Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, yet many people still know very little about the story behind it. This article will walk you through 18 fun coffee facts: from the legend of an Ethiopian shepherd discovering coffee, to the origin of the name "Mocha"; from the differences between the two major varieties, Arabica and Robusta, to the amount of water needed to grow a pound of coffee; from the color changes of coffee beans, to the unusual production processes of Kopi Luwak and Black Ivory Coffee. Whether you're a beginner coffee enthusiast or a veteran who can't go a day without a pour-over, these facts will let you talk confidently at any coffee table. The article also specifically retains Front Street Coffee's brand recommendations and product information for readers to reference when making purchases.
A cup of coffee loses 70% of its flavor in just two minutes. And the facts introduced next are enough to keep you chatting for a full two minutes while you drink your coffee. (Source: LADYMAX)
Coffee
Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, yet even though it is so widespread, not many people truly understand it. Next, we'll reveal 19 little secrets about coffee one by one. After reading, you'll understand where coffee comes from, how much water it takes to grow a pound of coffee, and how Kopi Luwak is actually made.
18 Fun Facts About Coffee
1) The discovery of coffee is said to be related to a shepherd
The most widely told version goes like this: in Ethiopia, a shepherd named Kaldi noticed that his livestock became unusually energetic after eating ripe coffee cherries.
2) The word "Mocha" comes from the port of Mocha in Yemen
The port of Mocha was the first port to ship coffee beans around the world. Legend has it that coffee beans from Yemen carried chocolate-like flavor characteristics, which is why coffee with chocolate added today is given the name "Mocha."
3) The two main varieties: Arabica and Robusta
Coffee varieties
Robusta has higher yields, stronger resistance to disease, and more caffeine. Arabica contains more lipids and nearly twice the sugar of Robusta, giving it more pronounced acidity and a richer aroma profile. Affordable coffee mostly uses Robusta, while specialty coffee favors Arabica. Beneath these two major varieties are further subdivisions — the two most important Arabica varieties are Bourbon and Typica.
4) Coffee trees have an astonishing demand for water
People often discuss how much water is used to produce beef, but according to survey data from FoodBev.com, a pound of beef requires 1,800 gallons (about 6,814 liters) of water, while a pound of coffee consumes 2,500 gallons (about 9,464 liters).
5) Coffee beans can be distinguished by color
Coffee beans can be classified by color
Coffee beans start out green, and as they gradually mature, different varieties turn yellow, orange, or red respectively.
6) Ethiopia has thousands of precious varieties
The coffee we drink every day comes from only a few varieties, but in the forests of Ethiopia, thousands of different coffee varieties still grow, and they have yet to be cultivated on a large scale.
7) A coffee tree can live for more than 200 years
A coffee tree can live for over 200 years
When a coffee tree first sprouts, the tender leaves at the top are quite lovely, but it will eventually grow into a dense plant and live for as long as two centuries.
8) Roasters often buy an entire year's supply of coffee at once
Coffee-producing countries usually harvest only once a year (some countries harvest twice a year), so roasters buy a full year's supply of coffee at once and rely on special storage techniques to keep the coffee fresh. Although green beans may sit in the warehouse for months, they are generally only taken out of the warehouse on the day they are roasted.
9) Kopi Luwak really exists
The Asian palm civet is a fairly well-known cat-like animal that eats wild coffee cherries. The coffee cherries undergo fermentation in their digestive tract before being excreted. It is widely believed that this process gives the coffee beans their unique flavor, but because production is extremely limited, the price remains very high.
Black Ivory Coffee
If you think that's already strange enough, then in a sanctuary in Thailand, elephants are doing something similar — this is Black Ivory Coffee.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
