Bean There, Brewed That: Fun Facts About Coffee

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Did you know that coffee beans aren't actually beans? They're the pits of cherry-like berries found on flowering shrubs!

There are two main types of coffee beans:

Coffea Arabica (60% of global production): Grows at high elevations, has a refined flow, higher acidity, and more complexity.

Coffea Robusta (40% of global production): Thrives at lower elevations, has a harsher taste, and is ideal for espresso.

The zesty kick of coffee and tea is all thanks to their secret weapon: caffeine! It's like a little cheerleader in your cup, shouting "Wake up!" while you sip away.

Here are some fun caffeine facts:

  • Brewed coffee: 80-120 mg of caffeine per 150 ml cup
  • Instant coffee: 50-65 mg of caffeine per 150 ml cup
  • Tea: 30-65 mg of caffeine per 150 ml cup
  • Low doses (20-200 mg) of caffeine = feeling good, alert, and energetic
  • Higher doses (>200 mg) of caffeine = nervousness and anxiety

Caffeine content:

  • Arabica: approximately 1% by weight
  • Robusta: approximately 2% by weight

India is one of the largest coffee producers in the world. A whopping 71% of the 300,000 metric tonnes of coffee produced in India every year comes from just one state - Karnataka. That's a latte coffee!

There are 7 varieties of coffee in India with a Geographical Indication tag:

  • Coorg
  • Chikmagalur
  • Araku Valley
  • Wayanad
  • Monsooned Malabar Arabica
  • Monsooned Malabar Robusta
  • Baba Budangiri Coffee

The following brands are popular in India and you can check their products & prices from their respective stores on Amazon.in -

In India, you'll often find coffee blended with chicory, a plant-based ingredient that adds a rich, smooth flavor. This blend is a staple in many Indian households and is often served at social gatherings. While chicory is not a traditional coffee bean, it has become a popular addition to Indian coffee, especially in filter coffee.

Filter coffee, also known as "degree coffee," is a South Indian favorite. A strong, dark brew made by filtering hot water through finely ground coffee powder, this coffee is strong, rich, and full of flavor. It's often served in small steel cups and is a staple in many South Indian households. 

Bullet coffee, the new kid on the block is a high-energy drink made by blending coffee with butter and coconut oil or ghee. 

Whether it's a steaming cup of filter coffee in Chennai or a chicory blend in Mumbai, coffee is more than just a beverage—it's a way of life!

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