National Coffee Day: 9 fun facts about coffee

For many of us, it’s hard to imagine starting our day without coffee. So grab a mug and sip away as you read these nine things to know on Sept. 29, National Coffee Day.

1. Coffee drinking started in the Middle East.

The earliest evidence of drinking coffee is in the 15th century in Yemen. It is believed that Sufi monks in the port of Mokha roasted and brewed coffee much like we do today.

2. Coffee is worldwide.

While Brazil produces more coffee in the world than any other country, you can find coffee being grown in more than 50 countries worldwide.

3. America loves coffee.

Americans are believed to consume at least 400 million cups of coffee daily, making the United States the leading consumer of coffee in the world.

4. There is a Starbucks at the CIA headquarters.

According to the CIA’s website, “Store Number 1″ is like any other Starbucks store in the U.S., with one difference: the barista won’t mess up your name. That’s because names aren’t allowed on the cups, not even aliases.

5. A coffee run may have helped to elect a president.

In 1862, a young Sgt. William McKinley was said to have brought hot coffee to fellow soldiers during the Battle of Antietam. The tale of McKinley’s “barista bravery” would become a well-known story during his presidential campaign.

6. Coffee was once used to punish prisoners.

In the 1700′s, King Gustav III of Sweden is said to have ordered doctors to force prisoners to drink coffee to see how much of the beverage it would take to kill them.

7. Coffee helped Brazil to get into the 1932 Olympics.

As the story goes, the Brazilian government couldn’t afford to send its athletes to the 1932 Los Angeles Games, so, officials decided to fund the trip by loading the team and thousands of pounds of Brazilian coffee onto a ship and selling it in various ports on the way to California.

8. Iced vs. Cold Brew.

While both are not hot, there is a difference between the two.

Iced coffee is brewed hot with double the number of coffee grounds, then poured over ice. On the other hand, cold brew is made by steeping grounds in cold water over several hours, which is usually diluted with water or milk.

9. Benefits vs. Risks

Coffee is healthy! No, it isn’t good for you. Wait! It’s healthy again.

Every day, there is a new study about the link between coffee and health. While plenty of science is dedicated to finding the truth, many agree it’s hard to start your day without it.