It’s that time of the year again – International Coffee Day! Let’s raise our mugs high and celebrate the magical elixir that keeps us awake, alert, and slightly addicted. But before you take another sip of your favourite brew, let me treat you to some quirky coffee facts that will leave you buzzing with amazement!
Coffee and Goats?
Believe it or not, coffee was discovered by dancing goats. Legend has it that an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi noticed his goats prancing around with extra pep in their step after munching on coffee beans. He tried them himself and, voila, coffee was born!
Java Jolt
Ever wonder why coffee is often referred to as “java”? Well, it’s because for centuries, the island of Java in Indonesia was synonymous with coffee production. And yes, they take their coffee as seriously as we do!
The Coffee Diet
Forget about those fad diets; coffee used to be a dietary staple for some folks! In the 18th century, people in Sweden attempted to curb hunger pangs by sipping on coffee all day long. We’re not sure if it worked, but they must’ve been very awake!
Coffee’s Royal Link
Even kings and queens can’t resist the allure of coffee. King Louis XV of France was so hooked that he had his own coffee plant in his garden. Talk about royal beans!
Beans Over Books
Coffeehouses in the 17th century were the hipster cafes of their time. They were known as “penny universities” because, for the price of a cup of coffee, you could engage in intellectual discussions and soak up knowledge. Who knew that coffee could make you smarter?
An International Language
Coffee is so universally beloved that it’s one of the most traded commodities in the world, second only to oil. It’s like a global language that we all speak, one cup at a time.
The Espresso’s Lightning Speed
Espresso is Italian for “pressed out.” And it’s no wonder – a shot of espresso takes about 30 seconds to brew. That’s faster than you can say “double shot latte”!
Coffee and Cats
The first-ever cat cafe opened in Taipei, Taiwan, in 1998. You can sip your favourite brew while enjoying the company of feline friends. It’s like a purrfect match made in caffeinated heaven.
Coffee Comes to Space
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have been enjoying coffee since 2015, thanks to the specially designed “ISSpresso” machine. Even in space, the aroma of coffee is irresistible!
The Most Expensive Coffee
Kopi luwak, or civet coffee, is the world’s priciest coffee, with beans passing through a civet’s digestive system before being harvested. Yes, all the way through the digestive system. Don’t worry though; it’s thoroughly cleaned and sanitised before brewing. But at the prices it sells for, you might want to stick to your regular blend!
So there you have it, ten caffeinated nuggets of wisdom to chew on this International Coffee Day. From goats to royalty, from space to your local cafe, coffee has woven itself into the tapestry of our lives, one cup at a time. Enjoy your brew today, and why not check out Firebox’s range of coffee-related products?
