Oct 21, 2023

Discovering The Brew: 12 Fascinating Facts About Coffee

NewsPoint

Coffee Beans as Seeds

Coffee beans are not true beans but seeds found within the coffee plant's cherry-like fruits. These seeds are processed and roasted to produce the coffee we know and love.

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Green Coffee Beans

When harvested, coffee beans are green, small, and firm. Roasting transforms them into the familiar brown beans, unlocking a rich and complex flavour profile.

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Brazil's Coffee Dominance

Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer, responsible for a third of global coffee production. Its climate and soil conditions make it an ideal coffee-growing region, boasting various bean types.

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Coffee's Mysterious Origin

Coffee's discovery is attributed to energetic goats in Ethiopia. Legend has it that a goatherd named Kaldi noticed their vigor after eating a certain berry, leading to the beverage we now know.

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Types of Coffee Beans

Arabica and Robusta are the main coffee bean types, but there are also specialty varieties like Liberica and Excelsa, each grown in distinct regions with unique flavor profiles.

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The Birth of Coffee Houses

The first coffee house, 'Kiva Han,' opened in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1475. These establishments became centers for intellectual discourse and continue to serve as community hubs today.

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Starbucks' Global Dominance

Starbucks, established in 1971 in Seattle, is the world's largest coffee chain, spanning 30,000+ stores across 75 nations. It thrives most in the United States, while China boasts the second-largest market presence.

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Light vs. Dark Roasts

Surprisingly, light roast coffee beans contain more caffeine than dark roasts. Light roasts have a milder flavor, while dark roasts offer a bolder, less acidic taste.

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The Priciest Coffee

Kopi Luwak, produced in Indonesia, can cost up to $600 per pound. This rare coffee is made from beans excreted by Asian palm civets, resulting in a distinctive flavor.

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The Bitterness of Caffeine

Coffee bitterness can result from factors like over-extraction, fine grind, over-roasting, or high brewing temperatures. Caffeine can intensify bitterness.

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Decaf Still Contains Caffeine

Decaffeinated coffee contains some residual caffeine, albeit significantly less than regular coffee, with 2-15 mg per eight-ounce cup compared to 80-100 mg in regular coffee.

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Invention of Espresso Machines

The first home espresso machine was invented by Achille Gaggia in 1938. His piston-driven machine revolutionized espresso preparation, creating the rich, intense brew we enjoy today.

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Thanks For Reading!

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