Ever had that moment when you wake up groggy, drag yourself to the kitchen, only to discover you’re out of coffee? The horror. It’s almost as bad as realizing you’ve poured milk into your tea before taking the teabag out. But don’t worry, coffee has more to offer than its magical morning brew powers.
In fact, there’s a whole world of surprising facts about coffee that most people don’t even think about while they’re sipping away. From quirky history to fun science, you’ll soon know all about coffee. It’ll make you the star of your next kitchen chat.
Coffee was discovered by dancing goats
Legend has it, coffee was discovered in Ethiopia. A goat herder noticed his goats dancing after they ate some mysterious red berries. The goats were so full of energy that they couldn’t sit still.
No wonder we rely on coffee to kickstart our mornings – if it can keep goats hopping around, it can surely help us survive the Monday blues!
Espresso doesn’t mean “extra strong”
Contrary to popular belief, espresso isn’t just a super strong coffee that could wake up a sloth. The term refers to the method of preparation, meaning “pressed out” in Italian.
Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans. It doesn’t necessarily have more caffeine than regular coffee. Bet that’s a shocker for all those energy-chasers!
Coffee was banned in the 16th century
Yes, you read that right. Back in the 1500s, coffee was seen as such a revolutionary drink that rulers in the Ottoman Empire felt threatened by it. Coffee houses were places where people gathered, shared ideas, and, well, caused trouble (at least in the eyes of those in power).
So, if you enjoy a cheeky brew with friends, know that you’re continuing a rebellious tradition!
The most expensive coffee in the world comes from poop
Brace yourself: Kopi Luwak is a rare and pricey coffee that’s made from beans eaten, digested, and, um, excreted by civet cats. If you’re adventurous enough to try it, you’ll be paying up to £500 a kilo!
It’s a great conversation starter though, especially if you can convince your friends to try it without revealing its origin first.
Decaf coffee still has caffeine
Sorry to break it to you, but if you’re sipping on decaf thinking you’re 100% free of caffeine, you’re not. Decaf coffee actually contains small amounts of caffeine – about 3% of a regular cup.
It’s not enough to keep you buzzing all night, but maybe reconsider that cup before bedtime if you’re particularly sensitive.
Coffee can improve your workouts
Need a little extra motivation for that early morning jog? It turns out that coffee isn’t just good for your brain – it can also give your muscles a boost. Studies have shown that a cup of coffee before exercise can improve performance by helping your body burn fat more efficiently.
Just be careful not to go overboard, or you might find yourself jittering through your workout!
Coffee beans aren’t beans
Mind blown, right? Coffee “beans” are actually the seeds of a fruit called a coffee cherry. The next time someone calls them beans, you can smugly correct them.
Not that anyone really wants to be that person, but hey, knowledge is power!
Instant coffee is older than you think
Instant coffee might feel like a modern convenience, but it’s actually been around since the late 1800s! A New Zealand man named David Strang invented instant coffee in 1890. Its popularity soared during World War II when soldiers needed a quick caffeine fix.
We might take it for granted now, but back then, it was a lifesaver.
Your coffee cup size matters
Ever wonder why coffee shops offer cups ranging from “tiny thimble” to “bucket-sized monstrosity”? The size of your coffee cup can actually change the way your coffee tastes. Smaller cups concentrate the flavour, while larger ones can dilute it.
So, next time you order, think about whether you want to savour every sip or just gulp it down.
Coffee shops helped spread the internet
Before Wi-Fi was everywhere, coffee shops were the pioneers of offering free internet to customers. In the early 2000s, Starbucks started providing Wi-Fi to encourage people to hang around longer (and hopefully buy more coffee).
Fast forward to today, and coffee shops have become the unofficial offices for many freelancers and remote workers. Who knew your local café was a tech innovator?
Coffee naps are a thing
This one might sound counterintuitive, but bear with us. Studies suggest that drinking a cup of coffee before a 20-minute nap can leave you feeling more refreshed than either option alone.
The caffeine kicks in just as you wake up, giving you a double whammy of alertness. It’s like a nap on steroids!
Finland loves coffee the most
Think you’re a coffee addict? You’ve got nothing on the Finns. Finland is the world’s biggest coffee consumer per capita, with the average Finn downing 12 kilograms of coffee a year! That’s double what most people drink in the UK.
So, if you’re ever in Finland, don’t be surprised if someone offers you a coffee before they even ask your name.
Coffee grounds can fix smelly hands
Ever noticed how your hands smell after chopping garlic or onions? Well, next time, try rubbing them with coffee grounds. The grounds act like a natural deodoriser, neutralising the pungent odours.
Plus, it’s a great way to recycle your used coffee! Bonus points for being eco-friendly while keeping your hands fresh.
Coffee can help you live longer
As if you needed another reason to drink coffee, studies have shown that regular coffee drinkers tend to live longer than those who don’t.
Coffee is packed with antioxidants and can help reduce the risk of diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and certain cancers. Cheers to a long, caffeinated life!
Iced coffee was an accident
Like many great discoveries, iced coffee was born out of necessity. During the 1600s, French soldiers in Algeria needed a way to cool down their coffee in the desert heat. Their solution? Add ice. And just like that, one of the world’s favourite summer beverages was born.
Conclusion
Now that you’re brimming with coffee trivia, why not share your favourite coffee fact on our Facebook page? Or tell us which fact surprised you the most! We’d love to hear from fellow coffee lovers on our page.