What Are Coffee Beans?

The coffee beans you use to brew your coffee are actually seeds of a berry called a coffee cherry. The coffee plant is perennial, meaning that it will return each year.

Coffee beans are high in concentrations of certain compounds - such as caffeine, and therefore should be consumed in moderation. Find out more about this well-known seed.

Origin

The seeds that are roasted from the coffee plant are used to make a brewed beverage called coffee. The beans are among the most sought-after and lucrative commodities in the world. Coffee plants are woody evergreen shrubs that grow in the tropical regions. The majority of the world's coffee is produced in the Bean Belt, which includes the areas around the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.

The most widely-known myth of coffee's beginnings starts with the goat herder Kaldi in Ethiopia. He noticed that his herd was particularly active after eating the bright red berries that were found in certain coffee plants. Kaldi shared his findings with the abbot of a nearby monastery, who made a drink out of the berries. The energizing properties of the berries took off from there.

Today, coffee beans are derived from two major varieties of the Coffea plant: Arabica and Robusta. Robusta is primarily in Africa and Indonesia and is usually less expensive than arabica. In addition to the primary varieties, there are smaller specialty beans that are a mixture of arabica and robusta. These beans are called peaberries, and are more flavorful than standard beans.

While roasting, beans can lose moisture, which could cause them to become stale or bitter. To prevent this from happening, it is important to use only fresh, top quality beans for your coffee.

Flavor

The four components of flavor -- acidity, bitterness, saltiness, sweetness and acidityare influenced by bean type, climate, and processing method. These components can be used in a variety ways to create different flavor profiles, from sweet and fruity to nutty, and even smoky.

When coffee beans are heated, they react with the amino acids contained in their seeds and produce hundreds of unique aromatic compounds which influence their flavor profile. This reaction is known as the Maillard Reaction, and it occurs in virtually all cooking. The result is that the smell of roasted coffee is a reflection of these chemical compounds.

The Maillard Reaction is responsible for the overall flavor, but volatile and nonvolatile components also contribute to the flavor of coffee. The taste of a unroasted or green bean may be earthy, fruity, floral or chocolatey. Bitterness can be a result of roasts that are full-bodied and contain more caffeine. However, it could also be caused by improper storage or brewing.

Flavored coffee beans contain flavor oils which preserve the beans and give them a distinct flavor and aroma. The flavor oils are composed of chemicals as well as natural flavors, including vanilla, cinnamon and chocolate. The flavors are bound to the beans by an organic compound known as polyphenol.

Health Benefits

Coffee beans are packed with a variety of nutrients that promote health, such as magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins. They also provide a valuable source of antioxidants that prevent the oxidative stresses (which can lead to chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer). The antioxidant chlorogenic acid that is found in coffee beans is especially effective against obesity-related illnesses like the high cholesterol level and diabetes.

Buy L'OR Espresso Colombia Coffee Beans 500G (his response) is also an effective natural energy booster that helps people feel more alert and energized. Caffeine stimulates neurochemicals, which enhances alertness, memory, and cognitive function. It also helps control blood sugar levels. Research has found that drinking moderate amounts of coffee can help reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease and dementia, as well as improve mood, contentment energy, and concentration.

Anti-aging The antioxidants (including caffeine and the chlorogenic acids) in coffee serve as an natural moisturizer for skin, increasing cell turnover, which reduces wrinkles and fine lines. They also possess UV-protection properties blocking light and preventing sun-induced damage to the skin.

Anti-depressant: Coffee beans can be used as an anti-depressant which boosts dopamine and serotonin in the brain to increase the levels of happy hormones. It also helps relieve pain and inflammation and inflammation, acting as a natural analgesic, and improving the effectiveness of medical pain killers. Coffee also contains cafestol and kahweol. These are diterpene esters with lipolytic properties within the adipose layer, helping to fight cellulite.

Caffeine

Coffee is among the most popular drinks around the world and has become a staple of many morning routines. Coffee beans are the seeds of the coffee plant or coffee cherry. They are rich in caffeine, a natural stimulant. The caffeine in coffee may differ depending on how the bean is made, roasted, and brewed. There are certain rules that can help you pick the best coffee.

The average bulk coffee beans bean contains around 2 milligrams of caffeine. However the exact amount could vary depending on its size and how darkly it has been roast. There is a common misconception that darker roasted beans have more caffeine than light roasted ones however this isn't the reality. A dark roast coffee bean will have less caffeine than a light roast due to its lower density, however the overall amount of caffeine will be the same.

The daily limit recommended for caffeine is 400 milligrams. A typical cup of coffee has 95 milligrams. If you're not sensitive to caffeine, staying within this range isn't likely to cause any adverse consequences. For those who aren't sensitive to caffeine may enjoy their coffee, however it's essential to be aware of the amount of caffeine you're inhaling and avoid excessive consumption.