9 facts about coffee on National Coffee Day

ORLANDO, Fla. — Ah, coffee. For many of us it’s hard to imagine starting our day without it. So grab a mug and sip away as you read these 9 things to know on 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 Sufi Monks in the Port of Mokha roasted and brewed coffee much like we do today.

2. Coffee is world wide.

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

Read: National Coffee Day 2020: Free drinks and deals at Starbucks, Dunkin', Krispy Kreme and others

3. America loves coffee.

It is believed that Americans consume 400 million cups of coffee per day, making the United States the leading consumer of coffee in the world.

4. There is a Starbucks at CIA headquarters.

According to the CIA’s own website, “Store Number 1” is just 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 elect a president.

In 1862 a young Sgt. William McKinley is said to have brought hot coffee to fellow soldiers during the battle of Antietam. The tale of McKinley’s “barista bravery” would become a prominent story in 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 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 both 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 amount of coffee grounds, then poured over ice. Cold brew, on the other hand, 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’s bad for you. Wait! It’s healthy again.

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

Do you always want to be the first to know what’s happening in Central Florida? Download the WFTV news app and watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News.

You can also click here to have updates sent straight to your inbox.

WFTV