 learned how to truly cheer up.

29. Caffeine enhances the effect of aspirin and paracetamol. After a cup of coffee, acidity increases, and the stomach accepts and dissolves painkillers more readily.

30. Coffee consumption is greatest in Finland, where adults consume an average of five cups of coffee per day.

31. Caffeine improves performance in sports. Caffeine increases your adrenaline levels and releases fatty acids from fat tissue, leading to better results in those who drink coffee before exercise.

32. A coffee tree grows and bears fruit for about 60-70 years, and up to one and a half thousand berries can be collected from one tree per year.

33. 70% of coffee lovers drink Arabica, which has a pleasant, mild taste, and 30% drink Robusta, which has a bitter taste and contains half as much caffeine.

34. “Robusta” is a lower class variety, but it is more resistant to drought, disease, and you can harvest twice as much from it.

35. Arabica contains about 1% caffeine, Robusta – 2%. Manufacturers of instant coffee mainly mix Robusta and Arabica.

36. Coffee is good for your liver. People who drink four cups of coffee a day are 80% less likely to develop cirrhosis of the liver.

37. Coffee is a berry bean that is red, yellow or green in color.

38. A cup of black coffee without sugar has 0 calories.

39. Green (unroasted) beans can last up to a year in a cool, dry place without losing much of their flavor. After coffee beans are roasted, their properties begin to disappear after about two days.

40. Caffeine is actually crystals. The entire effect of coffee is caused by tiny 0.0016-inch caffeine crystals entering your body. So small, but that's how they work.

41. The most expensive coffee in the world is made from elephant dung, and it is called Black Ivory. It costs $50 for one cup. To get 1 kilogram of this type of coffee, you need to feed 33 kilograms of fresh coffee berries to an elephant. After they are digested, the wives of the elephant mahouts collect the dung, knead it and extract coffee from it.

42. Previously, Turkish grooms made a promise during the betrothal ceremony that their wives would certainly be provided with coffee, and failure to fulfill the vow could cause divorce.

43. One cup of coffee contains 300 antioxidants that will stay in the body for a month.

44. Coffee became an everyday drink in Russia only thanks to the efforts of Peter the Great, who forced his entourage to drink “bittersweet.”

45. Coffee will help you live longer and healthier. Coffee contains many antioxidants (it is the largest source of antioxidants in the average Westerner's diet!). This helps in the fight against so-called free radicals, which cause many serious diseases. As a result, coffee drinkers are less likely to develop diseases such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes and heart disease.

46. In Bedouin homes, coffee is usually prepared with ginger or cardamom, which results in a yellow color and a very pleasant taste. At the same time, according to tradition, it is served to the guest with the words “My home is your home.”

47. October 1 is “Coffee Day” in Japan. This country ranks third in the world in terms of coffee consumption per person.

48. Decaffeinated coffee appeared by accident - a ship with coffee beans almost sank during a storm, and its hold filled with water. The owner of the cargo was in despair, but still decided to take the grains to a specialist and make sure that they were unsuitable for sale. To his surprise, the beans were fine, only they had lost almost all of their caffeine during their stay in the water.

49. Coffee ranks second in the world ranking of the most sold goods. In the first position is oil.

50. Coffee is grown in a strictly defined area called the coffee belt of the planet. The coffee belt unites all regions that have the conditions necessary for coffee to grow. Since this plant requires a lot of sunlight and heat, all these areas are located near the equator.

photo from the Internet

Bach and Voltaire were coffee lovers

Voltaire lived to the age of 84, despite the fact that the doctor promised the philosopher an early death due to his passion for coffee.
History says that many famous personalities preferred coffee to other drinks. One of them is the French philosopher Voltaire, who believed that it was to aromatic nectar that he owed outstanding achievements. Voltaire drank up to 50 cups of the drink per day; most of the money he earned was spent on such a hobby, so the heirs were left with only minor savings.

Johann Sebastian Bach was also considered a real coffee gourmet, fond of drinking the invigorating liquid. The composer was slightly inferior in the amount of coffee consumed to the philosopher Voltaire - 15-20 cups of strong drink were enough for the great musician per day. In the 1700s, Bach created the famous Coffee Cantata, dedicated to bitter nectar. The work has humorous notes - it glorifies the necessity for the human body and some dependence on coffee.

Coffee helps with hangover

The most unpleasant thing about a hangover is the headache - severe migraines can completely poison your mood and prevent you from concentrating on work. Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to get rid of a hangover migraine even with the help of analgesics.

However, coffee is a great remedy for hangover headaches. Painful sensations are formed due to the formation of acetate in the body under the influence of ethanol. Coffee helps block the conversion of acetaldehyde to acetate and, as a result, relieve pain. Just don’t get too carried away with this method of treatment - for a person with average body weight, a cup of coffee with a volume of 100-150 ml is enough.

Coffee has its own holidays

In Costa Rica, a coffee festival is held annually on September 12, with bright, masquerade, theatrical performances.
Many countries in which coffee is a traditional drink celebrate the holiday of this invigorating aromatic nectar. In Costa Rica, the celebration occurs in September. On the 12th, colorful festivals and fairs take place; cafes and restaurants offer all kinds of drinks with the main ingredient – coffee beans. At night, a fantastic action begins - fireworks, theatrical performances, masquerades.

Ireland is another country where coffee is revered so much that they decided to make it a holiday. September 19 is the day when most of the country's residents go to the streets to enjoy a cup of aromatic nectar with friends, acquaintances, and just passers-by. Many families have a tradition of gathering around the festive table; every home has a traditional recipe for making coffee, passed down from generation to generation.

Coffee traditions of Italy

Since Italians are famous for their reverent attitude towards everything related to food, they have their own special traditions regarding coffee drinking.

It is appropriate to order cappuccino, latte and similar types of drinks only in the morning. By ordering them for dinner, you can make those present laugh until they cry.
The word “espresso” is taboo here, because it is akin to a technical term. It’s better to just say caffe, they will understand you.
In Italy, double servings are considered a sign of bad taste. People here like to drink coffee often, but in small doses.
Coffee is never paid for in advance. The only exception may be an airport or other exclusively tourist establishment.
The drink is served warm. To make it hot, this must be mentioned when ordering. And it will be very un-Italian.
Italians drink coffee while standing, because this is how, in their opinion, it is better absorbed.
Violation of any of the listed traditions, according to the residents of the country, is terrible!

The drink is not recommended for athletes

It is better for professional athletes to stop drinking coffee so as not to harm their career.
Coffee is a drink that is not welcome in sports. Doctors warn that abuse leads to health problems. Even a small amount of caffeine is undesirable if a person is involved in intense sports - the International Olympic Committee has put the substance on a par with cocaine and steroids.

Drinking about five cups of hard liquor by an Olympic athlete will result in disqualification. This amount of coffee increases the level of caffeine in the body, which is considered an attempt to increase energy and endurance, reduce sensitivity to injury, and gain an advantage in a fight or singles performance.

Coffee affects women and men differently

For many, the surprising fact will be that coffee invigorates women more than men. After a few cups of their favorite drink, most women become more energetic, while men begin to work more slowly, increasingly having doubts about the results.

Swedish scientists have found that the amount of consumption of an invigorating drink directly affects breast size. Among 300 study participants who drank 2-3 cups of coffee daily for 2 months, at the end of the experiments, most of the breasts decreased in size. For some participants this figure reached 17%.

As the project manager, oncologist Helena Ernsterm, notes, the decrease in volumes is provoked by the influence of caffeine on the production of estrogens - female sex hormones. Changing the balance leads to losses. The only plus is that with breast reduction the risk of cancer decreases.

The revered drink has an amazing effect on the male body. Studies show that with a daily enrichment of the body with caffeine in the amount of 85-170 mg, which corresponds to 2-3 cups of natural coffee, the risk of erectile dysfunction is minimized. The strengthening effect is achieved due to the fact that caffeine simultaneously relaxes smooth muscles and at the same time activates blood circulation in the vessels that provide blood flow to all organs, including the genitals.

The main thing is to know when to stop. After all, if you exceed the daily dose to 4-6 cups, the risk of sexual weakness increases.

Desserts are made from coffee berries

Coffee beans are widely used in preparing and decorating desserts.
Despite the fact that coffee is considered a drink, many people prefer to consume dry roasted beans. Some companies have turned this taste craze to their own benefit - flour is prepared from coffee residues, used for making sweets, desserts, and baking bread.

Flavorings are often added to such baked goods. Sweets with the aroma of fruits, berries and the taste of coffee are a gourmet dish, especially if served with a cup of an invigorating drink with milk or cream.

Robusta and Arabica

Robusta is the genetic parent of Arabica and is still often used in breeding to produce certain protective genes "for its child." Considering Robusta to be a second-rate raw material, manufacturers often neglect the growing conditions required for Arabica, not observing even a tenth of them. If not for this fact, its taste would be much higher. Where it is grown according to all traditional canons, the result is much higher, and you can often get rare, very unexpected and very interesting flavors in a cup.

Coffee made from feces is not for everyone

Grains fermented by the animal's digestive system to suit everyone's taste.
and not many people can afford Kopi Luwak - coffee that has undergone long-term processing, not thermal, but natural. The grains are fermented by the digestive system of an animal similar to the common house cat, the civet cat.

The animal feeds only on coffee berries, which pass through the digestive tract. The grains do not split and are not digested - the berries are collected along with the droppings, cleaned, and washed. The final stage of processing is drying.

Naturally processed coffee is quite expensive - about one and a half thousand dollars per kilogram. The drink is not for everyone - it has a specific taste, with some oiliness.

The elite and expensive variety of coffee “Black Tusk” is fermented in the stomach of an elephant

Competition Kopi Luwaku - grains that have been fermented in the stomach of an elephant. “Black Tusk” is an elite coffee variety. After elephants eat plant material, the feces are thoroughly washed, the berries are soaked for several hours and washed. The taste of the drink is reminiscent of tea - there is no specific bitterness, notes of expensive tobacco, dates, and cocoa are felt in the aroma. The cost of a sachet is 35 g. – 80-90 dollars.

Coffee made from... poop

Divine, elite, prestigious, with a large number of noble epithets and the most expensive in the world today - Luwak coffee is extracted from musang dung. This cute little animal with sad eyes is a necessary link in the chain to obtain the “drink of the gods.” And all thanks to his love for coffee beans and special enzymes, under the influence of which these beans, which naturally leave the digestive tract of the animal, acquire their delicious deep taste. The owner of the farm can only pick out the golden product from the musang excrement and sell it to coffee gourmets at an incredible price.

Benefit for health

Coffee in moderation reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer
Regardless of the variety, coffee in moderation is considered healthy, but only if there are no contraindications. The aromatic liquid reduces the risk of developing heart disease and oncology. Some substances contained in the drink improve the functioning of internal organs and systems and have rejuvenating properties.

Regular consumption of coffee (no more than three cups per day) maintains blood sugar levels and prevents the development of diabetes. The drink also has a beneficial effect on the skin and hair - it improves color, structure, and protects against external negative factors.

Coffee is safe for the heart

The common belief that excessive coffee consumption is dangerous to health is only partly true. American and Spanish scientists observed separate groups of people for 10 years, regularly conducting clinical studies and conducting surveys regarding bad habits, nutrition and physical activity.

As a result, they identified a trend: participants who drink large quantities of coffee are more likely to smoke and abuse alcohol, which cannot be said about people who drink only 1-2 cups a day. Taking these factors into account, they calculated that the risk of developing a heart attack in people who consumed both minimal daily portions of the drink and fairly large volumes was practically the same.

Based on this, the researchers concluded that the true risk factors for cardiovascular disease are not the universally revered drink, but cigarettes and alcohol.

But still, according to recent studies, the safest dose of caffeine for an adult is 400 mg. Moreover, for pregnant women this norm is 2 times lower, since caffeine increases blood pressure, which is often quite high during this period. According to Norwegian scientists, even 300 mg of caffeine per day can increase the likelihood of having a low-weight baby by almost 30%.

Help of coffee in treatment

Coffee protects muscles and promotes the restoration of heart cells even after a heart attack.
Numerous studies of berries have proven that plant materials contain elements that can improve health and promote healing! The effectiveness of the therapy prescribed by your doctor can be easily increased with several cups of drink a day.

Coffee contains substances that increase acidity in the stomach. Thanks to this quality, medications are quickly broken down and absorbed into the walls of the digestive tract, beginning to work much more efficiently. The main thing is not to self-medicate - some medications do not combine with caffeine. It is better to first consult with a specialist. Another prohibition is not to take the tablets with coffee. Consume your favorite nectar an hour and a half after taking medications.

A cup of coffee may delay your circadian sleep rhythm by 40 minutes

This was established by researchers from the Laboratory of Molecular Biology in the UK. Participants who were additionally exposed to bright light along with caffeine had their sleep rhythm delayed by 1 hour and 45 minutes. Therefore, it is advisable to drink coffee drinks at least 6 hours before bedtime. But more is possible.

National ancient currency - coffee berries

In countries where coffee is grown and produced for hundreds of years, coffee beans are considered almost an analogue of national currency.
Many ancient states used coffee fruits as money. To distinguish the different denominations of the berries, they were painted in bright colors, each of which had its own value. The paints used were natural, durable - once painted grain retained its color for many years.

Prosperity was demonstrated in an interesting way - the most expensive berries were used to make necklaces with which the richest people adorned themselves. Thieves often took advantage of this; there were even entire gangs that specialized in stealing coffee jewelry.

On guard of technical progress

According to statistics, humanity drinks 590-600 billion cups of coffee per year , and this number is constantly growing. This fact has become the reason for the development of robotics in the coffee industry, because increasing sales requires process improvements. Tokyo's Henna Cafe, where the robot Sawyer works, was one of the first to take the path of automation. The electronic barista serves up to 5 visitors at a time, spending 4 minutes preparing a portion.

The invention of another technological achievement is directly related to coffee - the webcam. The first device in history capable of capturing images in real time was installed in 1991 at the University of Cambridge coffee machine. Thanks to the device, employees could find out when the drink was ready without leaving their offices.

Coffee – amulet and talisman

Enchanted bitter seeds are reliable protection for a newborn child, they believe in Uganda.
Uganda is the country that founded one interesting belief. Residents of the country believe that coffee berries can protect against the evil eye, damage, and ill-wishers. The main thing in the amulet is to combine the components correctly. In addition to coffee, spices and sweet herbs are used. Bitter grains are mixed with other ingredients, sewn into small linen bags, and dried for several weeks in direct sunlight. Fragrant amulets hung around the house are reliable protection that applies to all residents.

Coffee berries are also used to make amulets for newborns. In Uganda, it is believed that a born baby does not have a patron, so parents have to take on the role of his protector from ill-wishers. Enchanted bitter seeds are a reliable shield for a child, protecting him from the evil eye.

Coffee arithmetic

Scientists have found 800 different aromatic compounds in coffee. It is not surprising that this drink has a lot of fans - among several hundred aromas, everyone can catch the one that particularly excites them.

500 billion servings of coffee are consumed by the world's inhabitants every year.

Every resident of Finland accounts for 12 kg of coffee per year - in this country they love the invigorating drink like nowhere else in the world (an adult drinks 5 cups a day on average).

The tastes of coffee lovers are distributed as follows: 70 percent of the world’s inhabitants prefer Arabica, 30 percent prefer Robusta.

Does the presence of caffeine in a particular variety play a role here? Probably yes. Arabica is “harmless”, containing 1 percent, Robusta – 2 percent caffeine. What else are the differences between Arabica and Robusta we discussed in this article.

Americans who love to surprise the world set an unusual record in 2010 - they made a huge cup that could hold 35 thousand servings of coffee.

In Italy, the barista profession is one of the highest paid. Find out who a barista is here.

Coffee is a powerful weapon against excess weight

Coffee helps break down fatty tissues and tighten the skin, which is important for those losing weight.
Few people know, but caffeine is a substance that reduces appetite. Regular consumption of coffee will help those losing weight - your favorite nectar will eliminate cravings for sweets and unhealthy foods, and will help you to snack without fear while walking past the refrigerator. Another quality of the bitter liquid is the breakdown of fatty tissues and tightening of the skin. The results of regular consumption of a cup of drink are a slim figure.

Nutritionists suggest increasing the effectiveness of coffee - adjusting the diet, engaging in simple sports. A combination of proper nutrition, coffee nectar, and exercise will allow you to lose 3-4 kg of excess weight in a week.

Where coffee grows - continents and coffee exporting countries

Today, the coffee tree grows in 70 countries around the world, in the so-called “coffee belt” of the earth - a tropical zone near the Equator.

The history of coffee begins with a story about Africa, since it is the country of this continent, Ethiopia, that is the birthplace of coffee. From there, in 1700, the Dutch took the seedlings of the plant and began cultivating it in Indonesia, on the island of Java. Gradually, the coffee tree began to be grown on plantations in Ceylon, Sri Lanka and India. Later, the plant began to be planted in South America, although it is considered the second homeland of coffee and the largest exporter of beans.

At the same time, not only Arabica, but also – especially – Robusta has become widespread. The unpretentiousness of the latter made it easy to cultivate in other countries, even in areas with difficult climates, while Arabica was capricious to environmental conditions. This led to the fact that the market was gradually filled with cheap varieties of grains, which were subsequently used to make instant drinks.

On a note! This is what led to the creation of the Jacobs coffee drink, the country of origin of which is Germany. Its enterprising inventor opened a factory for the production of the drink and various grains: he purchased both expensive Arabica varieties and cheaper Robusta varieties, and then mixed them, obtaining both inexpensive and tasty results.

Proper preparation of coffee drink

To ensure a particularly rich taste and aroma, you need to grind the coffee beans immediately before brewing.
Over the years, many rules have emerged related to the preparation of bitter, invigorating nectar. The National Coffee Association, located in the United States, suggests familiarizing yourself with the main secrets and using them at home:

Before brewing coffee, be sure to inspect the equipment and containers - the remains of old beans will give the freshly brewed drink a bitter, musty taste;
grind the coffee berries just before brewing - a day is enough for the aroma to begin to rapidly disappear along with the beneficial qualities;
use distilled, filtered water for cooking;
Heat the liquid to only 90 degrees - you should not boil the drink, the taste decreases, the persistent aroma disappears, and useful elements evaporate.

Be sure to follow the chosen recipe. To prepare espresso, half a minute is usually enough; if you are preparing a cold brew drink, you will have to infuse your favorite nectar for up to 10 hours.

Coffee beans never cease to amaze – every year new interesting facts and information appear related to these aromatic berries, revered throughout the world. While enjoying an invigorating cup of your favorite drink, you should remember that everything should be in moderation, otherwise the beneficial qualities of coffee will not be able to fully manifest themselves.

Harm and benefits of companion drinks

Many coffee lovers prefer to drink their favorite drink in combination with milk. But recently, many “horror stories” have appeared on the Internet describing the destructive effect of such combinations.

In fact, when bound to milk proteins, caffeine still has the same effect, but with a delay. This is due to the fact that it enters the hepatic bloodstream more slowly, and from there to the brain and other organs. Due to this, coffee has a gentler effect on the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Therefore, connoisseurs of cappuccino or latte get a smoother, but at the same time long-lasting invigorating effect.

Those who like to drink their coffee with grapefruit pulp or drink it with freshly squeezed juice experience an almost immediate and at the same time stronger effect of caffeine. The substances contained in this type of citrus fruit block the activity of liver enzymes, which neutralize the effects of caffeine. As a result, caffeine enters the brain, acting sharper and stronger.

Spent coffee grounds are used to make biofuels

And also for the production of fertilizers for land and flowers, animal feed, biosorbents and enzymes. According to researchers at the Institute of Food Science, Technology and Nutrition , coffee grounds have been found to have great nutritional value. It contains dietary fiber (47%), antioxidants and amino acids that are not extracted when making coffee. It turns out that baked goods made with coffee add beneficial substances .

A pack of the most expensive coffee - Kopi Luwak - costs about $600

It can only be obtained in Indonesia. The method of obtaining it is unique: civet animals that feed on coffee beans leave behind undigested beans in their waste. They are collected, washed and made into coffee. Gourmets say that this type of coffee is much tastier than the original Arabica. Kopi Luwak is in great demand , which indicates its true uniqueness.