Did you know….
We take a look at 15 interesting facts about the world’s most popular drink. Some of them are quite eye-opening.
A Bean is a Seed
Did you know that a coffee bean is the seed of a coffee cherry from the coffee plant? While the beans are actually seeds, they are referred to as beans because of their appearance.
You Can Eat Coffee Cherries
You can actually eat coffee cherries as food. Formerly, the cherries were mixed with fat to form an energy ball and the pulp was liquidised to make wine. It doesn’t sound very appetising but we are sure it would give you a boost of energy.
There Are Two Main Beans
There are two main types of coffee beans – Arabica and Robusta. 60% of the world’s coffee is Arabica while 40% is Robusta.
A Major Commodity
Coffee Beans as an export product account for over 50% of some developing countries’ foreign exchange earnings.
Discovered by Goats
Coffee was thought to be discovered by a goat herder in Ethiopia in around 850AD when he observed the increased activity levels of the goats.
History Fact
Roasted coffee beans were first sold on a retail market in Pittsburgh in 1865. Since then, there have been major developments in the types of coffee, the production process, and our appetites for this popular drink.
Brazil is World’s Major Coffee Producer
Brazil produces approximately 45% of the world’s exported coffee with the US exporting more than any other nation. This is followed by Vietnam, Columbia, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Honduras, India, Uganda and Thailand to name a few.
Espresso Means ‘Pressed Out’
The translation of espresso is ‘pressed out’ – an Italian term and no surprise given that espresso actually originates from Italy.
It is Possible to Overdose on Coffee
You can actually overdose on coffee but you are going to need to be going some to drink enough to cause this much harm. It is said that 30 cups in a very short space of time is enough to give you a lethal dose of caffeine.
Black Coffee is Low Calorie
A cup of black coffee has only one calorie – that’s good news for those looking for a drink that is low fat and healthy.
The Grounds are Good for Your Skin
There are many uses for leftover coffee grounds. As well as being good for helping your plants grow when spread around the base of the plant, they are also good for your skin. Used as an exfoliator, they can lift the dead skin cells leading to smoother and more vitalised skin.
Decaf Contains Caffeine
Decaffeinated does not necessarily mean caffeine-free and can actually contain 2-12mg in an 8oz cup compared to non-decaf which contains around 95-200mg per cup.
There is a Coffee Made From Poo
Kopi Luwak originates from Indonesia and is actually one of the most sought-after coffees in the world. The Palm Civet eats the coffee cherries and then passes the beans. The fermentation process that occurs during digestion is said to add a smooth and distinct flavour to the coffee making it extremely sought after and worth up to £400 per kg.
People have Tried to Ban Coffee
“What?”, we hear you cry! Yes, due to its effect as a stimulant it was actually feared that it would encourage free thinking. In 1511, the governor of Mecca feared it might unite his opposition. Imagine if that rule had stuck!
It Can Help You Live Longer
Full of anti-oxidants, coffee remains one of the healthiest beverages in the world that is thought to help people live longer. Of course, this is in its purer form and not with cream, syrup, sugar or milk added.
