1. Coffee is a Fruit!
Yep, coffee "beans" aren't actually beans at all—they're seeds found inside the fruit of the coffee
plant, known as a coffee cherry. When ripe, coffee cherries are bright red or purple, and they’re
hand-picked to ensure the best quality beans. Some countries even experiment with using coffee
cherries to make fruit-based drinks!
2. The World's Second-Largest Commodity
Coffee isn’t just a morning ritual; it's a massive global industry. As the second most-traded
commodity after crude oil, coffee fuels economies, from small-scale farmers in South America
and Africa to large corporations. It's estimated that coffee supports the livelihoods of 25 million
people worldwide.
3. Hawaii: America's Coffee Paradise
The lush volcanic soil of Hawaii makes it the only U.S. state where coffee is grown commercially.
The Kona region on the Big Island is especially famous for its smooth, full-bodied Kona coffee.
However, Hawaii isn't alone for long—small coffee farms have also started in California!
4. Cream Keeps Your Coffee Hotter, Longer
Adding cream to coffee isn't just about taste. Cream, or even milk, can keep your coffee warmer
by about 20% longer. This happens because cream changes the coffee’s density and structure,
helping retain heat.
5. The World Drinks 2.25 Billion Cups of Coffee Daily
From espresso in Italy to Turkish coffee in Istanbul, the world consumes a staggering 2.25 billion
cups of coffee every single day. Coffee culture spans the globe, with unique brewing methods and
preferences in every corner.
6. Coffee and Health: A Surprising Connection
Studies have found that regular coffee drinkers may have a reduced risk of developing certain
diseases, including Alzheimer's, some types of cancer, and depression. While it’s not a cure-all,
moderate coffee consumption is often linked to improved mental focus and mood, thanks to
coffee’s rich antioxidants.
7. The First Webcam was Invented for Coffee
Did you know the first-ever webcam was set up at the University of Cambridge in 1991? Its purpose wasn’t high-tech research but to check the coffee pot's status so researchers wouldn’t
make a trip to find it empty.
8. Beethoven was a Coffee Purist
Legend has it that the famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven was very particular about his
coffee—he insisted each cup be made with exactly 60 beans.
9. Coffee Can "Wake Up" Plants
Leftover coffee grounds can be a fantastic fertilizer for plants. High in nitrogen and other nutrients,
they’re great for composting, gardening, and even as an eco-friendly insect repellent.
10. Decaf Coffee Still Has Caffeine
Although decaf coffee undergoes a process to remove most caffeine, it still retains a small
amount. An average decaf cup contains about 2-5 milligrams of caffeine, compared to a regular
coffee's 95 milligrams. So, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, even decaf might give you a slight buzz.
11. The World's Most Expensive Coffee Comes from Animal Digestive Systems
Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee, is produced using beans that have been partially digested by a civet, a
small mammal found in Asia. The beans are collected, cleaned, and roasted, creating an
incredibly unique flavor. It's one of the priciest coffees in the world due to the labor-intensive
process and rarity.
留言