Did you know that the Dutch drink an average of 2-3 cups of coffee a day? This amounts to a staggering consumption of 6.5 million liters per day! But how much do you truly know about coffee?

Coffee beans, for instance, are not beans but the kernels of the coffee berry. Surprisingly, coffee contains more aromas than many other beverages. Gather your friends, family, or colleagues to test who can name the most coffee facts!

The Coffee Plant

The coffee plant has a fascinating history that dates back to the 10th or 11th century in Ethiopia, where it was first discovered and used. It quickly spread to Yemen, where coffee plants thrived. Beyond its rich history, there are several intriguing facts about the coffee plant:

Not real beans: Coffee beans are actually the kernels of coffee berries.

Abundant yield: A single coffee plant can produce between 1.4 and 2.5 kilograms of berries annually, providing plenty of coffee!

Historical uses: Before coffee as we know it was made, the plant was prized for its uplifting properties, like caffeine.

Perfect for freezing: Coffee beans can be frozen without losing flavor, ensuring a fresh cup anytime.

General Coffee Facts

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages globally, especially in the Netherlands. Its popularity stems from its aroma, easy preparation, and energizing caffeine. Beyond its widespread appeal, consider these interesting tidbits:

Perfect brewing temperature: Coffee is best brewed at 96 degrees Celsius.

Espresso meaning: "Espresso" or "Café Espresso" simply means "pressed coffee."

Dutch coffee culture: The Netherlands ranks among the top five coffee-drinking countries, with the average person consuming 150 liters yearly.

Extra Roast: Coffee beans labeled "Extra Roast" have less caffeine than regular beans.

Coffee Flavor

Dear Lykkers! The flavor of coffee depends on grind size and roasting time. Here's what impacts the taste and aroma:

Bitter beans: Beans roasted longer result in a more bitter taste.

No taste, only aroma: Coffee has no inherent taste, only aroma, which depends on its origin.

Popular preference: Most coffee drinkers prefer their coffee without milk or sugar to enjoy the pure flavor of the beans.

Coffee Varieties

With a wide range of options, coffee offers something for everyone. There are 15 distinct types of coffee, categorized into these groups:

Coffees with espresso: Includes ristretto, espresso, doppio, americano, and lungo—served black without milk.

Coffees with milk: Examples include espresso macchiato, cappuccino, latte, cortado, flat white, and latte macchiato.

Coffees with ice: Perfect for summer, like iced coffee, iced cappuccino, and affogato (with a scoop of ice cream).

Caffeine in Coffee

Caffeine is a stimulant that provides energy, but it also comes with surprising details:

Caffeine levels and water contact: The longer coffee is in contact with water, the more caffeine it contains.

Espresso myths: Despite its intensity, espresso contains less caffeine than other coffee types.

Duration in the body: Caffeine remains in your system for approximately three hours.

Bean differences: Arabica beans contain 50% less caffeine than Robusta beans.

Coffee is more than a drink—it's a world of aromas, flavors, and fascinating facts waiting to be explored!