Coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up—it’s a global phenomenon that has been an integral part of our daily lives for centuries.

Whether it’s the rich aroma that fills the air or the comforting warmth of a freshly brewed cup, coffee has earned its place as one of the world’s most beloved beverages. But beyond its ability to fuel our day, coffee holds many fascinating secrets.

1. Coffee Goes Back a Really Long Way

Coffee is thought to date back to 800 A.D., when it was discovered by 9th century goat herders. The herders noticed their goats eating the plant, and afterward, it appeared as if they were ‘dancing.’ Fascinated by the effects, one of the herders tried the plant himself and discovered it made him excitable too.

2. Coffee is a Fruit

Despite being called a ‘bean,’ coffee is actually a fruit. The ‘beans’ grow on a bush and are found at the center of a berry, known as a coffee cherry.

3. Beethoven Loved Coffee

This may come as a surprise, but infamous composer Beethoven was a coffee lover! He was so obsessive about it that he used precisely 60 beans per cup and would carefully count each one.

4. Brazil Grows the Most Coffee in the World

Brazil is not only a coffee hotspot but is responsible for about a third of all coffee produced globally. It ranks as the number one coffee producer, followed by Vietnam and Colombia.

5. Finland Consumes the Most Coffee in the World

While Brazil may grow the most, Finland drinks the most coffee! On average, each person in Finland drinks 12 kg of coffee annually, which equals about 1,680 cups each year.

6. Coffee Helped Brazil Go to the Olympics

Dear Lykkers, in 1932, Brazil didn’t have enough funds to send its athletes to the Olympics, so the government sold coffee to raise the money. They shipped coffee beans to California with hopes of selling them along the way.

7. Coffee Wasn’t Always for Drinking

Before coffee became a beverage, it was actually a food. East African tribes would grind the berries and mix them.

8. There Are Two Different Types of Coffee Beans

There are two primary types of coffee beans used for drinking: Robusta and Arabica. Arabica beans have lower acidity and a smoother taste, while Robusta beans are more acidic and bitter.

9. Decaf Doesn’t Mean No Caffeine

For a coffee to be classified as decaf, it must contain less than 0.3% caffeine.

10. The Decaffeination Process Helps Create Our Favorite Fizzy Drinks

After caffeine is removed from decaf coffee, it is usually sold to companies that produce fizzy drinks or pharmaceuticals.

11. NESCAFÉ® Produced the First Instant Coffee

NESCAFÉ® takes pride in this coffee history fact—our company created the first successful instant coffee blend in 1929 to help solve Brazil’s coffee surplus problem.

12. Coffee Was Once Banned

Coffee hasn’t always been as adored as it is today. In the 18th century, some governments tried to ban coffee because it was believed to stimulate radical thinking. In Sweden, coffee, along with cups and saucers, was banned in 1746.

13. The Most Expensive Coffee in the World Costs $600 per Pound

Kopi Luwak is the world’s most expensive coffee, costing $600 per pound as of 2019. This coffee, native to Indonesia, is roasted after being eaten, digested, and expelled by the Palm Civet. It’s believed the civets only eat the best and freshest coffee cherries, resulting in a distinctive flavor.

7 Facts About Coffee You Probably Didn’t Know

Video by BRIGHT SIDE

14. The Largest Cup of Coffee in the World Was Over 26,000 Litres

The largest cup of coffee ever made was 26,939.22 liters. This massive brew, made in Mexico on 10 December 2022, required 300 kg of coffee and currently holds the Guinness World Record.

15. Britain Loves Coffee

While Britons are known for their love of tea, they drink about 95 million cups of coffee every day!

From its humble beginnings in ancient times to its role in world economies, there’s so much to discover about this cherished drink. Enjoy!!