Here’s What You Probably Didn’t Know About Coffee

Coffee is one of the world’s most beloved and widely consumed beverages. As a morning pick-me-up, social drink, and even cooking ingredient, coffee has woven itself into the daily lives of people across the globe. But there’s a lot more to coffee than meets the eye. Underneath its familiar aroma and taste lies a fascinating backstory filled with surprising facts, health effects, growing methods and more that many people remain unaware of. Read on to discover some intriguing pieces of coffee knowledge and trivia that you probably didn’t know before.

It’s the Second Most Traded Commodity

After oil, coffee is the second most sought-after commodity around the world. The coffee industry employs over 25 million farmers and workers and generates over $100 billion per year. Each year close to 9 million tons of coffee is produced worldwide. Such high demand keeps the coffee industry very active with constant trading, exporting and importing between nations to supply coffee drinkers everywhere.

Yemen Grows One of the Oldest Varieties

The original wild coffee plants are traced back to the mountains of Yemen near the Red Sea. To this day one of the oldest varieties known as Yemeni coffee continues to be cultivated in the region. With its fruity, rich flavor and intense aroma, Yemeni coffee is considered one of the very best types of coffee in the world. The harsh climate and high altitudes yield a uniquely bold and complex bean.

Indonesia is the Fourth Largest Producer

While Brazil and Vietnam take the top two spots, Indonesia comes in fourth for coffee production globally, providing close to 7% of the world’s coffee. Indonesian coffee grows on the islands of Sumatra, Java, Bali, Sulawesi and others, mostly by small-scale famers. The volcanic soil and tropical climate produce exceptional coffee beans with low acidity and full body. Some of its best known varieties are Mandheling and Kopi Luwak.

Almost 80% of Coffee is Extracted from 2 Species

Although there are over 120 species within the genus Coffea, commercial coffee production relies mainly on just two – Coffea Arabica and Coffea Canephora (Robusta). Arabica accounts for around 60% and Robusta for 35% even though Arabica is considered higher quality. The other 40 or so coffee plant species are mostly wild and undomesticated. Many are in danger of going extinct before being researched or used for potential coffee production.

Brazil Earned its Name from Coffee

The largest and most populous country in South America was named after the valuable commodity that first drew its colonizers. In the 1800s, Brazil began growing coffee and quickly dominated as the top global producer. So much coffee was exported from the port of Brazil that the country became synonymous with the crop. Brazil still reigns as the world’s largest coffee supplier today, responsible for over 40% of global output.

An Espresso Shot Contains Less Caffeine than Brewed Coffee

Although it may seem counterintuitive, a typical 1 ounce shot of espresso actually contains around 40-75mg of caffeine while a regular 5 ounce cup of coffee has about 60-120mg. The espresso is much more concentrated but the tiny serving size compared to a whole coffee leads to less overall caffeine. Espresso’s rich, strong taste comes from the high pressure brewing method, not extra caffeine.

Scandinavia has the Highest Consumption

The top three countries that drink the most coffee per capita are Norway, Iceland and Denmark averaging around 400 cups per person per year. The popularity of coffee in Nordic countries could be attributed to the cold weather and long nights. Likewise, other top consumers include Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands and Belgium. In comparison, the worldwide average is around 310 cups per year.

Coffee is Really a Fruit, Seed and Berry

What we know as a coffee bean is technically a seed that comes from the fruit of a flowering coffee plant or bush. The plant produces a bright red oval cherry fruit and within each are two green coffee beans covered by a thin parchment-like hull. So coffee is actually a fruit, seed and berry – not a legume or nut. Who knew! This makes the coffee growing process more similar to a fruit harvest.

It Contains Over 1000 Compounds

The chemical makeup of coffee is incredibly complex. Scientists have identified over 1,000 biologically active compounds in roasted coffee beans so far. These include various acids, sugars, phenolic compounds, nitrogenous compounds, vitamins, lipids, alkaloids and more. The natural diversity of coffee chemistry contributes to its nuanced flavors and aromas.

Regular Intake Lowers Mortality

Extensive research indicates that chronic, moderate coffee consumption is linked to lower risk of mortality, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurological disorders and several cancers. Coffee drinkers show increased longevity compared to non-drinkers. The polyphenols and antioxidants in coffee are considered largely responsible for the associated health benefits.

It Can Elevate Your Mood

In addition to providing a morning energy boost, coffee has mood-lifting effects that may help fight depression. Besides caffeine, coffee contains nutrients and N-methylpyridinium that have the ability to increase dopamine and serotonin, two key neurotransmitters for mood regulation. Multiple studies show coffee drinkers have up to a 10% lower risk of depression.

The Majority is Produced by Small-Scale Farmers

Despite being a globally traded commodity, an estimated 70% of the world’s coffee is grown on small farms with under 10 hectares by families or co-ops. Large commercial coffee estates account for about 30% of production. This means the majority comes from rural, developing areas that rely on coffee as their main income source. The Coffee Farmer Resilience Initiative aims to support these farms.

Myriad Health Benefits

The nutritional profile of coffee is stacked with antioxidants and polyphenol plant compounds that deliver widespread health benefits, from liver protection to reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, heart failure, strokes, colorectal cancer and more. Habitual coffee consumption is linked to healthier aging overall. The key is moderation, avoiding overloading on caffeine.

Decaf Still Contains Some Caffeine

Many people opt for decaffeinated coffee thinking it’s completely caffeine-free. Surprisingly though, decaf coffee still contains a small amount of caffeine. An 8 ounce cup typically has between 2-15mg depending on the method, while regular coffee supplies around 70-140mg per cup. The caffeine isn’t eliminated, just substantially reduced by around 97%.

Who knew that coffee had such a rich story and impactful past? And an intricate production process as well? The next time you sip your morning brew, consider all of the hidden history, chemistry, agriculture and global trade networks involved in bringing that cup of coffee to your table. Appreciating everything behind your daily coffee ritual can help you gain a deeper respect for one of the world’s most beloved beverages.