1. Coffee Was Originally Eaten, Not Drunk
The origins of coffee trace back to Ethiopia, where, according to legend, a goat herder named Kaldi discovered coffee after noticing his goats became unusually energetic after eating the red berries from a certain plant. These berries were actually the fruit of the coffee tree, and it’s believed that early Ethiopians didn’t brew coffee as we do today. Instead, they ground the berries with fat to create a kind of energy-packed paste that was consumed for its stimulating effects.
2. Coffee Can Boost Your Memory and Focus
Beyond just waking you up, coffee has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function. Caffeine, the active ingredient in coffee, is a stimulant that blocks adenosine (a neurotransmitter responsible for promoting sleepiness) and increases dopamine levels, which helps improve mood and alertness. Studies suggest that caffeine can enhance memory retention and improve focus, making it a favorite drink for studying or staying productive.
3. There Are Two Main Types of Coffee Beans: Arabica and Robusta
While you might think all coffee is the same, there are actually two primary types of coffee beans: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are generally considered the superior variety, known for their smooth, complex flavors and lower caffeine content. They account for about 60-70% of the world’s coffee production. On the other hand, Robusta beans are more bitter, higher in caffeine, and often used in espresso blends. Robusta beans are also more resilient to pests and harsh weather conditions, making them easier to cultivate in certain regions.
4. Coffee Beans Are Actually Seeds
Despite being called "coffee beans," the seeds we grind up and brew are technically seeds of the coffee fruit, often referred to as coffee cherries. These cherries grow on coffee plants and go through a multi-step process to be harvested and processed into the beans we use. The coffee cherry itself is sweet and edible, but it’s the seed inside — after being roasted — that’s responsible for the familiar coffee flavor.
5. Coffee Was Banned Several Times Throughout History
Throughout history, coffee has been banned or restricted multiple times. In the 16th century, the Ottoman Sultan Murad IV issued a decree banning coffee in the Ottoman Empire, punishing violators with severe penalties, including death. Later, in the 17th century, coffee faced opposition from the Catholic Church, with Pope Clement VIII initially condemning it as a "heathen drink." However, after tasting it himself, the Pope famously declared, "This is so delicious… we should cheat the devil by baptizing it," and coffee was embraced by the Church. These bans only added to the mystique and allure of coffee throughout history.