167-Year-Old Coffee Beans Were Discovered In Melbourne

Many of us love waking up to the incredible aroma of coffee beans brewing in the morning. The smell reminds us of how delicious our next cup of joe will be and how it will provide that extra bolt of energy we need in those early hours. These characteristics also help to make java popular all over the world — with Statista reporting that over 166 million bags of coffee were consumed globally from 2020 to 2021. However, java seems to be particularly popular in Australia.

Not only do three out of four Aussies enjoy a daily brew each day, they now have historical proof that they've been enjoying it for over a century (via McCrindle). Archeologists in Melbourne, Australia, have recently unearthed old coffee beans that date back 167 years, according to 7 News.

"As immigrants came to Melbourne they brought their culture with them," said Chris Macheras, author of "Old Vintage Melbourne." I highly doubt they were making lattes and cappuccinos, but it just goes to show that coffee in itself has a long history."

The artifacts were initially found when archeologists were working on a Metro Tunnel project, which ultimately exposed the remnants of a grocery store that had been burned down in the Gold Rush era, per 9 News. Other items that were found on the site included imported English biscuits, fruit, and other goods.

Excavation director Meg Goulding told 9 News that part of what makes the artifacts so unique is the fact that they have been so well-preserved. This is because of a similar process that the Roman city of Pompeii went through, when it was engulfed in volcanic ash and carbonized.

Acting Premier Jacinta Allan added that this historical find is proof that Aussies have always enjoyed their java. "Remarkably, the coffee beans have been preserved and they are now part of the rare finds that we are uncovering as we get on and deliver the Metro Tunnel project," she said.