Esquires was created to provide a cool and comfortable space for coffee lovers that maintains and promotes a sustainable ethos. More importantly, we pride ourselves on delivering the best coffee to every customer that visits one of our stores.
So, it goes without saying that we love all things coffee. That’s why we’ve decided to share our top ten favourite facts about it – whether you want to buy a coffee shop and become a franchisee or just love a good coffee, there's plenty to learn about the humble drink!
1. The Netherlands Consume the Most Coffee
According to a 2020 study, the Netherlands were said to consume the most coffee per capita with a whopping 8.3 kilograms!
They were followed by Finland at 7.8 and Sweden at 7.6. Despite our best efforts, the UK didn’t even rank in the top fifteen for the most coffee addicted countries!
2. Coffee Beans Aren’t Beans
Contrary to the name, a coffee bean isn’t actually a bean.
Rather, it’s the pit (or seed) that’s found inside the coffee cherry. The bean is removed from the fruit as part of the harvest process.
Because of their shape and size, they’re now commonly referred to as a bean but, assuming the conditions are right, you could plant one and it could grow into a whole new coffee plant.
3. There’s a Coffee Made From Poo…
We know how that sounds, but bear with us!
Originating from Indonesia, the Kopi Luwak is one of the most sought after coffees in the world. It’s produced with the help of the adorable palm civet who eat the coffee cherries and then… pass the beans.
The unique fermentation process that occurs as the beans travel through the civet’s digestive tract is said to offer a smooth finish and very distinctive flavour to the final brew.
Not only is this one of the most bizarre methods of making coffee, but for up to over £400 a kilogram, Kopi Luwak is also one of the most expensive coffees available in the world today.
4. The Etymology of the Word “Coffee”
The earliest term for the drink of coffee was the Arabic word “qahwah”, which actually referred to a type of wine.
The Ottoman Turks then used the term “kahve”, which was followed by the Dutch word “koffie”, from which the English name was derived in 1582.
5. Why People Confuse Espresso and Expresso
The correct pronunciation of “espresso” is an age-old argument that coffee enthusiasts have been having for years! But as it turns out, those who call it an “expresso” aren’t entirely in the wrong.
The Italian term espresso means “expressed” or “pressed out”. This is because espressos are made by forcing very hot water under high pressure through finely-ground coffee beans. So, while the correct pronunciation is ES-presso, you can see where people are coming from.
If espresso isn’t your coffee of choice, why not check out our guide to the different types of coffee drinks to find your perfect match?
6. The World’s Largest Cup of Coffee was over 20,000 Litres
As of 15th June 2019, the largest cup of coffee ever made contained a whopping 22,739.14 litres and was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.
The cup was created by Alcaldía Municipal de Chinchiná (Colombia) at Parque de Bolívar, Chinchiná, Caldas, Colombia and took over a month with fifty people working on the project.
7. People Have Tried To Ban Coffee
In its early years, there were plenty of different groups across the world that tried to ban our favourite beverage.
Typically, it was because of coffee’s stimulating effect or the particular crowd it attracted. Coffee Houses fast became a spot for free thinkers to discuss their ideas. One particular instance was in Mecca all the way back in 1511 where the governor feared coffee might unite his opposition.
8. Coffee is One of the Most Consumed Drinks in the World
This isn’t all that surprising, is it?
Alongside water and tea, coffee is one of the most popular drinks worldwide with over 400 billion cups of it being consumed each year.
Britain alone consumes approximately 2.8 kilos of coffee per person, per year and over £1 billion was spent on coffee last year.
9. Coffee Was Discovered by a Goat Herder
All the way back in the 1500s, it was said that a goat herder in Ethiopia discovered coffee after observing strange behaviour in his goats.
He noticed that after they ate coffee cherries, they suddenly had a lot of energy and were unable to sleep at night. He shared his findings with local monks who made their own drinks from the coffee beans and the rest, as they say, is history.
10. Coffee Helps You Live Longer
This may be our favourite one yet.
Thanks to it being jam-packed with antioxidants, coffee remains one of the healthiest beverages in the world.
Of course, if you choose to add cream, sugar or syrup then this health factor may be impacted, but otherwise, when consumed as part of a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle, coffee can help people to live longer, happier lives.
At Esquires, we love to serve our customers the best coffee every day. If you’re interested in opening your own coffee shop, then why not check out what franchising opportunities we have on offer?
