10 Coffee Secrets That Will Change How You Enjoy It

1. Coffee Was Born from a Legend of Goats

The most popular story about the discovery of coffee takes us to Ethiopia, where a goat herder named Kaldi noticed his animals became unusually energetic after eating the red berries from a bush. He shared his finding with the abbot of a local monastery, who initially disapproved of the drink, throwing the berries into the fire. The roasted aroma emanating from the fire captivated them, and so they ground the seeds and dissolved them in hot water, creating what we now know as coffee. A story that reminds us that sometimes the greatest discoveries come from the most unexpected places.

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2. It’s Not a Bean, It’s a Seed!

Although we commonly refer to them as ‘coffee beans’, they are actually the seeds of the coffee cherry. Each cherry contains two seeds (or sometimes just one, known as a peaberry). This small botanical detail highlights the complexity of the plant and the process that leads to that perfect cup. The quality of the cherry, and therefore the seed, is essential for an exceptional artisanal coffee.

3. There Are More Than 100 Coffee Species, But Only Two Dominate the World

Although coffee biodiversity is immense, with more than a hundred identified species, 98% of the coffee consumed globally comes from two main varieties: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica, prized for its aromatic complexity, low acidity, and smooth flavor, is the king of specialty coffees and the preferred choice of artisanal coffee roasters in Mallorca. Robusta, with its higher caffeine content and more intense, earthy flavor, is ideal for espressos and blends seeking an energy boost.

4. The Roasting Process is an Art and a Science

The true character of coffee is defined in the roasting. This process, which raises the temperature of green seeds to over 200°C, is a delicate dance between time and heat. During roasting, sugars caramelize, acids transform, and volatile oils develop, creating the hundreds of aromatic and flavor compounds we love. A dark roast doesn’t always mean more caffeine—it’s a myth! In fact, a light roast may contain slightly more due to less caffeine being burned off. At Cafès Illes Balears (artisanal coffee from Mallorca), each batch is roasted with precision to highlight the unique notes of each origin.

5. Finland, the Country That Drinks the Most Coffee

If you thought Italy or Colombia were the biggest coffee drinkers, you might be surprised to learn that the title is held by Finland. With an average consumption of over 12 kg of coffee per person per year (compared to 4-5 kg in Spain), Finns have a deep coffee culture. For them, coffee is a daily ritual, an excuse to socialize, and an intrinsic part of their lifestyle. This shows us that the love for coffee transcends borders and cultures.

6. Caffeine Isn’t the Only Stimulant

Although caffeine is the star of the show for its stimulating effect, coffee contains a complex mixture of compounds that contribute to its effects on the body and mind. Beyond caffeine, there are other alkaloids such as theobromine (also present in cocoa) and a large amount of antioxidants. These compounds work in synergy, which explains why the effect of a cup of coffee often feels different from simply taking a caffeine pill. It is the natural alchemy of each seed that gives us that particular spark.

7. The World’s Most Expensive Coffee Passes Through a Digestive Tract

Prepare your taste buds for a surprise: one of the world’s most exclusive and expensive coffees, Kopi Luwak, owes its uniqueness (and price) to a very unusual process. This coffee is produced after the Asian palm civet, a small mammal, ingests the coffee cherries, digests them, and then excretes the seeds. The civet’s digestive enzymes alter the chemical composition of the seeds, removing some of the acidity and bitterness, resulting in a coffee with an exceptionally smooth and less bitter taste. Although controversial due to ethical concerns about animal treatment, it is an extreme example of how nature can influence the taste of coffee.

8. A Coffee Bush Can Be Productive for Decades

Behind every cup you enjoy, there is an amazing life cycle. The coffee plant, which is botanically a shrub (though it can grow large enough to resemble a small tree if not pruned), with proper care and conditions, can consistently produce coffee cherries for 20 to 30 years. Some plants even remain productive for over 60 years. This impressive life cycle highlights the dedication and ancestral knowledge required on coffee farms to cultivate and maintain these productive plants over time. It is a testament to the patience and commitment of coffee growers worldwide who, year after year, work to bring us this precious drink. This longevity also allows farms to develop more consistent and higher-quality flavor profiles over time.

9. Turkish Coffee Tradition, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage!

While Italian espresso seeks its recognition, other coffee traditions have already been elevated to the category of Cultural Heritage. A fascinating example is the Turkish coffee tradition, which was inscribed by UNESCO on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013. This recognition encompasses not only the unique preparation of Turkish coffee (finely ground, slowly brewed in a cezve or ibrik), but also the art of serving it, the social rituals associated with its consumption, and the culture of hospitality surrounding it. It is a testament to how coffee can be the center of complex cultural and social expressions, something that resonates with the care and passion for artisanal coffee that we craft at Cafès Illes Balears.

10. Coffee: One of the World’s Most Valuable Agricultural Commodities

Beyond being a universally beloved beverage, coffee plays a gigantic role in the global economy. Although it has been popularly said to be the second most traded commodity after oil (a claim that, while widespread, is not entirely accurate in total volume), what is undeniable is its immense value. Coffee is undoubtedly one of the most important and valuable agricultural commodities worldwide. Millions of people across the planet, from farmers in the distant mountains of Colombia or Vietnam to roasters in Mallorca, baristas in Milan, and consumers in Finland, depend on this industry. It generates billions of dollars in revenue and is a vital source of livelihood for entire economies in developing countries. This astonishing economic relevance underscores the importance of choosing quality, sustainable, and artisanal coffee, like the one we offer at Cafès Illes Balears, thereby supporting a fair value chain and a passion for good coffee at every link.