What Are Coffee Beans?

The coffee beans you use to brew are actually seeds from the fruit called a coffee cherry. The coffee plant is perennial, meaning it will return year after year.

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

Origin

Coffee is a drink made from the seeds that have been roasted (beans) of the coffee plant. The beans are a popular and profitable international commodity. Coffee plants are woody evergreen shrubs that grow in the tropical regions. The majority of coffee in the world is grown 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 beginnings began with a goat herder named Kaldi in Ethiopia. He noticed that his herd became more active after eating the bright red berries that were found in certain coffee plants. Kaldi shared his discovery with the abbot of a nearby monastery who brewed a drink using the berries. The positive energy of the berries grew.

Presently, coffee beans are produced by two major varieties of Coffea plants: Arabica and Dark roast coffee beans Robusta. Robusta is primarily in Africa and Indonesia and is generally cheaper than arabica. In addition to the primary varieties, there are also smaller specialty beans that are a blend of arabica and robusta. These beans are called Peaberries and have a scrumptier taste than regular beans.

During the process of roasting beans lose their moisture which could result in them becoming stale and bitter. It is essential to use fresh coffee beans, high-quality beans for your coffee.

Flavor

The type of bean, the processing method and Dark roast coffee beans climate can influence the four elements of taste: acidity and bitterness along with sweetness and saltiness. These elements can be blended in a variety ways to create various flavor profiles, ranging from sweet and fruity to nutty and even smoky.

When coffee beans are heated they react with the amino acids contained in their seeds to create hundreds of aromatic compounds that affect their flavor. This reaction is referred to as the Maillard Reaction, and it occurs in nearly every cooking. The result is that the smell of coffee that has been roasted is a reflection of those chemical compounds.

While the Maillard Reaction affects the overall flavor of roasts, nonvolatile and volatile compounds can also affect the flavor of a coffee. Unroasted or green beans may be a bit sweet, floral or earthy. Bitterness is often associated with full-bodied roasts that contain more caffeine, however it can also occur due to poor brewing methods or storage.

Flavored coffee beans in chocolate beans are coated with flavor oils to help preserve the beans while providing an aroma and flavor. These flavored oils are combination of natural and chemical flavors that range from cinnamon to vanilla to chocolate. The flavors bind to the beans coffee using the chemical compound polyphenol.

Health Benefits

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

Coffee is a natural energy booster that makes people feel more alert. Caffeine stimulates neurochemicals, which enhances alertness, memory and cognitive performance. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels. Drinking moderate amounts has been proven to decrease the risk of developing Parkinson's disease and dementia. It also boosts happiness, mood energy, concentration, and satisfaction.

Anti-ageing: The antioxidants present in coffee (including caffeine and chlorogenic acids) act as natural skin moisturizers increasing cell turnover and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They also provide UV-protection, filtering light and preventing sun damage to skin.

Anti-depressant Coffee beans can be used as an antidepressant which boosts dopamine and serotonin in the brain, which increases the level of happy hormones. It can also ease pain and inflammation by acting as a natural analgesic, and enhancing the effectiveness of medical pain killers. Coffee also contains cafestol as well as Kahweol, two diterpene ester with lipolytic properties within the adipose layer, aiding in the fight against cellulite.

Caffeine

Coffee is a well-loved drink throughout the world. It has become an integral part of many morning routines. Coffee beans are the seeds of the coffee plant or the coffee cherry. They are a source of caffeine, which is a natural stimulant. The caffeine content in coffee may differ depending on how the bean is roasted, brewed and prepared. There are some rules to help you select the best coffee.

The average coffee bean contains around 2 milligrams caffeine, however the exact amount can vary depending on the bean's size and the amount of roasting it has. There is a common misconception that dark roasts have more caffeine in them than lighter roasted ones however this isn't the situation. Dark roast coffee beans have less caffeine than light roasts because of their smaller density. However, the amount of caffeine is similar.

A typical cup of brewed coffee contains around 95 milligrams of caffeine in it, but the recommended daily limit is 400 milligrams. In the right range, you should not have any adverse side effects unless you are sensitive to caffeine. Caffeine does not cause harm to those who aren't. However it is essential to monitor how much caffeine you consume and be cautious about overdoing.