International Coffee Day: Origin, Significance, Myths & Ways To Celebrate

On October 1st every year, the world’s most popular drinks is celebrated. International Coffee Day is an event that brings together coffee lovers, promotes the culture of coffee beans export, and appreciates the determination of coffee harvesters and growers. It’s a day to celebrate every individual who is involved in the process of coffee production, harvesting, brewing, and serving.

As a matter of fact, coffee comes third among the most consumed beverages in the world. It sits right under water and tea, which makes it quite a competitor in the beverage sector. The enormous exports are the proof of how obsessed people are with this bitter, yet pleasant-to-the-senses drink. With an exchange of 10 million bags of coffee varieties across the world each month, the beverage self-determines its importance. As a saying goes: “ Humanity runs on coffee.” The need for dedicating a day to this beverage seemed only fair.

Here is a list of the five most coffee-obsessed countries of the world.

1. The Netherlands
2. Finland
3. Sweden
4. Norway
5. Canada

Origin & History Of International Coffee Day:

There is no certain explanation as to who first invented coffee, but the roots of its origin date back to the nineteenth century. It’s said that an Ethiopian goat-herder found how his goats became energetic after consuming a particular plant, i.e., coffee plant, and later discovered its true potential as a drink. The history of coffee day is also not very well know, but it evolved with time, resulting in an official celebration of coffee day across the world.

People started consuming this drink regularly, and soon after, an international celebration of the widely beloved drink came along. The first ever mention of a dedicated coffee day was done at the All Japan Coffee Association in 1983. The US came forward in 2005, bringing forth the concept of national coffee day for the first time.

The Southern Food and Beverages Museum hosted a coffee event on 3rd October 2009, announcing New Orleans Coffee Festival and making the second public mention of the phrase, “International Coffee Day.” Later in 2014, the International Coffee Organization held a meeting, in which they decided to celebrate the first ever International Coffee Day in Milan, Italy. The launch took place on October 1st.

Reasons to Celebrate International Coffee Day: Recalling The Significance Of This Day

The day signifies the efforts of those who are involved in the manufacturing, processing, and provision of coffee to the masses. This day commends the struggles and hard work of millions of farmers, baristas, roasters, as well as the coffee shop owners. After all, it’s the workers of the coffee industry that have been helping people stay sane and awake every day with a mornin’ cuppa.

There is a coffee quote that says, “ Coffee is a hug in a mug.” And quite truthfully, it feels like one. It’s the thing that wakes us up in the morning, and gives us mental strength to go and ace the day. It’s the perfect motivation to move a limb, and hustle.

Here are some reasons why you should also celebrate International Coffee Day, whether you are a coffee lover or not.

• Coffee makes a great morning drink. The caffeine hits the system like a mental booster, bringing us energy to face the upcoming challenges. Celebrating coffee day is a way to celebrate your daily ritual.
• A great way to start a new relationship. “Coffee dates” are becoming widely popular in the world. It’s a great beverage to sip on while learning interesting details about a person you may be potentially interested in. World Coffee Day could be your perfect chance to go on dates as well.
• A number of coffee brands feature sales on International Coffee Day. You can go to a nearby local shop to get a good deal on your favorite brew.
• Coffee is widely available. No matter where you are in the world, it will be no challenge to stock up on some coffee beans. The wide variety and the accessibility are something worth celebrating, don’t you think?
• Coffee is cultural. Every country has developed its own heritage around this drink, and has also found its own brewing methods. World Coffee Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the coffee culture of your region.

Busting Some Myths About Coffee:

As with anything else, there are various myths around this caffeinated beverage as well. It has been linked to a number of things that are scientifically irrelevant or discrete. Here are some myths you must clarify before the next international coffee day shows up.

No. 1 Caffeine Is Highly Addictive

Now caffeine is a nervous system stimulant, but the statement “highly addictive” may be a bit of an exaggeration. Yes, coffee may cause slight physical dependency, but the habit of drinking it daily is easy to shrug off. The caffeine element of coffee is not dominant enough to impact your economic, social, or practical life in any way, unlike other “actually addictive” drugs. This means that coffee is addictive, but only mildly.

No. 2 Caffeine Is Likely to Cause Insomnia

Caffeine is a mental stimulant that boosts energy, and makes one feel awake upon consumption. However, the drink does not have any long-term effects. The quick absorption, processing, and metabolic activity of coffee mean that its effects are short-lived. This means that coffee has no direct connection with insomnia, or any other sleep disorders.

A coffee quote says: “ Coffee is a beverage that puts one to sleep when not drank.” It is especially great if taken in the morning.

No. 3 Caffeine Is Harmful for Pregnant Women

Many people think that daily coffee consumption might result in birth defects, miscarriages, conceiving difficulties, etc. However, there are no studies that confirm these misconceptions. According to the March of Dimes, a pregnant woman can have coffee of up to 200 ml (equal to about a mug) per day safely. This amount of coffee is unlikely to interfere with the baby’s growth or health.

No. 4 Caffeine Has a Dehydrating Effect

The person who invented coffee was an optimist, as he only focused on the energizing and reinvigorating effects of caffeine. Over time, people started saying that coffee is dehydrating. But when drank in moderation, the beverage does not cause any excess fluid loss. It may, however, act as a mild diuretic in case of excess consumption.

No. 5 Caffeine Can Help You Sober Up

A lot of people are under the impression that if they drink coffee with an alcoholic drink, they do not require extra time to sober up and drive. However, coffee does not restore your judgment and reflexes completely. You are likely to have car accidents even if you take coffee with vodka.

Interesting Facts About Coffee

There are many fun coffee facts you probably did not know of. What better time to recall them than on International Coffee Day? 

Here are some coffee history facts as well as some coffee-related jaw-droppers for you.

The two main coffee types are Arabica and Robusta

Arabica and robusta are two out of the four most popular coffee beans. Most coffee agriculturists prefer to grow Arabica species, as they are less bitter and contain lesser caffeine. However, robusta beans are also quite popular among the strong coffee seekers.

Coffee beans are actually seeds

The flowering shrubs of coffee plants contain cherry-like berries from where different types of coffee beans (seeds) are extracted. However, because these seeds look so much like legumes, they were given the name “beans,” despite being a seed in real.

Brazil is the biggest coffee manufacturer in the world

The International Coffee Organization claims that Brazil is the sole producer of the 3rd of the total coffee supply in the world. This makes it rank a step above Vietnam by twice the production and exports.

Espresso translates to “pressed-out” in Italian

Espresso is made by pressing coffee grounds, boiling water through them, and serving it as espresso shots. Espresso contains three times more caffeine than a regular coffee cup.

People who drink coffee regularly live longer

Taking coffee in a moderate quantity, i.e., three to four cup daily, has been linked to a longer life. A publication by Harvard Health has showcased a link between coffee consumption and a lower risk of diabetes, cardiovascular complications, and Parkinson’s disorder.

A 9-foot tall cup made the largest coffee cup

The Guinness Book of World Records features the biggest coffee cup containing about 3,487 gallons of coffee. This record was made in 2012.

The word “coffee” is derived from the Arabic word “wine”

The Arabic word qahwa, which means wine evolved to become kahveh in Turkish. The Dutch called it koffie, which later became the origin of the English word “coffee.”

A cup of black coffee only consists of one calorie.

If you skip sweeteners, milk, and creams, a basic cup of black coffee only contains 1 calorie. A lot less than Starbucks’s Frappucino with 88 gm of sugar. This means that you can sip your black tea in the morning without worrying about calorie overload.

Coffee grounds are applied to skin for beautification

Skin divas have been emphasizing the derma-related benefits of applying ground coffee beans to the skin for years now. Danusia Wnek, a chemist at Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab says that ground coffee beans work as a great physical exfoliator, helping you shed off dead skin cells. A DIY coffee mask will leave you with smooth and brighter-looking skin in minutes.

6 Best Ways To Celebrate Coffee Day

If you’re a coffee enthusiast, but are not sure how to celebrate this day, here are some tips for you. Various brands and restaurants celebrate coffee day on the 1st of October, featuring discounts, deals, and coupons. Here are some easy and fun ways you too, can celebrate International Coffee Day.

1.    Learn A Fun Coffee Quote

There are so many interesting coffee facts and sayings. Just type on the internet and find one that interests you the most, or one that is most relatable to you. Here are some of our favorites.

• “As soon as coffee is in your stomach, there is a general commotion. Ideas begin to move … similes arise, the paper is covered. Coffee is your ally and writing ceases to be a struggle.”

            Honore de Balzac

• “If it wasn’t for the coffee, I’d have no identifiable personality whatsoever.”
  David Letterman
• “Almost all my middle-aged and elderly acquaintances, including me, feel about 25, unless we haven’t had our coffee, in which case we feel 107.”
  Martha Beck

2.    Try Your Hands On A New Brewing Method

You may need to purchase a coffee cone or a Chemex for this one, but what better way to celebrate this day than to invest in a brewing apparatus? Learn a new method of brewing this International Coffee Day. You can find various brew guides online to learn, practice, and perfect a new technique today.

3.    Apply For A Coffee Subscription

You don’t have to be a resident of a caffeine capital in order to apply for one of the best coffee subscriptions. Do some research and find yourself a coffee subscription willing to deliver in your area. Have your everyday beans delivered to your doorstep all year long.

4.    Learn To Place Your Coffee Order In A Foreign Language

The word coffee has a similar pronunciation and origin in different languages, which means that you can easily learn to order it in a new language. A Qahwa in Arabic, Kopi in Malay, Kaffee in German, Kofe in Russian. They’re all super easy to pronounce, so learn a new way to order your coffee this International Coffee Day!

5.    Attend Coffee Cupping

The procedure through which coffee professionals determine the quality and taste of coffee beans is called cupping. Many roasters and cafes have now started to host cupping events where the general public is invited. You can go to one of these events happening in your locality to learn more about coffee flavors, types, and bitterness level.

6.    Try 3 Different Coffee Types In One Day

Most people just stick to one type of coffee, and forget what the rest of them taste like. Mark this day in your calender, go out to a restaurant, and try three different coffee brews you have never tried before. Make it a day to experience and appreciate the different kinds of coffees. You can also find a list of the most popular coffee types here. (backlink for promotional blog.)

Don’t let October 1st pass by plainly this year! Grab your coffee mug, start your brewing machine, and sip away the bitter goodness. If that doesn’t sound like your piece of cake, head over to a restaurant to try different coffee roasts. Find your own perfect way to celebrate International Coffee Day!