Meet The Daily Cup's new column, Coffee Brainiacs, where we split the thread in four and turn the coffee bean upside down until we discover its secrets. Some weird, some funny, some downright scientific, coffee information continues to fascinate us as we make room for it in our lives. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or not, you're sure to love this wonderful liquor even more once you learn more about it.
1. You don't need coffee right after you wake up
Your body naturally produces a hormone called cortisol, which helps you feel awake and alert. Cortisol is released according to your circadian rhythm, dictated by the time of day. So, if you tend to drink coffee right after waking up, it's a good idea to wait a little longer for your caffeine dose, until a time when your cortisol levels are lower.
2. The magical powers of coffee were discovered thanks to hyperactive goats
According to legend, Ethiopian shepherds were the first to discover the effects of caffeine, when they noticed that their herd of goats started hopping frantically and "dancing" after eating the cherries of the coffee trees.
3. All coffee on the planet comes from an area called "The Bean Belt"
The Bean Belt includes all the regions that present the optimal conditions for coffee cultivation, namely the countries located around the Earth, between the two tropics: the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Coincidentally or not, this warm and sunny area is also the most suitable for vacations.
4. The coffee tree produces continuously for 20-30 years
It takes 3 to 4 years from planting for a coffee tree to be productive. The plant produces fragrant white flowers (with a scent similar to that of jasmine), and after a year, the coffee cherries are mature. The tree produces continuously, which means it can have flowers, developing fruit and ripe cherries at the same time.
5. Coffee has an amazing popularity
Every year, people consume over 500 billion cups of coffee, making it the second most popular beverage in the world after water. Coffee is also the second most traded commodity on the planet, after oil.
6. Coffee was banned 3 times, in 3 different cultures and periods
Once in Mecca in the 16th century, once in Europe when Charles II banned the drink in an attempt to stop an ongoing revolution and once in Germany in 1677 when Frederik the Great banned coffee because he felt that people were spending too much money on this drink.
7. Coffee can help you live a longer and healthier life
Coffee contains a lot of antioxidants, which help the body fight against free radicals. According to some studies, a cup of coffee contains more antioxidants than a serving of grape, blueberry, raspberry or orange juice.