Interesting facts about coffee, its history and effects

Interesting facts about coffee that may surprise and interest you.

In the morning, as I waited by the espresso machine for the coffee to brew, which would allow me to start the new day with vigor, I wondered how people lived before this extraordinary beverage was discovered. Have you ever wondered at what point in history, coffee, as we know it today, first appeared? Or what is it about coffee that makes us think of it as soon as we open our eyes?

These morning questions stayed with me throughout the day, and I finally decided to look for answers so you wouldn’t have to. Besides, in the article below, I’ve gathered a ton of information and facts about my favourite drink, and of course, lots of coffee trivia.

If you know of any other interesting facts that are missing from the list, I would be grateful for the information and would be happy to add them to the list below.

The history of coffee and the beginnings of its popularity

Archaeological research tells us that coffee was consumed as early as several centuries before our era in Ethiopia.
Initially, coffee beans were not roasted as they are now but were simply boiled with various additives like salt or herbs.
The name “coffee” likely originates from the Kaffa region in Ethiopia, where the first traces of coffee consumption were discovered. Others claim it comes from the Arabic word “kaweh,” which means vigor and strength.
Centuries ago in Ethiopia, coffee was consumed, but it was not cultivated. Coffee seeds were harvested from wild-growing shrubs.
Around the 14th century, Arabs brought coffee to Yemen, where the first coffee plantations appeared. They also invented the process of roasting coffee beans and then grinding them.
By the 16th century, coffee had become a popular beverage throughout Arabia.
The first place where roasted coffee beans were traded on a large scale was the Arab port known as Mocha.
Mocha is now a popular type of drink made from coffee, milk, and dark or milk chocolate, depending on preferences.
In the 16th century, drinking coffee sparked fear and opposition in many cultures, especially among religious leaders who associated coffee with improper temptations and addiction. In Egypt, for example, there was a ban on consuming this beverage for several decades.
It was only at the beginning of the 17th century, when the Arab region became the largest intermediary in the coffee bean trade, that all doubts vanished, and coffee firmly established its place there.
In ancient Turkey, there was a tradition stating that if a husband did not provide his wife with suitable living conditions, including an adequate supply of coffee, she had the right to divorce him.

Interesting facts about coffee and its appearance in Europe

The first mentions of coffee in Europe appeared in 1573 when a German botanist embarked on a journey to the Middle East. Upon his return, he described his adventures, including his encounters with Turkish coffee customs.
Coffee appeared sporadically in various parts of Europe, but mostly as a curiosity served by Ottoman envoys or migrants.
Coffee truly took hold in Europe after the Turks were repelled from Vienna in 1683.
After the victorious battle, the entire Turkish camp fell into the hands of John III Sobieski’s troops, including bags full of coffee beans. Initially, it was thought to be some strange, unknown fodder for camels and horses, and no one knew what to do with it.
The bags of coffee would probably have been abandoned if not for Jerzy Franciszek Kulczycki, one of the heroes of the Battle of Vienna. Familiar with Oriental culture, he knew the value of coffee beans. When it came to dividing the spoils, Kulczycki asked the king only for the carts with bags of coffee, to which the king agreed, while others shook their heads, thinking he chose “Turkish wheat” over all the treasures of Vizier Kara Mustafa.
The first coffee house in Europe was established in Vienna by none other than Jerzy Franciszek Kulczycki in 1685.
Kulczycki’s coffee house was called “Under the Blue Bottle,” and it served coffee brewed in the Turkish style.
Initially, the strong and bitter Turkish coffee did not appeal to the European palate. Therefore, Kulczycki started serving a milder version of the brew, sweetened with honey and whitened with milk.
In addition to coffee, Kulczycki began serving croissants baked to resemble the Turkish crescent moon. The coffee and croissant combo became known as a Turkish delicacy and helped popularize coffee.
At that time, coffee was costly and, consequently, accessible only to the upper classes.
New coffee houses began to appear rapidly. In 1689, Francois Procope opened the first coffee house in France.
Even in the early 20th century, there was a tradition in Austria of hanging a portrait of Kulczycki in coffee houses.
Until the end of the 17th century, coffee was imported to Europe from Turkey.
In the early 18th century, the Dutch began cultivating coffee plants in the East Indies, which led to a decrease in coffee prices in Europe and made it more accessible. Subsequently, the French established plantations in Martinique and French Guiana.
The Portuguese watched the burgeoning overseas plantations operated by European powers with envy. Eventually, spies stole saplings cultivated in Martinique, leading to the establishment of the first Portuguese coffee plantation in Brazil.
The most valuable and sought-after types of coffee were those imported from Java.
The oldest coffee house still existing today is Cafe Tomaselli in Salzburg, which opened in 1703. Among its patrons was the maestro Mozart.
In the early years, coffee faced significant opposition from church hierarchies. Since it was of Arabic origin, it was considered the work of the devil.
In the 16th century, Pope Clement VIII declared that coffee was not the work of the devil and that Christians could consume it without any concerns.

Interesting facts about coffee and its effect on our body

For years, drinking coffee was considered an element of an unhealthy lifestyle and merely a vice, similar to smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol.
Recent studies debunk the old myths that drinking coffee could increase the risk of heart or vascular diseases. Today, it is certain that reasonably and regularly consumed coffee brings more benefits than harm.
It is not entirely clear which component of coffee positively affects the body. Many scientists believe that it is a combination of several small elements found in coffee that produce positive effects.
A series of studies conducted by scientists under the supervision of Dr. Y. Yuan indicates that regular coffee consumption reduces the risk of cirrhosis of the liver.
Other studies show that drinking many cups of coffee a day improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Coffee helps the body in fighting certain cancers and also reduces the risk of their occurrence.
Consuming coffee reduces the risk of depression by numerous percent, with effectiveness being higher in women.
The largest and most precise study on the impact of coffee on the human body was conducted by scientists from Southampton University and their colleagues from the University of Edinburgh. The study was based on data collected from nearly half a million people, most of whom reported regular coffee consumption. The research lasted more than 10 years, after which conclusions were announced. It found that among people drinking 3 to 4 cups of coffee, the risk of liver disease decreased by over 20 percent, and the risk of death from such diseases decreased by almost 50 percent.
Contrary to popular belief, drinking coffee does not raise blood pressure to a risky level, and eventually, it regulates it.
Drinking coffee also positively affects the brain and slows down processes that could lead to Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in the future.
Recent studies have also debunked the myth that coffee irritates the digestive system and can cause indigestion or reflux. There was also found no link between drinking coffee and the occurrence of osteoporosis or other bone diseases or their weakening.
Contrary to common opinion, coffee is not addictive, as it does not stimulate the brain centres responsible for addiction. We enjoy drinking coffee because it noticeably stimulates our bodies and improves concentration.
Coffee stimulates and sharpens our senses, especially smell and taste.
Coffee does not deplete minerals, including magnesium, which it is often accused of; on the contrary, it is a source of magnesium itself.
Coffee stimulates the functioning of the colon, which is why we typically need to run to the bathroom after drinking it.
Coffee improves and extends life, regardless of its type or brewing method.

Interesting facts about making coffee

Traditional coffee brewing is considered to be the method where ground coffee beans are directly soaked in boiling water. An example of this is Turkish coffee.
Coffee grounds can be harmful, so it’s best to filter them during the brewing process.
The first coffee machine was constructed by Alfonso Bialetti in 1918, and the company he founded continues to be a respected producer of coffee brewing accessories.
Another very elegant method of brewing coffee is the pour-over technique invented by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. In the 1960s and 70s, this device was present in almost every American home.
The newest method of brewing coffee is using a device called an Aero Press, which allows for the preparation of good coffee in almost any conditions. The device is small, making it perfect for travel, and since I spend a lot of time on the road, this method particularly appeals to me.
The Italians have long been striving to have espresso coffee added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. They believe that brewing coffee is a ritual significant to most of their society.
Cappuccino is a coffee preparation method invented by monks, and its name derives from the large hoods called “cappuccio” that they wear on their heads.
It’s worth checking if the coffee in your restaurant uses beans with the FAIRTRADE certification, which means that the workers on the plantation from which the coffee comes have good working conditions.
In Vietnam, they prepare egg coffee. It includes egg yolk, sugar, condensed milk, and, of course, coffee. I had the chance to try it once and will never do so again.
In communist countries, grain coffee was invented as a response to supply problems for basic products. It is made not from coffee beans but from other plants. It naturally does not contain caffeine, and its taste is excellent. In Poland, Inka coffee is still produced, which I remember from my childhood, and occasionally, I reach for it out of pure nostalgia.

Other interesting facts, facts, and information about coffee

International Coffee Day is celebrated on September 29.
Coffee stimulates not only because of the caffeine it contains, but also due to its taste and aroma.
Coffee sharpens and enhances our senses, particularly smell and taste.
After drinking coffee, we feel happier.
The Finns drink the most coffee, consuming an average of over 12 kilograms of coffee per year.
Poles rank 45th in coffee consumption, with the average Pole drinking 4 kilograms of coffee annually.
Globally, well over 400 million cups of coffee are consumed each year.
Green coffee, which has not been roasted, is considered healthier, although its taste leaves much to be desired.
Most coffee beans available on the market are heavily roasted, giving them a similar taste but making them much easier to transport and allowing them to be stored for years.
Lightly roasted coffee has a wealthy bouquet, similar to the language of wine enthusiasts.
The most expensive coffee in the world is kopi luwak, which is sourced from the faeces of civet cats living in Indonesia. I tried it while in Bali but did not notice a significant difference, and I wouldn’t spend the large sums it commands.
A major threat to coffee plantations is global warming, which is changing the growing conditions. Scientists from the Climate Institute believe that in a few decades, most coffee plantations will have to be abandoned.
Coffee plantations, especially the largest and most remote ones, are places where human rights violations occur, particularly child labor and slavery. Many companies are opting not to buy coffee from such places.
The world’s first webcam was created by students at Cambridge University in England. It was needed to check if the coffee in the cafeteria was ready.
Coffee is one of the most valuable trade commodities in the world.
The value of the coffee trade is estimated to be over 100 billion dollars annually.
Popular Arabica coffee contains almost half the caffeine of Robusta. Therefore, it’s worth checking what type of coffee your favorite café offers.
Many plantations use traditional methods to dry coffee. The beans are roasted in the intense sun along with insects, which supposedly adds a unique aroma and flavor to the coffee.
Coffee with cream cools down more slowly.
All the coffee in the world is grown in the so-called Coffee Belt. This is a zone around the Earth where coffee plants can be cultivated.
The largest coffee producers today are Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia.
Interesting facts about coffee are one of the most searched topics on Google.
Going out for coffee together is the beginning of almost half of all romances.
Interesting facts about coffee is part of our section with interesting facts, which we warmly invite you to explore.