Coffee is the most popular drink in the entire world. We drink at least 1.4 billion cups of coffee every day, and 45% belong to the US.
However, have you ever wondered where does coffee come from?
In this guide, we answer where it originates with a short history lesson. Read on to also learn the types of coffee beans and the benefits of drinking coffee.
Where Does Coffee Come From?
Coffee started from the continent of Africa in a country known as Ethiopia. In the ninth century, a goat herder called Kaldi saw that his goats were unable to sleep. He noticed that they all ate the berries of the same plant before this happened.
He then decided to eat some of the berries himself and started to feel some energizing effects. He brought his discovery to the monastery and monks. This story is the most accepted claim when it comes to answering, where does coffee come from?
From that period, coffee beans then migrated to Arabia to Europe to Asia, then to America. The coffee beans spread through trade and placing them in the market. Coffee started trending for many years till now due to its great taste and active effects.
Presently, we have about 125 million coffee growers worldwide who make a living from their coffee farms. Brazil is now the world's largest coffee producer, and it is the leading best country for coffee. You can also get plenty of coffee from Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and of course, Ethiopia.
Types of Coffee Beans
There are two main types of coffee beans: Robusta and Arabica. Robusta coffee beans are best known for their higher caffeine content. It has a bold, bitter, and grainy taste, but it ends with a smooth peanut butter-like aftertaste.
Arabica is lower in caffeine content, but many people prefer this type of coffee beans. The main factor is its taste with a less harsh taste compared to Robusta beans. The Arabica beans have a sweeter and softer taste.
This type of coffee beans makes up about 60% to 75% of the worldwide coffee production. It's due to the mix of sugar, fruit, and berries in Arabica that make it taste better. Arabica also has higher acidity, almost similar to the acidity of red wine.
Benefits of Drinking Coffee
As mentioned above, coffee can make you feel more energetic. It increases the adrenaline levels in your body and improves your physical performance. Drinking one to two cups of coffee helps you be more focused and improves your mental alertness.
It's become normal to drink coffee in the morning because it helps brighten your mood in the morning. Two cups a day can help you fight against mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. Coffee can also reduce the risk of getting diseases such as diabetes and stroke.
However, drinking more than 4 cups a day can have the opposite effects on your body. Too much coffee can cause sicknesses and can often give you headaches and dizziness. Be sure to drink coffee in reasonable amounts to avoid harming your body.
A Short Guide About Coffee
So, where does coffee come from? It's interesting to know that a bean found in Africa over 500 years ago became the world's favorite drink. The next time you walk to your local coffee shop, be sure to appreciate the effort of coffee growers.
Do you want to learn even more about coffee? Check out more of our posts to learn all there is to learn about coffee today!
