What Are Coffee Beans?

The coffee beans you drink are actually seeds from the coffee cherry. The coffee plant is perennial, meaning that it will grow each year.

Coffee beans are high in concentrations of certain compounds, such as caffeine, so they should be consumed in moderation. Learn more about this well-known seed!

Origin

The seeds that are roasted in the coffee plant are used to make the coffee beans for sale beverage that is brewed. The beans are among the most coveted and lucrative commodities in the world. Coffee plants are woody, evergreen plants that thrive 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 starts with the goat herder Kaldi in Ethiopia. He discovered that the bright red berries from certain coffee plants made his goats more energetic. Kaldi shared his findings with the abbot of a nearby monastery who made a drink out of the berries. The energizing effect of the berries spread.

Presently coffee beans are made by two main varieties of Coffea plants: Arabica and Robusta. Robusta is primarily in Africa and Indonesia, and is usually less expensive than arabica. Apart from the major varieties, there are smaller specialty beans that are a mixture of arabica and robusta. These beans are referred to as Peaberries and have a more flavorful taste than regular beans.

During the roasting process beans lose their moisture, which can result in them becoming stale and bitter. To prevent this from happening, it is crucial to use only fresh, premium beans for your coffee.

Flavor

The four components of flavoracidity, bitterness sweetness, and saltiness -- are influenced by the bean type, climate, and processing method. The amount of these components can result in a variety of flavor profiles, ranging from sweet and fruity to nutty or even smoky.

When coffee beans are heated they react with amino acids contained in their seeds to create hundreds of aromatic compounds that affect their flavor. This process is called the Maillard Reaction and it is the same chemical reaction that happens in nearly all cooking. The smell of beans that are roasted is a reflection of these compounds.

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 green or unroasted coffee beans bean could be earthy floral, fruity, or chocolaty. Bitterness can be associated with roasts with a full body that contain more caffeine. However, it can also be caused by improper storage or brewing.

Flavored coffee beans come with flavor oils on them which help preserve the beans as well as add a certain aroma and taste. These flavor oils are a mixture of natural and chemical flavors that range from cinnamon to vanilla to chocolate. The flavors stick to the beans by using an extremely chemical compound known as polyphenol.

Health Benefits

Coffee beans are a great source of potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins. They also provide a wealth of antioxidants, which help to prevent the oxidative stress (which leads to chronic diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis). The antioxidants found in the chlorogenic acids in good quality coffee beans beans are especially effective against obesity-related ailments such as diabetes and high cholesterol levels.

Coffee is a natural source of energy that makes people feel more alert. Caffeine increases neurochemicals, which improves alertness, memory and cognitive function. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels. Studies have found that drinking moderate amounts of coffee may help lower the risk of developing Parkinson's disease and dementia, and also improve mood, contentment and energy levels.

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

Anti-depressant Coffee beans can be used as an anti-depressant, boosting serotonin and dopamine in the brain to increase the level of happy hormones. It also helps reduce pain and inflammation by acting as a natural painkiller and enhancing the effectiveness medical painkillers. Cafestol and Kahweol are diterpene ester compounds that possess lipolytic properties. They help reduce cellulite.

Caffeine

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and it is now a part of many morning routines. Coffee beans are the seeds of the coffee plant, or the coffee cherry. They are a source of caffeine, a natural stimulant. The caffeine content in coffee varies based on how it is roasted, prepared and brewed. There are a few rules to help you select the best coffee.

The average coffee bean has about 2 milligrams of caffeine, however the exact amount will differ according to the size of the bean and the amount of roasting it has. It is a popular myth that coffee beans that are darker roasted contain more caffeine than lighter roasted ones. This is not true. Dark roast coffee beans will contain less caffeine than light roasts due to their lower density. However the amount of caffeine remains the same.

The recommended daily limit for caffeine is 400 milligrams. A typical cup of coffee contains 95 milligrams. If you're not sensitive to caffeine staying within this range should not have any negative consequences. If you're not sensitive to caffeine can still enjoy their coffee, but it is important to be aware of the amount caffeine you're inhaling and avoid excessive consumption.