What Are Coffee Beans?

The coffee beans you drink are actually seeds from a fruit called a coffee cherry. The coffee plant is a perennial plant, which means that it will return every year.

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

Origin

The seeds that are roasted in the coffee plant are used to make coffee, a beverage that is brewed. The beans are a favored and profitable international commodity. The coffee plants are evergreen, woody shrubs that grow in tropical climates. The majority of the world's coffee is produced in the Bean Belt, which includes the areas surrounding the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.

The most well-known origin story of coffee begins in Ethiopia with a goatherder named Kaldi. He observed that his herd became especially energetic after eating the bright red berries that were found in certain coffee plants. Kaldi shared this discovery with an abbot from the nearby monastery who had made drinks using the berries. The energizing effect of the berries spread from there.

Today, coffee beans are derived from two main varieties of the Coffea plant: Arabica and Robusta. The latter is found predominantly in Africa and Indonesia and is typically less expensive than arabica. There are also smaller varieties that are a mixture of robusta and arabica. They are known as peaberries, and are more flavorful than standard beans.

During roasting, beans can lose their moisture, which can lead to them becoming bitter or stale. To avoid this, it's important to use only fresh, high-quality beans for your coffee.

Flavor

The bean's variety, process and Coffee Bean Club climate can influence the four elements of taste - bitterness and acidity along with sweetness and saltiness. The level of these elements can result in a variety of flavors that range from sweet and fruity to nutty or even smoky.

When coffee beans are heated they react with amino acids present in their seeds to form hundreds of unique aromatic compounds which alter the taste of the beans. This reaction is known as the Maillard Reaction, and it occurs in virtually all cooking. The aroma of beans cooked is a reflection of these compounds.

While the Maillard Reaction affects the overall flavor of the roast, nonvolatile as well as volatile compounds also contribute to the taste of coffee. Green or unroasted beans can have a flavor that is fruity, floral, or earthy. Bitterness is often linked to roasts with a full body that contain more caffeine. However, it can also be caused by improper preparation or storage.

Flavored coffee beans are coated with flavor oils to help preserve the beans, while also adding a specific aroma and taste. These oils that are flavored can be mixed with chemicals and natural flavors, including cinnamon, vanilla and chocolate. The flavors are linked to the beans with a chemical compound called polyphenol.

Health Benefits

Coffee beans are a great source of potassium, magnesium and B vitamins. They're also a good source of antioxidants, which prevent the oxidative stress (which can cause chronic illnesses like cancer and atherosclerosis). The antioxidant chlorogenic acids found in coffee beans are especially effective against obesity-related ailments such as diabetes and high cholesterol levels.

Coffee is also a natural energy booster, helping people feel more alert and energetic. The caffeine it contains stimulates neurochemicals in the brain, which improve concentration and vigilance, enhances cognitive function and helps to regulate blood sugar levels in the body. Drinking moderate amounts has been proven to decrease the risk of developing Parkinson's disease and dementia. It also boosts happiness, mood and energy levels, as well as concentration.

Anti-aging: The antioxidants found in coffee (including caffeine and chlorogenic acids) serve as an natural moisturizer for the skin which increases cell turnover and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They also have UV-protection properties, absorbing light and avoiding sun-induced skin damage.

Anti-depressant - Coffee beans are a natural anti-depressant. They increase dopamine levels and serotonin levels in the brain, thereby increasing the amount of happy hormones. It also eases inflammation and pain by acting as a natural analgesic, and increasing the effectiveness of medical pain killers. Cafestol and Kahweol, both diterpene ester compounds that have lipolytic qualities. They help reduce cellulite.

Caffeine

Coffee is among the most popular drinks around the world and it is now a part of the routine of many mornings. Coffee beans are the seeds of the coffee plant, or coffee cherry. They are a source of caffeine, which is a natural stimulant. The caffeine in coffee can differ based on how the bean is made, roasted, and brewed. There are a few guidelines that can help you select the best coffee.

The average coffee bean is around 2 milligrams of caffeine. However the exact amount may depend on the size and the intensity at which it was roasted. There is a widespread misconception that coffee beans with darker roasts contain more caffeine than lighter roasted ones. This is not true. A dark roast coffee bean will contain less caffeine than a light roast due to its lower density, however the total amount of caffeine will be the same.

The recommended daily limit for caffeine is 400 milligrams. A typical cup of coffee bean club (Coffeee says) contains 95 milligrams. Aiming to stay within this range will not have any adverse side effects unless you're sensitive to caffeine. Caffeine isn't harmful to people who aren't sensitive. However it is crucial to be aware of the amount of caffeine you consume and to avoid overdoing.