Coffee Curiosities: Become a Barista at Home

We all know one or more people who can't live without their daily coffee; they simply don't function the same. And if you're here, maybe you're one of those people.

Statistics show that more than 2 billion cups of coffee are consumed every day around the world. Of course! It's the elixir of life and the second most traded commodity in the world, behind only oil.

I'll tell you some interesting facts about coffee that you may not have known:

1. Origin of the name: The word "coffee" means "wine of the grain" and comes from the Arabic "qahwah" (قهوة).

2. Plant varieties: There are over 100 species of coffee plants, but only two are used to make the beverage: Arabica ( Coffea arabica ), which accounts for approximately 60–70% of world production and produces a finer, more aromatic coffee grown in mountainous highlands; and Canephora ( Coffea canephora ), also known as Robusta, which is more disease-resistant, higher in caffeine, and more acidic. Robusta is often used to make instant coffee or espresso blends.

3. Global consumption: Finland is the country with the highest coffee consumption per capita. Each inhabitant consumes an average of around 12 kilos of coffee per year, which is equivalent to approximately 4 cups per day.

4. History of Coffee Shops: The first coffee shop opened in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1554. In London, the first coffee shop opened in 1652. By the mid-17th century, every European city had one. Coffee didn’t reach North America until the end of the 17th century, when the first establishment opened in Boston in 1676. Today, the country with the most coffee shops per capita is Italy, with around 100,000 for 60 million people.

5. Benefits of Coffee: Coffee offers many benefits. There are numerous medical and scientific studies related to the virtues and potential disadvantages of this beverage. It is said that a cup a day improves blood circulation, is a source of natural antioxidants, and that those who consume it may be less likely to suffer from certain types of cancer, such as breast, colon, or prostate cancer. In addition, coffee can improve memory, mood, and cognitive function.

Become a Barista at Home

If you want to take your love of coffee to the next level, becoming a home barista is a great option. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Invest in good equipment: A quality espresso machine, a coffee grinder, and a scale are essential. Read more about basic equipment for home baristas .
• Use quality coffee: Choose fresh coffee beans from a known source. Organic coffee is an excellent choice. Learn more about the benefits of organic coffee .
• Learn the techniques: Master basic techniques like proper grinding, precise extraction, and milk texturization.
• Experiment: Try different brewing methods like espresso, pour-over, French press, and Aeropress. Explore different coffee brewing methods .

With these coffee facts and tips for becoming a barista at home, you're on the right track to enjoying every cup to the fullest. What other interesting facts would you add?