It is estimated that around 83% of adults in America drink coffee. Where did coffee originate? What makes it so great? How do other countries enjoy it? To find out everything you’ve always wanted to know about coffee, keep reading.
-It is thought that shepherds were actually the ones that discovered coffee in 800 A.D. While in Ethiopia, they saw their goats eating coffee berries and noticed how they would sort of dance afterwards. They decided to turn some of the coffee berries into a drink to see what would happen. The end result was that it helped keep them awake at night. In addition to being consumed as a drink, it’s also been made into a food by mixing it with fat to create and energy ball. It has also been made into a wine by using the pulp of the coffee berries.
-There are only two types of coffee beans- Arabica and Robusta. Most of the coffee you will consume will be made out of Arabica beans. Robusta only accounts for about 30% of coffee beans and has twice as much caffeine.
-Brazil is the top producer of coffee in the world with production at around 40%. Second place goes to Colombia and third place goes to Vietnam. Don’t count out the U.S. though because the state of Hawaii does commercially grow coffee as well.
-Coffee beans aren’t actually beans, they are a seed. They come from the pit of a berry that grows on a bush. They are called beans because of their appearance.
-It’s all about the caffeine when it comes to coffee. While adding cream to coffee will make it cool down 20% slower, it will also weaken the effects of the caffeine. Dark roasts do have less caffeine than lighter roasts and even decaf coffee does have some caffeine in it.
How The World Drinks Coffee
Finland
In Finland, coffee is poured over cheese curds ( juustoleipä). While it may sound strange, the locals love to drink it!
Italy
Coffee in Italy is served with a slice of lemon to bring out the sweet flavors in it.
Mexico
Mexican coffee is simmered with a cinnamon stick and served with unrefined cane sugar (piloncillo).
Turkey
In Turkey finely ground coffee beans are simmered in a pot called a cezve. It is unfiltered so those consuming the coffee actually drink the grounds.
Ireland
Irish coffee includes Irish whiskey, sugar and a thick cream on top.
