Question 1

What is coffee?

Accepted Answer

Coffee is a drink made from roasted beans. These beans come from fruits that grow on coffee plants.

Question 2

Where did coffee first come from?

Accepted Answer

Coffee was discovered in Ethiopia, a country in Africa. It was later spread to other parts of the world.

Question 3

How did people first discover coffee?

Accepted Answer

Legend says a goat herder named Kaldi noticed his goats became very energetic after eating coffee berries. He tried the berries, felt energetic too, and shared his discovery.

Question 4

How is coffee grown?

Accepted Answer

Coffee plants are grown in warm places with lots of rain. When the fruits, called cherries, are ripe, they are picked and the beans inside are used for coffee.

Question 5

What happens to coffee beans before they become a drink?

Accepted Answer

After being picked, the beans are dried, roasted to bring out flavor, and then ground up. The ground coffee is mixed with hot water to make the drink.

Question 6

Why do people drink coffee?

Accepted Answer

Many people drink coffee because it helps them feel more awake and energetic. The taste and smell are also reasons why people enjoy coffee.

Question 7

What makes coffee taste bitter?

Accepted Answer

The roasting process gives coffee its bitter taste. The longer the beans are roasted, the stronger and more bitter the taste can be.

Question 8

How does caffeine work in coffee?

Accepted Answer

Caffeine is a natural chemical in coffee that makes people feel more awake. It stimulates the brain, which can help people feel alert.

Question 9

Is coffee good for you?

Accepted Answer

Coffee has some good parts, like antioxidants, which help the body stay healthy. But too much coffee can make some people feel jittery or keep them awake at night.

Question 10

Are there different types of coffee beans?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are two main types of coffee beans: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder, while Robusta beans are stronger and more bitter.

Question 11

What is decaf coffee?

Accepted Answer

Decaf coffee is coffee that has most of the caffeine taken out. People who like the taste of coffee but don't want caffeine often choose decaf.

Question 12

How did coffee spread around the world?

Accepted Answer

Coffee traveled with traders and explorers. It became popular in places like the Middle East, Europe, and eventually worldwide.

Question 13

What is espresso?

Accepted Answer

Espresso is a strong type of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee. It has a rich and concentrated taste.

Question 14

Why is coffee sometimes called a 'bean' if it grows in a fruit?

Accepted Answer

The coffee 'bean' is actually the seed inside the fruit, called a cherry. We just call it a bean because it looks like one!

Question 15

What are coffeehouses?

Accepted Answer

Coffeehouses are places where people gather to drink coffee, relax, and talk. They became popular for social gatherings and meetings.

Question 16

How long has coffee been around?

Accepted Answer

Coffee has been around for hundreds of years. It became widely known in the 1400s and 1500s.

Question 17

Can kids drink coffee?

Accepted Answer

Coffee is usually for adults because of the caffeine. Drinking too much can be bad for kids, so it's better to choose other drinks.

Question 18

What makes coffee smell so good?

Accepted Answer

The smell comes from the oils released when coffee is roasted. These oils have rich and delicious aromas that many people love.

Question 19

Is iced coffee different from hot coffee?

Accepted Answer

Iced coffee is hot coffee cooled down and served with ice. It's refreshing, especially on hot days, but tastes similar to regular coffee.

Question 20

Why do people dunk cookies in coffee?

Accepted Answer

Dunking cookies in coffee makes them warm and soft, enhancing their flavor. It's a delicious treat that combines the tastes of coffee and cookies.

The History and Science of Coffee - 20 FAQs Explained Simply