We’re a coffee-loving nation, with a freshly-brewed cup being the first thing many people go for when they wake up in the morning. Deep though your passion for coffee may be, there are likely things about this delicious beverage you’re unaware of, including the six quirky facts below:
Coffee Bean Roasting Dates Back Centuries
When you see the type of equipment used by coffee roasters in Melbourne and the other coffee capitals of the world, it’s only natural to think that modern-day equipment is all we’ve ever had to roast beans and create delicious, energizing brews.
However, coffee bean roasting actually dates back centuries. The first recorded implements for coffee bean roasting were thin porcelain or metal pans that were used in the 15th century in Greater Persia and the Ottoman Empire. We simply enhanced and fine-tuned what our forebears started with until we ended up with the products and equipment we have today.
You Can Drink Elephant Dung Coffee
One of the last things you expect to be included in the coffee-making process is elephant dung, but it’s a core component of one of the world’s rarest and most expensive coffee types: Black Ivory Coffee.
This coffee is made by processing the manure of Thai elephants that have been eating coffee cherries in Surin, Thailand. Thai Arabica cherries are picked and brought to Surin, where they are mixed in with elephant favorites like tamarind, banana, and rice.
Europe Drinks the Most Coffee
While the lines out the door of your favorite coffee shop might make you think that your town, city, or country consumes the most coffee, that might not be accurate. Studies have shown that as of 2020, people in the Netherlands drank the most, with a per capita consumption of 8.3 kilograms (roughly 18.3 pounds).
Finland wasn’t far behind at 7.8 kilograms (17.2 pounds), followed by Sweden at 7.6 kilograms (16.8 pounds).
There’s Expresso vs. Espresso Confusion for a Reason
It’s hard not to smile when you hear people refer to espresso as ‘expresso.’ After all, you know the term is wrong. However, when you learn how that confusion came to be, you might be more forgiving of their slip-up.
Espresso is an Italian term meaning ‘expressed’ or ‘pressed out,’ since espressos are formed by forcing high-pressure hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. So, those expresso lovers really aren’t far from the truth!
Coffee Beans Have Health Benefits
Alongside drinking coffee made from coffee beans, people also eat roasted coffee beans as a snack, and there are many potential health benefits of doing so. Coffee beans are antioxidant-rich and contain high levels of chlorogenic acid.
This acid may help combat inflammation and diabetes. Some research also suggests that it might have some cancer-fighting potential.
If you prefer to consume your coffee in liquid form, you could lower your risk of type 2 diabetes and enjoy some protection against liver problems.
Coffee Is Preferred Over Most Other Beverages
After the Statista Global Consumer Survey was conducted in 2020 and 2021, it was revealed that many adults in the United States drink more coffee than bottled water.
The share of adults saying they consumed coffee regularly was 59%, followed by bottled water at 58%, soft drinks at 53%, and tea at 47%. Spirits came in last at 22%, just behind wine and beer.
You might be a coffee lover, but you learn something new every day. Who knew that coffee could be made with elephant dung or that people have been roasting coffee beans since the 15th century?
