10 Interesting Facts to Know About Coffee

10 Interesting Facts to Know About Coffee

Posted by Katie Boyer on

It's no secret that coffee is one of the most popular beverages all over the world, but even daily drinkers might not know some of these fun facts we have listed below. Which ones surprised you the most?

1. Second in the World

Coffee is the world’s second largest traded commodity, following behind oil. Coffee is consumed in great quantities, making it the most beloved beverage after water. It’s worth is over $100 billion worldwide.

2. Hawaii is the only American state that grows coffee

Good coffee growing conditions require high altitudes, tropical climates, and rich soil, which is why Hawaii is the only state capable of growing coffee (properly that is). Often, coffee grown in Hawaii is considered some of the best in the world. You can try some for yourself with our 100% Hawaiian Kona Coffee!

3. Coffee was discovered by a goat herder

The story goes that coffee was discovered by a goat herder in Ethiopia in the 1500s. He saw his goats eating coffee cherries and noticed that they gained a high amount of energy and didn’t sleep at night. The herder shared his findings with monks who eventually turned it into the first form of coffee we know and love today.

4. Coffee helped Olympic athletes

Brazil couldn’t afford to send its athletes to Los Angeles  for the 1932 Olympics, so the government loaded them in a ship full of coffee which was sold on the way to finance their trip.

5. Add cream, keep your coffee warm

Coffee stays warm 20% longer when you add cream.

6. Italian “expresso”

The word espresso comes from Italian and means “expressed” or “forced out”. Espresso is made by forcing very hot water under high pressure through finely ground, compacted coffee.

7. Coffee is a fruit

Coffee beans grow on a bush. They are actually the pit of a berry, which makes them a fruit. There are two main varieties of beans, green and red. Red beans have a nicer smell and are less acidic. Red beans are used to produce lighter coffees. 

8. Beethoven loved coffee

Beethoven was such an ardent coffee lover that he’d count 60 beans per cup before making his brew.

9. The most expensive coffee is made by cat poop

“Kopi Luwak” is the most expensive coffee in the world.  It comes from Indonesia and is made from beans digested from the Asian Palm Civet. In other words, it comes from cat poop.  It sells for €350 and up per kilo!

10. Europe loves coffee

According to International Coffee Association, Europe imports more coffee than the USA. Also, Brazil is the lead exporting country in coffee.

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