5 Weird and Wonderful Coffee Facts You Didn’t Know

Ever wondered why your coffee cools faster in a saucer, or whether there’s more to coffee than just drinking it? Whether you’re a curious barista or a home enthusiast digging into the stranger side of specialty coffee, this article explores five lesser-known but completely real coffee-related stories that might make you rethink your morning cup.

In short: Yes, there really was a pope who blessed coffee, a US chemist who invented early instant coffee, and a Japanese spa where you can bathe in coffee. And no, nobody ever used their coffee saucer to drink from — though they probably should have.

Coffee Baths in Japan: Spa Treatment with a Caffeine Kick

Located in Hakone, Japan, a well-known spa resort offers an unusual therapeutic experience: bathing in coffee. Alongside options like wine, chocolate, and green tea, visitors can soak in vats of coffee. The coffee bath costs 2,800 yen, and guests are encouraged to pour coffee over themselves. Right next door is a "ramen bath" where you can literally swim in noodles — for those who really want to take sensory immersion to the next level.

The Pope, the Devil’s Drink, and a Surprising Verdict

According to travel writer and professor Frances Hayes in her book A Year in the World, religious leaders once tried to ban coffee, claiming it was the devil’s beverage. The story — whose pope is unclear (possibly Clement VII or Clement VIII) — says the pontiff tried coffee, found it delicious, and declared it a blessed drink instead. While its historical accuracy is debated, the tale helps explain part of coffee’s surprising spread through Europe.

Why Your Coffee Saucer Was Meant for Cooling — Not Drinking

A oft-told (but unconfirmed) story involves Thomas Jefferson asking George Washington why he poured his coffee onto a saucer. The reply? That saucers were designed to cool coffee, since human throats aren’t made of brass. Though likely apocryphal, the story points to a real historical function: coffee saucers were commonly used to cool drinks quickly before sipping. Today, nobody drinks from them — but they used to serve a practical purpose.

The Accidental Inventor of Instant Coffee

While Japanese inventor Sartori Kato created the first soluble coffee, it wasn’t until 1901 that large-scale production became possible. That’s when American chemist George Washington (no relation to the president) developed the first commercially viable instant coffee in Chicago. His brand, Red E Coffee, wasn’t highly regarded — but it gained unexpected popularity among WWI soldiers, who relied on it in the field.

Starbucks Almost Sailed the Seas as 'Moby Dick'

The original founders of Starbucks were big fans of Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick, and initially wanted to name their coffee shop after the novel — reflecting their love of seafaring. Their passion for maritime themes even influenced the now-iconic siren logo. But practical shareholders steered the business toward coffee, and the nautical naming stayed only in symbolism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did a pope really bless coffee?

According to travel writer Frances Hayes, an unnamed pope — possibly Clement VII or Clement VIII — was urged to ban coffee as the “devil’s drink,” but after tasting it, declared it blessed by God. While the historical accuracy is uncertain, the story appears in at least one reputable source and illustrates how coffee overcame early religious opposition.

Is it true you can bathe in coffee in Japan?

Yes. In Hakone, Japan, a spa resort offers coffee baths alongside other immersive experiences like chocolate, wine, green tea, and even a ramen bath. The coffee bath costs 2,800 yen, and guests are invited to pour coffee over themselves as part of the spa treatment.

Why did people put coffee in saucers?

Anecdotal accounts — though unverified — suggest that coffee saucers were originally used to cool hot coffee quickly. One story claims Thomas Jefferson asked George Washington why he poured coffee onto his saucer, to which Washington replied that saucers were designed for cooling, not drinking.

Who invented instant coffee first?

Japanese inventor Sartori Kato created the first soluble coffee, but large-scale production began in 1901 when American chemist George Washington developed a commercial process in Chicago. His brand, Red E Coffee, was used widely by WWI soldiers and marked the start of modern instant coffee.

Why did Starbucks almost get named Moby Dick?

The original founders were fans of Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick and wanted a name reflecting their love of the sea. They considered Moby Dick but were talked out of it by shareholders. The maritime theme survived only in the siren logo design.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Coffee Exploration

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for bright floral and citrus notes, perfect for appreciating coffee’s diverse flavour potential — much like those who bathe in it in Japan. For something richer, their Brazil Queen Manor offers chocolatey and nutty profiles akin to the baked treats in coffee spa treatments. Finally, their Panama Humbera brings wine-like complexity, echoing the luxurious sensory experiences linked to coffee culture. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.