The history of coffee has been recorded as far back as the tenth century. During that time, coffee remained largely confined to Ethiopia where its native beans were first cultivated. Ethiopian highlanders first cultivated the coffee bean. However, the Arab world began expanding its trade horizons, and the beans moved into northern Africa and were mass-cultivated. From there, the beans entered the Indian and European markets, and the popularity of the beverage spread.

The word "coffee" entered English in 1598 via Italian caffè. This word was created via Turkish kahve, which in turn came into being via Arabic qahwa, a truncation of qahhwat al-bun or wine of the bean. Traditional Islam prohibits the use of alcohol as a beverage, and coffee provided a suitable alternative to wine.

Coffee was first imported to Italy, according to historic sources. The vibrant trade between the Italian city of Venice and the Muslims in North Africa, Egypt, and the East brought a large variety of African goods, including coffee, to this leading European port. Venetian merchants decided to introduce coffee to the wealthy in Venice, charging them heavily for the beverage. In this way, coffee was introduced to Europe. Coffee became more widely accepted after it was "baptized" by Pope Clement VIII in 1600 despite appeals to ban the Muslim drink. The first European coffee house opened in Italy in 1645.

Reference: History of Coffee, Wikipedia 2007

• In 2005, consumers spent £680 million on coffee
• In the UK, we drink approximately 70 million cups of coffee per day
• 85% of coffee drinkers in the UK take milk in their coffee and 57% add sugar
  

• Generally, coffee is grown within 1,000 miles of the equator, from the Tropic of Cancer in the north, to the Tropic of Capricorn in the south
• Coffee grows in more than 50 countries and is the second largest export in the world after oil
• Central and South America produce approximately two thirds of the world's coffee supply
• The best soil for growing coffee consists of leaf mould, other organic matter and disintegrated volcanic rock!
• The coffee tree produces its first full crop when it is about five years old. Thereafter it produces consistently for 15 to 20 years
• There are two main commercial types of coffee bean - these are Robusta and Arabica. Robusta coffee grows best at lower altitudes whereas Arabica is better suited to higher altitudes
• To make a roasted pound of coffee it takes around 2,000 Arabica coffee cherries. With two beans per cherry - this means around 4,000 beans are in a single pound of coffee
• It takes 42 coffee beans to make an espresso

Reference: British Coffee Association 2007

Many of us are increasingly confused about coffee and its impact on our health, according to a recent survey of over 1,600 people.

The survey found that less than 30% of people know that coffee contributes to our daily intake of fluid, and only 16% know that coffee is a good source of dietary antioxidants. Myths about coffee still prevail, with over 60% of us wrongly thinking it is addictive.

To combat this confusion, the British Coffee Association produced a guide to coffee and health.

For example, did you know:

• Coffee contains high levels of antioxidants compared to other popular drinks such as tea and fruit juice (antioxidants are thought to protect cells in the body from damage)
• Drinking a cup of coffee with an ibuprofen tablet can increase the painkilling effect
• Some research has suggested that drinking coffee on a regular basis may help protect against a range of diseases including type 2 diabetes, liver cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease

GP, Dr Sarah Jarvis, who authored a section of the guide, said: “There are so many myths about coffee that people worry unnecessarily about enjoying it. In fact moderate coffee consumption of 4-5 cups per day is perfectly safe for the majority of people and may confer health benefits.”

Recent scientific research supports the beneficial effects of coffee. The researchers attributed the potential protective effects of coffee to its role as a good source of dietary antioxidants.

Reference: British Coffee Associaton website 2007