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What Are Coffee Beans?
The coffee beans that are used to brew coffee are actually the seeds of a fruit known as a coffee cherry. The coffee plant is perennial, meaning that it will come back year after year.
Coffee beans have high levels of certain compounds, such as caffeine, and should be consumed in moderation. Learn more about this well-known seed!
Origin
Coffee is a beverage made from the roasted seeds (beans) of the coffee plant. The beans are among the most sought-after, and profitable international commodities. The coffee plants are evergreen, woody plants that thrive in tropical climates. The Bean Belt includes the areas close to the Tropic of Cancer, and the Tropic of Capricorn.
The most popular legend of coffee's history is that of the goat herder Kaldi in Ethiopia. coffee beans delivery noticed that his animals became extremely active after eating the bright red berries of some coffee plants. Kaldi shared his findings with an abbot of a nearby monastery who made a drink using the berries. The energetic effect of the berries grew.
Currently coffee beans are made by two main varieties of Coffea plants: Arabica and Robusta. The latter is found primarily in Africa and Indonesia, and is usually cheaper than arabica. There are many smaller varieties that are a mix of robusta and arabica. They are known as peaberries and are much more flavorful than standard beans.
In the process of roasting, beans lose their moisture, which can result in them becoming bitter and stale. To avoid this, it is essential to select only fresh, high-quality beans for your coffee.
Flavor
The four components of flavor -- acidity, bitterness, saltiness, and sweetnessare influenced by bean type, climate, and processing method. These elements can be mixed in a variety of ways to create various flavor profiles, ranging from sweet fruity to nutty or even smoky.
When coffee beans are heated, they react with the amino acids in their seeds and produce hundreds of unique aromatic compounds that alter the taste of the beans. This process is known as the Maillard Reaction and it is the same chemical reaction that happens in virtually every cooking. The result is that the aroma of coffee that is roasted reflects these compounds.
While the Maillard Reaction affects the overall flavor of roasts, nonvolatile and volatile compounds also influence the taste of coffee. Unroasted or green beans can have a flavor that is fruity, floral or earthy. Bitterness is typically associated with full-bodied roasts that contain more caffeine, however it can also be due to poor brewing methods or storage.
Flavored coffee beans are coated with flavor oils that help to preserve the beans and add a specific aroma and taste. The flavor oils are made up of chemicals and natural flavors, such as vanilla, cinnamon and chocolate. The flavors are bonded to the beans by an organic compound known as polyphenol.
Health Benefits
Coffee beans contain a wide variety of nutrients that are good for health like potassium, magnesium and B vitamins. They are also a good source of antioxidants that help to prevent oxidative stresses (which can cause chronic diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis). The antioxidant chlorogenic acid found in coffee beans is particularly beneficial against obesity-related diseases, like the high cholesterol level and diabetes.
Coffee is a natural source of energy that helps people feel more alert. Caffeine boosts neurochemicals and improves alertness, memory and cognitive performance. It also aids in controlling blood sugar levels. Drinking moderate amounts of caffeine has been proven to decrease the risk of Parkinson’s disease and dementia. It can also improve mood, satisfaction energy, concentration, and satisfaction.
Anti-aging The antioxidants (including caffeine and the chlorogenic acids) in coffee act as an natural moisturizer for skin, increasing cell turnover to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. They also provide UV-protection that block light and prevent sun damage to skin.
Anti-depressant Coffee beans can be used as an antidepressant that boosts serotonin and dopamine in the brain to boost the levels of happy hormones. It also helps relieve inflammation and pain and inflammation, acting as a natural sedative and increasing the effectiveness of medical pain killers. Coffee also contains cafestol and Kahweol, two diterpene ester with lipolytic qualities in the adipose tissues, helping to fight cellulite.
Caffeine
Coffee is one of the most loved drinks in the world, and it has become an integral part of many morning routines. Coffee beans are actually seeds of a plant known as the coffee plant or coffee cherry, and they contain the natural stimulant, caffeine. The amount of caffeine in coffee can differ depending on how the bean is roasted, brewed and prepared. There are however some basic rules about the amount of caffeine in each coffee bean that can help you make smart decisions when choosing your joe.
The average coffee bean has approximately 2 milligrams in each bean. However the exact amount could differ based on the size and how darkly it was roast. It is a common misconception that coffee beans with darker roasts contain more caffeine than lighter roasted ones. This isn't the case. A dark roast coffee bean has less caffeine in it than light roasts due its lower density, however the overall amount of caffeine will be the same.
A typical cup of coffee has about 95 milligrams (mg) of caffeine in it, however the daily limit for consumption is 400 milligrams. If you are not sensitive to caffeine keeping within this range isn't likely to cause any adverse effects. Caffeine does not cause harm to people who aren't sensitive. However it is essential to be aware of the amount of caffeine you take in and avoid overdoing.