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We Used to Chew Coffee, and 6 More Eye-Popping Facts About the Caffeinated Brew

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If you’re a human being over a certain age, chances are coffee (or some kind of stimulant) is part of your day. We’re all hustling harder, being more involved parents, busy trying to have it all – and honestly, there aren’t enough hours in the day to spend 8 or more of them sleeping.

So, we drink coffee.

But, maybe you haven’t spent much time considering the beverage that gets you through your days!

If not, here are 7 facts that might keep you up a little longer.

7. Finland is the world’s coffee capital.

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Finland does not produce its own beans, but the country’s citizens consume more coffee per capita than any other country in the world.

6. You originally had to chew it.

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The first African tribes to consume coffee ground the berries, added in some animal fat, and rolled them into what amounted to energy balls.

Yum?

5. Beethoven was the Karen of his day.

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He loved his coffee just so, and insisted every cup contain exactly 60 beans.

I wonder how he could tell (and who was brave enough to test him)?

4. Instant coffee has been around for 250 years.

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We see its first appearance in 1771 England, but it wasn’t mass produced until 139 years later, in 1910 (and in the States).

3. It has fueled Olympic dreams – literally.

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The Brazilian Olympic team had no money to get to Los Angeles in 1932, so they sold coffee along the way to fund the trip.

2. The average American spends over $1,100 a year on coffee.

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That’s a lot of green – I have to admit I do my part, though.

1. Some people would like to ban it.

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Governments were trying to ban coffee as recently as the 18th century, with reasons like its tendency to stimulate “radical thinking.” In 1746, Sweden banned coffee and cups and saucers.

How did people drink their tea??

Interesting, right?

What’s your favorite fact about coffee? Tell us in the comments!