What Are Coffee Beans?

The coffee beans that are used to brew coffee are actually the seeds of a fruit known as a coffee cherry. The coffee plant is perennial, which means that it will come back year after year.

Coffee beans contain high concentrations of certain compounds, such as caffeine, so they should be consumed in moderation. Find out more about this renowned seed.

Origin

The seeds that are roasted from the coffee plant are used to create coffee, a drink that is brewed. The beans are one of the most coveted, and profitable international commodities. The coffee plants are evergreen, woody shrubs that flourish in tropical climates. The majority of the world's coffee is grown 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 was particularly active after eating the bright red berries from certain coffee plants. Kaldi shared this discovery with an abbot from a nearby monastery who made drinks using the berries. The energetic effect of the berries was spread.

Currently coffee beans are produced by two major varieties of Coffea plants: Arabica and Robusta. Robusta is mostly found in Africa and Indonesia and is generally more affordable than arabica. There are many smaller varieties that are a blend of robusta and arabica. They are known as peaberries and are much more flavorful than standard beans.

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

Flavor

The four components of flavor -acidity, bitterness sweetness, and saltiness -- are influenced by the bean's type, climate and processing method. The degree of these elements can create a wide range of flavor profiles ranging from fruity and sweet to nutty and even smoky.

When coffee beans are exposed to heat, they react with amino acids present in the seed, creating hundreds of unique aromatic compounds that alter the flavor profile of coffee beans. This process is known as the Maillard Reaction and it is the same chemical reaction that happens in virtually every cooking. The result is that the flavor of coffee that has been roasted is a reflection of those compounds.

The Maillard Reaction is responsible for the overall flavor, however volatile and nonvolatile substances also play a role in the flavor of coffee. The flavor of a fresh or unroasted bean could be earthy floral, fruity, or even chocolaty. Bitterness is often related to roasts that are full-bodied and contain more caffeine, but it could also be due to poor brewing methods or storage.

Flavored coffee beans contain flavor oils on them that help preserve the beans and add a certain flavor and aroma. The flavor oils can be made up of chemicals and natural flavors like chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla. The flavors bond to beans using a chemical compound that is called polyphenol.

Health Benefits

Coffee beans are a good source of magnesium, potassium and B vitamins. They also provide a wealth of antioxidants, that can help reduce the development of oxidative stress (which can cause chronic illnesses like cancer and atherosclerosis). The antioxidant chlorogenic acids in coffee beans are particularly beneficial against obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes or high cholesterol levels.

Coffee is a natural boost of energy that makes people feel more alert. Its caffeine boosts neurochemicals within the brain, which improve the vigilance and memory, improves cognitive function and helps control blood sugar levels within the body. Research has found that moderate consumption of coffee can help reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease and dementia, as well as boost mood, happiness energy, and concentration.

Anti-ageing: The antioxidants (including caffeine and the chlorogenic acids) in coffee are natural moisturizers for the skin, boosting cell turnover, nearby which reduces wrinkles and fine lines. They also have UV-protection properties blocking light and preventing sun damage to skin.

Anti-depressant: Coffee beans can be used as an anti-depressant, boosting serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which increases the amount of happy hormones. It also eases pain and inflammation and pain, acting as a natural painkiller, and improving the effectiveness of prescription painkillers. Cafestol and Kahweol are diterpene-based compounds that have lipolytic qualities. They aid in reducing cellulite.

Caffeine

Coffee is among the most loved drinks in the world, and it has become an integral part of the routine of many mornings. Coffee beans are the seeds of the coffee plant, or coffee drinks cherry. They contain caffeine, which is a natural stimulant. The caffeine in coffee can differ depending on how the bean is roast, brewed and served. However, there are some fundamental rules regarding the amount of caffeine in every coffee bean that will aid you in making smart decisions when it comes to choosing the right joe.

The average coffee bean has approximately 2 milligrams in each bean. However, the exact amount can differ depending on its size and the degree to which it was roasted. It is a common myth that coffee beans that are darker roasted contain more caffeine than lighter-roasted ones. It's not the case. A dark roast coffee bean will contain less caffeine than light roasts due its lower density, however the overall amount of caffeine will be similar.

A typical cup of coffee contains around 95 milligrams of caffeine in it, however the daily limit for consumption is 400 milligrams. Aiming to stay within this range will not cause any adverse consequences unless you're sensitive to caffeine. People who aren't sensitive to caffeine may enjoy their coffee, but it's essential to be aware of the amount of caffeine you're inhaling and avoid overdoing it.