What Are Coffee Beans?

The coffee beans that you use to brew coffee are actually seeds of a fruit referred to as a coffee cherry. The coffee plant is perennial, meaning that it will come back every year.

Coffee beans are high in concentrations of specific compounds - including caffeine, and therefore should be consumed in moderation. Learn more about this renowned seed.

Origin

The seeds that are roasted in the coffee plant are used to create a brewed beverage called coffee. The beans are among the most well-known and lucrative international commodities. The coffee plants are evergreen, woody shrubs that flourish in tropical climates. The majority of coffee in the world is grown 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 history is that of the goat herder Kaldi in Ethiopia. He observed that his herd became especially active after eating the bright red berries of certain coffee plants. Kaldi shared his findings with an abbot of an adjacent monastery who prepared drinks using the berries. From there, the positive energy of the berries spread.

The coffee beans we have today come from two major varieties of the Coffea plant: Arabica and Robusta. Robusta is found primarily in Africa and Indonesia and is generally cheaper than arabica. There are many smaller varieties that are a combination of robusta and arabica. They are known as Peaberries and have a scrumptier taste than regular beans.

During roasting, beans can lose moisture, which could cause them to become bitter or stale. To avoid this, it's important to use only fresh, top quality beans for your coffee.

Flavor

The four components of flavoracidity, bitterness sweetness, and saltiness -- are influenced by the bean's type, climate and the method of processing. The level of these elements can create a wide range of flavor profiles ranging from fruity and sweet to nutty or even smoky.

When coffee beans are exposed to heat they react with amino acids present in the seed, resulting in hundreds of unique aromatic compounds that affect the flavor profile. This process is known as the Maillard Reaction and it is the same chemical reaction that occurs in virtually every cooking. The smell of beans that are roasted reflects these compounds.

The Maillard Reaction is responsible for the overall flavor, however volatile and nonvolatile compounds can also contribute to the taste of coffee. Unroasted or Lavazza coffee Beans green beans can have a taste that is sweet, floral or earthy. Bitterness is often associated with roasts with a full body that contain more caffeine. However, it could also be caused by poor processing or storage.

Flavored coffee beans are flavored with flavor oils which help preserve the beans as well as give them a distinct scent and taste. These oils that are flavored can be a mixture of chemicals and natural flavors, including vanilla, cinnamon and chocolate. The flavors are bound to the beans using an organic compound known as polyphenol.

Health Benefits

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

Coffee is a natural energy boost that makes people feel more alert. The caffeine it contains stimulates neurochemicals in the brain that improve concentration and vigilance, enhances cognitive function, and helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body. Research has shown that moderate consumption of coffee may help lower the risk of developing Parkinson's disease and dementia, and also increase happiness, mood, energy and concentration.

Anti-ageing: lavazza coffee beans The antioxidants (including caffeine and the chlorogenic acids) in coffee work as an natural moisturizer for skin, increasing cell turnover, which reduces wrinkles and fine lines. They also have UV-protection properties, blocking light and avoiding sun-induced skin damage.

Anti-depressant Coffee beans are a natural anti-depressant. They increase serotonin levels and dopamine levels in the brain, increasing the levels of happy hormones. It can also ease inflammation and pain, acting as a natural analgesic while enhancing the effectiveness of medical pain killers. Coffee also has cafestol and kahweol. These are diterpene esters with lipolytic qualities in the adipose tissue, thus helping to fight cellulite.

Caffeine

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks around the world and it has become integral to the routine of many mornings. Coffee beans are actually the seeds of a plant known as the lavazza coffee beans plant or coffee cherry, and they are a natural stimulant, caffeine. The caffeine in coffee can vary based on how the bean is processed, roasted, and prepared. There are a few rules that can help you choose the best coffee beans for latte coffee.

The average coffee bean has approximately 2 milligrams of caffeine per bean, but the exact amount can vary dependent on the size of the bean and the amount of roasting it has. 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 will contain less caffeine than light roasts because of their lower density. However, the amount of caffeine is similar.

A typical cup of brewed coffee contains around 95 milligrams of caffeine in it, however the recommended daily limit is 400 milligrams. Keeping within this range should not have any adverse unwanted effects unless sensitive to caffeine. Caffeine is not harmful to people who aren't sensitive. However it is important to keep track of how much caffeine you drink and to avoid overdoing.