Coffee Trivia: Science and History in Your Cup

Coffee is one of the first beverages that comes to mind when we wake up in the morning or need a boost of energy throughout the day. So, how much do we know about this popular beverage? We've compiled everything you need to know about coffee, from its origins and origins to its history and health benefits.

Definition of Coffee

Raw coffee beans, as stated in the Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) and Turkish Food Codex (TGK) Coffee and Coffee Extracts Communiqué (Communiqué No: 2016/7), are the dried seeds of the fruits of cultivated coffee trees such as Coffea arabica Lyn, Coffea canephora or Coffea robusta, Coffea liberica and similar species, separated by different methods.

Where Coffee Grows

Coffee, a plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family, grows in the region between 30° south and 25° north of the Equator, where rainfall is plentiful, average temperatures range from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius, and frost is rare. Soil, humidity, and sun are factors that influence coffee's taste and aroma.

Brazil is currently the world's largest coffee-growing country. Other major coffee-producing countries include Colombia, Venezuela, Central America, Mexico, Arabia, Africa, Kenya and the surrounding areas, India, Indonesia, the Antilles, the Pacific islands, and especially Hawaii and the Philippines.

History of Coffee

The most well-known story of coffee's discovery begins in the 14th century, when a shepherd living in Ethiopia noticed that his goats became more energetic and active after eating the berries of a certain tree. The shepherd reported this to the clergy at a monastery. Initially, the clergy threw the berries into a fire, believing them to be the work of the devil, but the pleasant aroma emanating from the burning berries caught their attention. They then boiled the berries in water to create a beverage, discovering that it kept them awake and allowed them to focus better on their prayers. Thus, coffee began to spread from monasteries to the rest of the world.

Over the centuries, coffee reached Europe from the Arabian Peninsula via the Ottoman Empire, and from the 17th century onward, thanks to Venetian merchants, it spread throughout the continent. Today, coffee is one of the most consumed beverages globally.

Health Benefits of Coffee

• Antioxidant Source: Thanks to polyphenols such as chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, coffee protects the body from the effects of free radicals.
• Neurological Effects: May play a protective role in diseases such as Parkinson's; caffeine supports dopamine production.
• Liver Health: Regular coffee consumption can support liver function.
• Mood: May help reduce the risk of depression.
• Weight Control: It supports fat burning by accelerating metabolism.

Things to Consider When Consuming Coffee

Excessive caffeine intake can lead to side effects such as insomnia, palpitations, and anxiety. Consuming an average of 3–4 cups of coffee per day is generally considered safe.