Coffee has an intricate history that complements its rich flavor profile. For example, did you know that President Franklin Pierce was known to consume an astonishing amount of coffee, and it’s rumored he inspired the famous slogan “Good to the Last Drop” for Maxwell House? If you’re eager to impress your friends at trivia night or simply satisfy your curiosity, here are more than 20 intriguing facts about coffee that are sure to leave an impression.
Much like a reliable friend, coffee lifts your spirits and helps you tackle your daily tasks. Despite originating from a small bean, coffee offers a robust cultural history that even non-drinkers can appreciate. So, whether you’re looking to energize your mornings or spice up your evenings, check out these javalicious tidbits.
- Coffee ranks as the second most traded commodity worldwide.
- The only U.S. states that cultivate coffee are Hawaii and California, with Puerto Rico also being a coffee-growing territory.
- Legend has it that coffee was discovered in the 1500s by a goat herder in Ethiopia, who noticed his goats became lively after eating coffee cherries.
- Coffee beans are technically classified as seeds.
- Adding cream to your coffee can keep it warm for 20% longer.
- The term “espresso” comes from Italy, meaning “expressed” or “forced out.” It is made by pushing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure.
- Contrary to popular belief, coffee is actually a fruit. The beans are the pits of berries that grow on a bush.
- Famous composer Ludwig Bach was known for his love of coffee.
- The world’s priciest coffee, known as “Kopi Luwak,” is made from beans that have been digested and excreted by the Asian Palm Civet.
- There are two primary types of coffee: Arabica, which originated on the Arabian Peninsula, and Robusta, which is hardier and contains twice the caffeine.
- Finland boasts some of the highest coffee consumption rates, with the average Finn consuming 27.5 pounds annually.
- The largest cup of coffee ever created stood at nine feet tall and held 3,487 gallons, earning a Guinness World Record in 2012.
- The Boston Tea Party played a key role in making coffee a patriotic beverage in the U.S.
- Starbucks opens approximately two new stores each day.
- At Dunkin’ Donuts, customers can order their coffee in 25,000 different ways.
- Before coffee became a staple, beer was the breakfast drink of choice (some might argue it still is!).
- Brazil is the leading producer of coffee, accounting for 40% of the world’s supply.
- On a global scale, around 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed each day.
- The average American spends about $20 per week on coffee, totaling approximately $1,092 annually.
- Contrary to popular belief, decaffeinated coffee isn’t completely caffeine-free; it typically retains 2-6% of its caffeine content.
- Composer Johann Sebastian Bach wrote a humorous piece titled “Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht” or the “Coffee Cantata,” where a father chastises his daughter for drinking too much coffee, believing it affects her love life.
- A 2018 study by Wallet Hub found that New York City has the highest number of coffee shops per capita.
- Packed with antioxidants and beneficial nutrients like riboflavin, magnesium, and potassium, coffee may offer health benefits.
- A lethal dose of caffeine is estimated to be around 100 cups of coffee.
- The record for the “Oldest Cat Ever” belongs to a 38-year-old feline named Muffin, who enjoyed a daily cup of coffee throughout her life.
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In summary, coffee is not only a beloved beverage but also a rich source of interesting facts and cultural history. Whether it’s its historical beginnings or its status as a daily essential, coffee continues to captivate the hearts and minds of many.