10 Amazing Facts About Coffee That Will Surprise You

Coffee is the most consumed beverage in the world after water, and it has a fascinating history and culture surrounding it. While most people enjoy their daily cup of joe, many may not know the incredible and surprising facts that come along with it. From its beginnings in Ethiopia to its global popularity today, coffee has a rich and intriguing story to tell. In this blog post, we will explore 10 amazing facts about coffee that will leave you amazed and enlightened.

1. Coffee was discovered by goats

   According to legend, coffee was discovered by a goat herder named Kaldi in Ethiopia in the 9th century. Kaldi noticed that his goats became more energetic and playful after eating the berries from a certain type of plant. He tried the berries himself and discovered their stimulating effects, leading to the creation of the world's most popular beverage.

2. Coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world

   Coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world, after crude oil. The coffee trade is worth billions of dollars each year and employs millions of people around the globe.

3. Coffee was once banned in Mecca

   Coffee was once banned in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in the 16th century because it was thought to stimulate radical thinking and behavior. However, the ban was lifted after the coffee's positive effects were realized.

4. The world's most expensive coffee comes from animal poop

   Kopi Luwak, also known as civet coffee, is the world's most expensive coffee. It is made from beans that have been eaten and excreted by civet cats. The beans are collected, cleaned, and roasted to produce a unique and highly sought-after coffee.

5. Finland consumes the most coffee per capita

   Finland is the country that consumes the most coffee per capita. On average, Finns drink four to five cups of coffee per day. In fact, coffee is so popular in Finland that it has become a cultural institution, with its own rituals and traditions.

6. Coffee can help plants grow

   Coffee grounds can be used as a natural fertilizer for plants. The grounds are high in nitrogen, which can help promote healthy plant growth. Used coffee grounds can also be added to compost piles to improve the soil quality.

7. The first webcam was invented to monitor a coffee pot

   In 1991, researchers at the University of Cambridge created the world's first webcam to monitor a coffee pot. The camera was used to see if the coffee pot was full or empty, saving people from making unnecessary trips to the pot.

8. Coffee can enhance athletic performance

   Caffeine, the active ingredient in coffee, has been shown to enhance athletic performance. It can increase endurance, reduce fatigue, and improve reaction time. That's why many athletes consume caffeine before competitions.

9. Coffee was the first food to be freeze-dried

   During World War II, freeze-drying was developed as a way to preserve blood plasma for the military. After the war, the technique was used to produce instant coffee, making coffee the first food to be freeze-dried.

10. The world's largest cup of coffee was brewed in León, Mexico

    The largest cup of coffee on record was brewed by Tonic World Center S.A. de C.V. (Mexico) in Guanajuato, Mexico on December 10, 2022. This massive cup of coffee contained an astounding 26,939.22 liters, which is equivalent to 5,925.8 UK gallons or 7,116.59 US gallons.