Cover A mug of coffee at a café (Photo: Getty Images)
A mug of coffee at a café (Photo: Getty Images)
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From its ties to dancing goats to bean currency, here are six fun facts about coffee
Coffee, one of the world’s most beloved beverages, has a rich history and an array of fascinating secrets waiting to be discovered. So much more than a vessel for energy boosts, there's more to your morning cup than meets the eye.
From its legendary discovery and role in athletic performance to its intriguing history, coffee is much more than just a beverage. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a dedicated aficionado, these intriguing tidbits will deepen your appreciation for this remarkable brew.
Read more: Curio Coffee hopes to evoke a childlike curiosity in all coffee drinkers
Coffee helped olympic athletes
Above Coffee beans from Brazil (Photo: Getty Images)
Coffee beans from Brazil (Photo: Getty Images)
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Caffeine is a well-known performance enhancer, and its benefits have been recognised in the world of sports, including the Olympics. In the 1930s, Brazilian athletes were given coffee as part of their training regimen for the Olympics.
The caffeine boost helped improve their endurance and performance. Today, many athletes continue to use coffee to enhance their athletic abilities, taking advantage of its ability to increase alertness and energy levels.
Cascara: The coffee cherry tea
Above Cascara or coffee cherries (Photo: Getty Images)
Cascara or coffee cherries (Photo: Getty Images)
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Most people are familiar with coffee beans, but did you know they come from coffee cherries? The outer fruit, known as cascara, is typically discarded during the coffee production process. However, cascara can be dried and brewed into a tea with a unique, slightly sweet flavour.
This eco-friendly drink is rich in antioxidants and offers a novel way to enjoy the coffee plant beyond the bean. It’s gaining popularity as a sustainable and refreshing alternative to traditional coffee and tea beverages.
Coffee was discovered by a goat herder
Above Coffee was discovered by an Ethiopian goat herder (Photo: Getty Images)
Coffee was discovered by an Ethiopian goat herder (Photo: Getty Images)
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Legend has it that coffee was discovered by an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi. He noticed his goats dancing energetically after eating the red berries from a certain tree. Intrigued, Kaldi tried the berries himself and experienced a similar burst of energy. This led to the discovery of coffee beans and eventually to the brewed beverage we enjoy today.
Coffee was once banned
Above An illustration of an ancient coffeehouse in Baghdad (Photo: Getty Images)
An illustration of an ancient coffeehouse in Baghdad (Photo: Getty Images)
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Believe it or not, coffee has faced its share of controversy throughout history. In the 16th century, coffee was banned in Mecca due to its stimulating effects, which were believed to encourage radical thinking and socialising in coffeehouses.
Similarly, in 17th century Europe, coffee faced bans in several places, including Italy and England, where it was seen as a threat to the establishment. Despite these bans, coffee's popularity persisted, and it eventually became a staple of daily life around the world.
Coffee was the first food to be freeze-dried
Above A spoon of instant coffee granules (Photo: Getty Images)
A spoon of instant coffee granules (Photo: Getty Images)
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Freeze-drying is a method commonly used to preserve food while maintaining its flavour and nutritional value. Coffee was the first food item to undergo this process during World War II, making it easier for soldiers to enjoy their caffeine fix on the battlefield. Today, freeze-dried coffee, also known as instant coffee, remains popular for its convenience and long shelf life.
Coffee was used as currency
Above Freshly roasted Ethiopian coffee beans (Photo: Getty Images)
Freshly roasted Ethiopian coffee beans (Photo: Getty Images)
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In certain parts of Africa, coffee beans were once used as a form of currency. In Ethiopia, where coffee originated, coffee beans were so highly valued that they were used as money. This practice extended to other regions as well, where coffee beans were traded for goods and services.
This article/explainer was generated by AI. We are dedicated to bringing you into our world with more meaningful content, and AI is allowing us to explore this frontier and deliver more content you will love.
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