What Are Coffee Beans?

The coffee beans that you brew are actually the seeds of a fruit called a coffee cherry. The coffee plant is perennial, which means that it will come back each year.

Coffee beans are high in concentrations of certain compounds - such as caffeine, and should be consumed in moderation. Learn more about this renowned seed.

Origin

The roasted seeds of the coffee plant are used to make the coffee beverage that is brewed. The beans are among the most popular and lucrative commodities in the world. The coffee plants are evergreen, woody shrubs that thrive in tropical climates. The majority of the world's beans is produced in the Bean Belt, which includes the regions around the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.

The most popular legend of coffee's origin begins with the goat herder Kaldi in Ethiopia. He observed that his herd became more active after eating the bright red berries from certain coffee plants. Kaldi shared this discovery with an abbot Best Types Of Coffee Beans To Buy Online a nearby monastery who made drinks using the berries. The energizing effects of the berries were then spread to other places.

Today, coffee beans come from two main varieties of the Coffea plant: Arabica and Robusta. Robusta is found primarily in Africa and Indonesia and is generally less expensive than arabica. In addition to the primary varieties, there are many smaller specialty beans that are a blend of robusta and arabica. These beans are referred to as peaberries and are more flavorful than standard beans.

During roasting, beans can lose moisture, which could cause them to become bitter or stale. To avoid this, it is crucial to select only fresh, premium beans for your coffee.

Flavor

The bean type, temperature and processing method can influence the four elements of taste -- acidity and bitterness, sweetness and saltiness. The level of these elements can produce a variety of flavor profiles ranging from sweet and fruity to nutty or even smoky.

When coffee beans are heated they react with amino acids inside the seed, forming hundreds of aromatic compounds that affect the flavor profile of coffee beans. This reaction is known as the Maillard Reaction, and it is found in almost all cooking. The aroma of beans roasted reflects these compounds.

While the Maillard Reaction affects the overall flavor of a roast, nonvolatile or volatile compounds also influence the flavor of a coffee. Unroasted or green beans can possess a flavor that is sweet, floral or earthy. Bitterness is often due to roasts with a full body that contain more caffeine, however it can also occur due to improper brewing techniques or storage.

Flavored coffee beans are flavored with flavor oils on them that preserve the beans and give them a distinct aroma and taste. These flavored oils are combination of natural and chemical flavors that range from vanilla to cinnamon to chocolate. The flavors attach to the beans by using an extremely chemical compound known as polyphenol.

Health Benefits

Coffee beans contain a vast range of nutrients that boost health like magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins. They're also an excellent source of antioxidants, that can help reduce the effects of oxidative stress (which can cause chronic illnesses like cancer and atherosclerosis). The antioxidant chlorogenic acids found in coffee beans are particularly beneficial against obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes and high cholesterol levels.

Coffee is also an effective natural energy booster which makes people feel more alert and active. Its caffeine boosts neurochemicals within the brain, improves mental vigilance and memory, increases cognitive function and aids in controlling blood sugar levels in the body. Drinking moderate amounts of caffeine has been shown to reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease and dementia. It can also improve mood, satisfaction and energy levels, as well as concentration.

Anti-aging: The antioxidants in coffee (including chlorogenic acids and caffeine) are a natural skin moisturizer which increases cell turnover and diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They also have UV protection properties, absorbing sunlight and preventing sun-induced damage to the skin.

Anti-depressant Coffee beans can be used as an anti-depressant, boosting serotonin and dopamine in the brain to increase the amount of happy hormones. It also eases pain and inflammation, acting as a natural painkiller, and enhancing the effectiveness medical painkillers. It also contains cafestol and Kahweol, two diterpene ester with lipolytic properties in the adipose layer, aiding in the fight against cellulite.

Caffeine

coffee bean coffee is among the most loved drinks in the world, and it has become an integral part of the routine of many mornings. Coffee beans are the seeds of the coffee plant or the coffee cherry. They are a source of caffeine, a natural stimulant. The caffeine content in coffee can differ based on the method of roasting and prepared. It can also be brewed. There are a few guidelines that can help you pick the right coffee.

The average coffee bean has approximately 2 milligrams per bean. However the exact amount will vary depending on its size and the degree to which it has been roasted. There is a common misconception that dark roasted beans contain more caffeine than lighter roasted ones however this isn't the reality. A dark roast coffee bean has less caffeine than light roasts due its lower density, but the overall amount of caffeine will be similar.

The recommended daily limit for caffeine is 400 milligrams. A typical cup of coffee contains 95 milligrams. Keeping within this range should not cause any adverse side effects unless you're sensitive to caffeine. Caffeine isn't harmful to those who aren't. However, it is important to be aware of how much caffeine you consume and to be cautious about overdoing.