Being an avid coffee connoisseur, you know what coffee has to offer. From decaf coffee to the most caffeinated shot of espresso, drinking coffee is a daily staple for many people around the world. However, you may know less than you think about one of the world’s most popular drinks. 

1. Coffee is extremely complex. 

People rave about wine for its varied flavor profiles that make each style unique and different. However, coffee is the same way. A coffee’s flavor isn’t universal, and it isn’t your shot of vanilla or hazelnut that adds to the delicious taste you can’t get enough of. In fact, the coffee seed starts the robust flavor development, and you can get flavors as complex as cherry, mandarin orange or even cognac based on the bean. 

2. Coffee can be deadly. 

When coffee beans are roasted, the natural sugars caramelize. However, if the beans are over-roasted, carcinogens can develop in the beans which leads to cancer and/or kidney disease. In addition, when the beans are grown, mold can develop on the bean. If this isn’t caught, myotoxins can develop in your favorite brew. Make sure you know where your coffee is coming from and its sustainability commitment to avoid getting a harmful cup. 

3. Coffee isn’t the best where it’s brewed. 

While Columbia and other South American countries are known for brewing the best beans, that doesn’t mean those countries have the greatest coffee. In fact, to keep up with the demand for coffee across the world, many of these countries have to export their best product. This means that what’s left for people isn’t the greatest. While there is awareness about this problem in poorer countries, and steps are being taken to try and address the issue, there’s still a lot of work to be done to keep good coffee where it’s grown. 

Coffee is a diverse and distinct drink that’s full of learning potential. Maybe the next time you’re sitting down with a steaming cup of your favorite coffee, you can spend some time learning about the complexity of its character, too.