10 Surprising Coffee Facts Every Coffee Lover Should Know

How My Wife and I Discovered 10 Fascinating Facts About Coffee

Coffee is more than just a drink; it's a cultural phenomenon, a ritual that connects people globally. While millions enjoy their daily cup, many are unaware of the intriguing stories and surprising facts behind this beloved beverage. This is the story of how my wife and I, in our quest to create the perfect coffee brand, stumbled upon 10 fascinating facts about coffee—each more surprising than the last.

How Our Coffee Journey Began

One crisp fall morning, we found ourselves driving back from the bank after applying for a business loan to launch our coffee brand, General Warfield's Coffee. Despite the beautiful backdrop of orange and red autumn leaves and the serene blues and greys of the mountains, we were feeling the weight of financial pressure. Our loan application had been denied, leaving us worried about the future of our venture.

Yet, as we drove through the stunning landscape, a sense of peace washed over me. I couldn’t wait to get home to share a quiet moment with my wife, sipping our favorite single-origin Colombian coffee while gazing at nature. This moment reminded me that life’s best experiences often come in simple, meaningful forms—like a cup of expertly roasted coffee shared with a loved one.

This coffee ritual wasn’t just about the drink itself. It was a way for us to pause, reflect, and enjoy each other’s company. In that moment, we realized that coffee is much more than a drink—it’s an experience. This idea sparked a conversation that led us to uncover some incredible facts about coffee, deepening our appreciation for it even further.

Coffee: A Catalyst for Meaningful Moments

During that memorable morning, my wife and I realized how coffee has an uncanny ability to turn everyday moments into something special. Whether it’s a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon break, coffee has a way of bringing people together, creating space for conversation, and offering comfort during challenging times.

That morning, over our steaming cups, we delved into the history, science, and culture of coffee. Our discoveries were not just enlightening; they also brought us closer, making us appreciate the intricate world behind our favorite beverage. Below are 10 fascinating facts about coffee that we discovered, and we hope they bring a smile to your face as they did to ours.

10 Fascinating Facts About Coffee

1. The Most Expensive Coffee Comes from... Cat Poo?

Yes, you read that right. Kopi Luwak, one of the world’s most expensive coffees, is made from coffee beans that have been eaten and excreted by the Asian Palm Civet, a small mammal native to Indonesia. The beans are harvested from the civet’s feces, cleaned, and roasted to create a unique brew. Prices range from $40 to $100 per cup, with some beans costing up to $600 per pound. The resulting coffee has a smooth, caramel-chocolate flavor, though its ethical and environmental impact has sparked much debate in recent years.

2. There Are More Coffee Bean Varieties Than You Think

While Arabica and Robusta are the most commonly known coffee species, there are actually four main types used globally. In addition to Arabica, known for its sweet, mild flavor, and Robusta, which has a stronger, more bitter profile, there are also Liberica and Excelsa beans. Liberica beans are known for their unique, fruity aroma, while Excelsa has a tart, fruity flavor and is often used to add depth to blends.

3. Coffee Was Discovered by... Goats?

The origins of coffee can be traced back to Ethiopia, where a goat herder named Kaldi reportedly noticed his goats behaving oddly after eating the red cherries from a certain tree. The goats became energetic and restless, leading Kaldi to investigate the source. His discovery of the coffee plant soon caught the attention of local monks, who began to brew the beans into a drink that helped them stay awake during long hours of prayer.

4. Coffee Was Once a Snack

Before it became a beverage, coffee was consumed as a snack by East African tribes. The tribespeople would grind coffee cherries, mix them with animal fat, and roll the mixture into bite-sized balls. These energy-packed snacks were ideal for long journeys, providing both sustenance and a boost of energy from the caffeine.

5. The Finns Are the World’s Biggest Coffee Drinkers

While Americans are well-known for their love of coffee, consuming an average of 3 cups per day and spending about $1,000 annually on the drink, Finland takes the crown for the highest per capita coffee consumption. The average Finn drinks an astonishing 8 to 9 cups per day, making coffee an integral part of Finnish culture. It's no wonder that coffee breaks, or "kahvitauko," are a cherished tradition in Finland.

6. Coffee May Lower the Risk of Several Diseases

Numerous studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption—around 2 to 6 cups per day—may lower the risk of various diseases, including certain types of cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. This is likely due to the high levels of antioxidants found in coffee, which help reduce inflammation and protect the body’s cells from damage.

7. Coffee May Fight Depression

In addition to its physical health benefits, coffee may also improve mental health. Studies suggest that coffee’s anti-inflammatory properties, combined with its ability to promote a healthy gut microbiome, may lower the risk of severe depression. Drinking 2 to 4 cups of coffee per day has been linked to a reduced risk of depression, offering not only an energy boost but also potential emotional support.

8. Caffeine Levels Vary by Measurement, Not Roast

Contrary to popular belief, the roast level of coffee beans doesn’t significantly affect the caffeine content per bean. However, because lighter roasts are denser, they appear to contain more caffeine when measured by volume, while darker roasts seem to have more caffeine when measured by weight. In reality, the difference is minimal, so you can enjoy your preferred roast without worrying too much about its caffeine content.

9. Coffee Won’t Dehydrate You

While coffee is a diuretic, it won’t dehydrate you if consumed in moderation. This is because the high water content in coffee balances out its diuretic effects. In fact, coffee can contribute to your daily fluid intake, especially when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

10. Adding Cream Keeps Your Coffee Warmer for Longer

Here’s a fun fact: adding cream to your coffee can keep it warm for about 20% longer than black coffee. This is because the fat content in cream cools down more slowly than the coffee itself, helping to retain heat and keep your cup of Joe warmer for longer.

*Bonus Fascinating Fact: Coffee Fueled Soldiers During the Civil War

During the United States Civil War, coffee played a vital role in keeping soldiers alert and focused. Both Union and Confederate soldiers relied on coffee as an essential part of their daily ration. In fact, it was so important that Union soldiers were known to brew coffee in anything they could find, including tin cups, kettles, and even musket barrels! For soldiers enduring the hardships of war, coffee provided not only a physical boost but also a much-needed morale boost, helping them face the challenges of battle with renewed energy.

Conclusion: Coffee’s Best-Kept Secret

And there you have it—10 fascinating facts (and a bonus) about coffee that may have surprised you! As we shared these discoveries, we found that coffee’s greatest secret isn’t in the beans themselves, but in the moments they create. Whether it’s sharing a cup with a loved one, learning something new, or simply enjoying the rich, complex flavors, coffee has a way of making life’s challenges seem a little more manageable.

At General Warfield’s Coffee, we believe that every cup of coffee tells a story—one that’s rich in history, culture, and conversation. We hope these coffee facts inspire you to see your daily brew in a whole new light. After all, coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience.

Want to Discover More About the World of Coffee?

Explore our ethically sourced, specialty-grade roasts at General Warfield’s Coffee. Join our coffee-loving community and let’s brew something amazing together.