What Are Coffee Beans?

The coffee beans you brew are actually seeds from the fruit called a coffee cherry. The coffee plant is perennial, which means that it is able to return year after year.

Consuming coffee beans in moderation is recommended due to the fact that they are high in caffeine and other compounds. Find out more about this popular seed.

Origin

The roasted seeds of the coffee plant are used to create coffee, a beverage that is brewed. The beans are one of the most sought-after and lucrative international commodities. The coffee plants are evergreen, woody plants that thrive in tropical climates. Most of the world's coffee is grown in the Bean Belt, which includes the areas around the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.

The most well-known legend of coffee's history began with the goat herder Kaldi in Ethiopia. He noticed that his animals became extremely active after eating the bright red berries of some coffee plants. Kaldi shared this discovery with an abbot at the nearby monastery who had made drinks using the berries. The energizing effect of the berries took off from there.

Presently coffee beans unroasted beans are produced by two main varieties of Coffea plants: Arabica and Robusta. The latter is found primarily in Africa and Indonesia, and is usually cheaper than arabica. In addition to the major varieties, there are a variety of smaller, specialty beans that are a mix of arabica and robusta. They are known as Peaberries and have a scrumptier taste than standard beans.

In the process of roasting, beans lose their moisture which could result in them becoming bitter and stale. To prevent this from happening, it is crucial to use only fresh, high-quality beans for your coffee.

Flavor

The four components of flavor -- acidity, bitterness, sweetness, and saltiness -can be influenced by bean type, climate, and the method of processing. The intensity of these elements can produce 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 within the seed, forming hundreds of aromatic compounds that alter the flavor profile. This process is known as the Maillard Reaction and it is the same chemical reaction that happens in all cooking. The result is that the scent of roasted coffee reflects those substances.

The Maillard Reaction is responsible for the overall flavor, but volatile and nonvolatile compounds also play a role in the flavor of coffee. The taste of a fresh or unroasted coffee beans bean may be earthy, floral, fruity, or chocolatey. Bitterness can be associated with roasts that are full-bodied and contain more caffeine. However, it can be caused by faulty processing or storage.

Flavored coffee beans contain flavor oils on them which preserve the beans and give them a distinct aroma and taste. These oils that are flavored can be mixed with chemicals and natural flavors, such as vanilla, cinnamon and chocolate. The flavors stick to the beans with the help of a chemical compound that is called polyphenol.

Health Benefits

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

Coffee is also a natural energy booster that helps people feel more alert and energetic. Caffeine stimulates neurochemicals that improves memory, alertness, and cognitive performance. It also aids in controlling blood sugar levels. Drinking moderate amounts of coffee has been proven to decrease the risk of developing Parkinson's disease and dementia. It can also improve mood, satisfaction and energy levels as well as concentration.

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

Anti-depressant Coffee beans can be used as an antidepressant which boosts dopamine and serotonin in the brain to boost the amount of happy hormones. It also eases pain and inflammation by acting as a natural painkiller, and increasing the effectiveness of painkillers. Cafestol and Kahweol, both diterpene ester compounds with lipolytic properties. They aid in reducing cellulite.

Caffeine

Coffee is among the most popular drinks around the world, and it has become an integral part of numerous morning routines. Coffee beans are actually the seeds of a plant called the coffee plant or coffee cherry, and they are a natural stimulant, caffeine. The caffeine in coffee can vary based on how the bean is made, roasted, and brewed. But, there are basic rules about the amount of caffeine present in each coffee bean that can assist you in making the right choices when selecting your joe.

The average coffee bean contains around 2 milligrams caffeine per bean, but the exact amount will vary dependent on the size of the bean and the amount of roasting it has. There is a widespread belief that darker roasted beans have more caffeine in them than light roasted ones, but this is not the case. Dark roast coffee beans contain less caffeine than light roasts because of their smaller density. However, the amount of caffeine is the same.

The recommended daily limit for caffeine is 400 milligrams. A typical cup of coffee has 95 milligrams. If you're not sensitive to caffeine keeping within this range shouldn't cause any negative effects. If you're not sensitive to caffeine can enjoy their coffee, but it's important to be aware of the amount of caffeine you're ingesting and avoid excessive consumption.