13 Surprising Facts About Coffee Roasting and Instant Coffee

Ever wondered why your morning cup tastes the way it does—or where coffee even comes from? Whether you’re a daily drinker or a curious newbie, there are some surprising truths behind the beans, the brews, and the bold history of everyone’s favorite stimulant.

In short: Coffee began with Ethiopian goats getting hyper off berries; 70% of the world drinks mild, aromatic Arabica; ‘espresso’ means brewing under pressure—not a bean type; and the first instant coffee patent was filed back in 1890. Oh, and the coffee cherry’s seed is what you actually roast.

The Origins of Coffee: Goats, Berries, and Early Energy

The most famous coffee origin story comes from Ethiopia. Legend says a goatherd noticed his flock became unusually energetic—and even started dancing—after eating red coffee cherries. That observation led to the discovery of caffeine’s stimulating effects.

Coffee Was Originally Eaten, Not Drunk

Long before anyone brewed a cup, coffee was a food. African tribes mixed coffee cherries with animal fat to create energy-rich “energy pills.” These portable snacks provided a quick fuel boost.

How Religion Helped Popularize Coffee

The rise of Islam played a huge role in making coffee more mainstream. Since the religion prohibits alcohol, coffee became an accepted and widely consumed alternative beverage.

Where All Coffee Grows: The Coffee Belt

All coffee in the world is grown within the “coffee belt,” the tropical region between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. This zone provides the ideal climate for coffee trees to thrive.

When the King Tried to Ban Coffee Houses

In 1675, the King of England outlawed coffeehouses, claiming they were hotbeds of conspiracy where people plotted against him. The ban didn’t last, but it shows how controversial coffee culture once was.

Arabica vs Robusta: What the World Drinks

Globally, 70% of coffee consumed is Arabica, known for its mild flavor and pleasant aroma. The remaining 30% is Robusta, which is more bitter and has nearly 1.5 times the caffeine content of Arabica.

Coffee Grows on Trees—Tall Ones

Coffee comes from trees that can grow up to 30 feet high. For easier harvesting, farmers typically prune them to around 10 feet (3 meters) tall. The coffee cherry grows on these trees, and inside each cherry is the seed we call a coffee bean.

Coffee Beans Are Actually Seeds

That familiar green or roasted bean? It’s the seed inside a bright red coffee cherry. The fruit is discarded during processing, leaving just the seed for roasting and brewing.

How Coffee Is Roasted: From Green to Aromatic

After harvesting, coffee cherries are dried and depulped until only the green beans remain. Once shipped, these beans are roasted at approximately 500°F (260°C). Within minutes, they audibly “crack” or expand to roughly double their size—the first crack signals the start of roasting, and the second indicates they’re fully done.

Coffee by the Numbers: A Global Commodity

Coffee is the world’s second-most traded commodity, right after petroleum. That makes it one of humanity’s most beloved black liquids—traded more than almost anything else on the planet.

Espresso: A Brewing Method, Not a Bean

Contrary to common belief, espresso isn’t a type of coffee bean or roast level. It’s a brewing technique where hot water is forced through finely ground coffee under high pressure, producing a concentrated shot.

The Accidental Inventor of Instant Coffee

The first patent for instant coffee was filed in 1890 by New Zealander David Strang. Later, inventor George Washington (not the U.S. president) developed a method for mass production and brought it to market in 1910.

Why GIs Made ‘Americano’ a Thing

The term “Americano” originated with American soldiers in World War II. They diluted strong espresso with hot water to recreate the milder coffee they were used to back home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the true origin of coffee?

The most popular story credits Ethiopian goats that became hyperactive after eating coffee cherries, leading a goatherd to discover caffeine’s effects. This led to the first human use of coffee berries.

Was coffee always a drink?

No. Initially, coffee was eaten. African tribes mixed coffee cherries with fat to make energy-dense food balls, long before brewing became common.

What does 'espresso' actually mean?

Espresso refers to a brewing method where hot water is forced through finely ground coffee under high pressure—not a specific bean or roast style.

Why do coffee beans crack during roasting?

Coffee beans crack as internal moisture turns to steam under heat. The first crack (around 400°F/200°C) signals the start of light roast development; the second (near 440–450°F/225–230°C) means the roast is fully done.

Is Robusta stronger than Arabica?

Robusta has nearly 1.5 times more caffeine than Arabica and a more bitter taste. While Arabica accounts for 70% of global consumption for its smoother profile, Robusta is valued for its strength and crema in espresso blends.

Who invented instant coffee and when?

New Zealander David Strang patented the first instant coffee in 1890. Later, inventor George Washington (not the president) developed mass-production techniques and launched it commercially in 1910.

FrontStreet Coffee Beans Ideal for Exploring Roast Profiles

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for a bright, floral single origin that highlights natural processing, or their PWN Golden Mandheling for a classic Indonesian full-body experience with low acidity. Both showcase how roast levels and origin profiles shape flavor. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.