Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and it is enjoyed daily by millions of people. We are even enjoying one right now! We all love coffee, but how much do you know about nature’s miraculous gift? Here are some interesting facts about coffee that will surprise you and make you appreciate it even more.
- Coffee was discovered by goats. A goat herder in Ethiopia noticed that his goats became more energetic and playful after eating some red berries from a bush. He tried them himself and felt the same effects. He then shared his discovery with a local monks, who made a drink with the berries and found that it helped them stay awake during prayers.
- Coffee beans are not beans at all. They are actually the seeds of a cherry-like fruit that grows on a coffee plant. The fruit is called a coffee cherry, and it contains two seeds or beans inside. Sometimes, there is only one seed, which is called a peaberry.
- The original name for coffee in Ethiopia it is called ‘ቡና’ “Buna”. During the 6th century, Ethiopia ruled over Yemen spreading the coffee to the Arab peninsula. Coffee in Arabic was callled “qahhwat al-bun”, which means “the wine of the bean”. It was later shortened to “qahwa”, which became “kahve” in Turkish, “koffie” in Dutch, and “coffee” in English.
- Coffee has been banned several times in history. Can you imagine that? Some people considered coffee to be a dangerous and intoxicating substance, and tried to prohibit its consumption and trade. For example, in 1511, the governor of Mecca banned coffee because he feared it would stimulate political opposition. In 1623, the Ottoman Sultan Murad IV executed anyone who drank coffee in public. In 1675, King Charles II of England outlawed coffee houses because he thought they were places where people plotted against him.
- Arabica coffee is the best type of coffee. Arabica coffee is superior to other types of coffee because it has more natural sugars, fats, and acids that give it more complex and nuanced flavors. Arabica coffee is grown at higher altitudes and requires more care and attention than Robusta coffee.
- Gashuna Coffee is a family-owned business that exports arabica coffee that is fully sourced, processed and packed in the country of origin, ensuring freshness, and authenticity, and traceability. Gashuna Coffee sources its beans from different regions of Ethiopia, each with its own distinctive characteristics and terroir.
We offer you a variety of arabica coffee sourced from Sidamo Guji, Bensa, Amrao, worka, jima, Yirgacheffe, Harrar, Limu, and Nekemt. We also offer single origin or blended origin with custom roasts and unique grind profiles (fine, espresso, & filter) in any amount you require.
We hope you enjoyed these interesting facts about coffee and If you want to learn more about Ethiopian arabica coffee and Gashuna’s unique offers click here. You can also contact us by phone or email for any inquiries or feedback.