What Are Coffee Beans?

The coffee beans are used to brew coffee are actually the seeds of a berry called the coffee cherry. The coffee bean coffee (Additional Info) plant is perennial, which means it is able to grow every year.

Coffee beans are high in concentrations of specific compounds - including caffeine, so they should be consumed in moderation. Find out more about this well-known seed!

Origin

Coffee is a drink made from the roasted seeds (beans) of the coffee plant. The beans are among the most coveted, and profitable international commodities. Coffee plants are woody evergreen plants that flourish in the tropics. The majority of the world's coffee 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 begins with a goat herder named Kaldi in Ethiopia. He noticed that his animals became especially active after eating the bright red berries of certain coffee plants. Kaldi shared his discovery with the abbot of a nearby monastery who made a drink out of the berries. The energizing effect of the berries spread from there.

Coffee beans today come from two main varieties of the Coffea plant: Arabica and Robusta. The latter is found primarily in Africa and Indonesia and is usually less expensive coffee beans than arabica. There are also smaller varieties that are a mixture of robusta and arabica. These beans are called peaberries and have more flavor than regular beans.

While roasting, beans can lose their moisture, which can lead to them becoming bitter or stale. It is important to only make use of fresh, premium beans for your coffee.

Flavor

The bean type, temperature and processing method can affect the four elements of taste - acidity and bitterness as well as sweetness and saltiness. These elements can be combined in a variety of ways to create various flavor profiles, ranging from sweet fruity to nutty and even smoky.

When coffee beans are heated they react with amino acids present in their seeds to form hundreds of unique aromatic compounds which affect their flavor. This process is called the Maillard Reaction and it is the same chemical reaction that occurs in almost all cooking. The result is that the scent of roasted coffee reflects those chemical compounds.

The Maillard Reaction is responsible for the overall flavor, however volatile and nonvolatile compounds also play a role in the taste of coffee. The flavor of a unroasted or green bean can be earthy, floral, fruity, or even chocolaty. Bitterness can be associated with roasts that are full-bodied and contain more caffeine. However, it could also be caused by improper brewing or storage.

Flavored coffee beans have flavor oils that preserve the beans and add a certain scent and taste. These flavored oils are mixture of natural and chemical flavors that can include everything from cinnamon to vanilla to chocolate. The flavors are bonded to the beans by polyphenol, a chemical compound.

Health Benefits

Coffee beans are a fantastic source of potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins. They also provide a valuable source of antioxidants that prevent the oxidative stresses (which can cause chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer). The antioxidant chlorogenic acid found in coffee beans is particularly beneficial against obesity-related ailments, such as diabetes and high cholesterol levels.

Coffee is a natural boost of energy that makes people feel more alert. The caffeine it contains stimulates neurochemicals in the brain, improves concentration and vigilance, enhances cognitive function, and helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body. Consuming moderate amounts of coffee has been proven to lower the risk of developing Parkinson's disease and dementia. It also boosts satisfaction, mood and energy levels, as well as concentration.

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

Anti-depressant - Coffee beans are a natural antidepressant. They increase serotonin levels and dopamine levels in the brain, increasing the amount of happy hormones. It also helps relieve inflammation and pain by acting as a natural analgesic, and enhancing the effectiveness of medical pain killers. Coffee also has cafestol and Kahweol, two diterpene ester with lipolytic properties within the adipose layer, helping to fight cellulite.

Caffeine

Coffee is one of the most sought-after drinks around the world and it has become integral to many of our morning routines. Coffee beans are the seeds of the coffee plant, or quality coffee beans cherry. They contain caffeine, a natural stimulant. The caffeine content in coffee can vary depending on how it is roasted and prepared before being brewed. There are a few rules that can help you select the right coffee.

The average amazon coffee beans bean contains approximately 2 milligrams of caffeine, however the exact amount varies according to the size of the bean and the degree of roasting it has been. There is a widespread belief that dark-roasted beans have more caffeine in them than light roasts, but this is not the reality. Dark roast coffee beans have less caffeine than light roasts because of their lower density. However the amount of caffeine is the same.

A typical cup of coffee has around 95 milligrams caffeine in it, but the recommended daily limit is 400 milligrams. Keeping within this range should not cause any negative side effects unless you're sensitive to caffeine. Caffeine is not harmful to those who are not sensitive. However it is essential to monitor how much caffeine you consume and be cautious about overdoing.