What Are Coffee Beans?

The coffee beans you brew are actually the seeds of an edible fruit known as a coffee cherry. The bulk coffee beans plant is perennial, which means that it is able to return year after year.

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

Origin

The seeds that are roasted in the coffee plant are used to create coffee, a beverage that is brewed. The beans are one of the most coveted, and profitable international commodities. The coffee plants are evergreen, woody shrubs that flourish in tropical climates. The Bean Belt includes the areas that surround the Tropic of Cancer, and the Tropic of Capricorn.

The most popular origin story of coffee beans london began in Ethiopia with a goatherder named Kaldi. He discovered that the bright red berries of certain coffee plants caused his goats to be more energetic. Kaldi shared this discovery with an abbot of an adjacent monastery who prepared a drink using the berries. The energizing effects of the berries are spread throughout the monastery.

Today, coffee beans come from two major varieties of the Coffea plant: Arabica and Robusta. Robusta is found primarily in Africa and Indonesia and is generally more affordable than arabica. Apart from the major varieties, there are a variety of smaller, specialty beans that are a mix of robusta and arabica. These beans are referred to as Peaberries and have a more flavorful taste than standard beans.

When roasting, beans may lose moisture, which could lead to them becoming bitter or stale. To avoid this, it is crucial to use only fresh, premium beans for your coffee bean coffee.

Flavor

The bean type, process and climate can affect the four components of taste: acidity and bitterness, sweetness and saltiness. The intensity of these elements can create a wide range of flavor profiles ranging from sweet and fruity to nutty or even smoky.

When coffee beans are exposed to heat, they react with amino acids inside the seed, creating hundreds of aromatic compounds that influence their flavor profile. This reaction is known as the Maillard Reaction, and it is found in almost all cooking. The aroma of beans cooked is a reflection of these substances.

While the Maillard Reaction affects the overall flavor of roasts, nonvolatile and volatile compounds can also affect a coffee's taste. Unroasted or green beans may be a bit fruity, floral, or earthy. Bitterness can be associated with full-bodied roasts that have more caffeine. However, it can also be caused by improper storage or brewing.

Flavored coffee beans come with flavor oils which preserve the beans and add a certain scent and flavor. These flavored oils are a combination of chemicals and natural flavors that can include everything from cinnamon to vanilla to chocolate. The flavors are bound to the beans using polyphenol, a chemical compound.

Health Benefits

Coffee beans are an excellent source of potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins. They also are a great source of antioxidants to help fight the oxidative stress (which can lead to chronic diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis). The antioxidant chlorogenic acid that is found in coffee beans is particularly beneficial against obesity-related diseases, like diabetes and high cholesterol levels.

Coffee is a natural boost of energy that makes people feel more alert. Its caffeine boosts neurochemicals within the brain, improves memory and vigilance, boosts cognitive function and aids in controlling blood sugar levels in the body. Research has shown that drinking moderate amounts of coffee can lower the risk of Parkinson's disease and dementia, as well as increase happiness, mood as well as energy and concentration.

Anti-aging: The antioxidants found in coffee (including caffeine and chlorogenic acids) are a natural skin moisturizer, increasing cell turnover and diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They also possess UV-protection properties, filtering light and preventing sun damage to skin.

Anti-depressant: Coffee beans can be used as an anti-depressant which boosts dopamine and serotonin in the brain, which increases the level of happy hormones. It also reduces pain and inflammation by acting as a natural painkiller, and increasing the effectiveness of painkillers. Cafestol and Kahweol are diterpene esters compounds that have lipolytic properties. They help reduce cellulite.

Caffeine

Coffee is a favored drink all over the world. It has become an integral part of many people's morning routines. Coffee beans are the seeds of the coffee plant or coffee cherry. They are rich in caffeine, a natural stimulant. The amount of caffeine in coffee can differ depending on how the bean is roasted, brewed and prepared. But, there are fundamental rules regarding the amount of caffeine found in every coffee bean that will aid you in making smart decisions when it comes to choosing the right joe.

The average coffee bean (go directly to Couplering) is about 2 milligrams of caffeine per bean. However the exact amount will differ based on the size and the intensity at which it has been roasted. It is a common misconception that coffee beans that are darker roasted contain more caffeine than lighter roasted ones. This is not the case. Dark roast coffee beans have less caffeine than light roasts due to their lower density. However, the amount of caffeine remains the same.

The recommended daily limit for caffeine is 400 milligrams. A typical cup of coffee contains 95 milligrams. Aiming to stay within this range will not cause any adverse side effects unless you are sensitive to caffeine. Caffeine isn't harmful to those who aren't. However, it is important to keep track of how much caffeine you consume and to avoid overdoing.