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10 Coffee Bean Tips All Experts Recommend
What Are Coffee Beans?

The coffee beans you brew are actually the seeds of the coffee cherry. The coffee plant is perennial, meaning that it will return every year.

Consuming coffee beans in moderation is recommended as they are high in caffeine and other substances. Learn more about this popular seed!

Origin

The seeds that are roasted from the coffee plant are used to create the coffee beverage that is brewed. The beans are one of the most sought-after and lucrative international commodities. The coffee plants are evergreen, woody shrubs that flourish in tropical climates. The Bean Belt includes the areas around the Tropic of Cancer, and the Tropic of Capricorn.

The most popular story about the origin of coffee begins in Ethiopia with a goatherder named Kaldi. He noticed that the bright red berries of certain coffee plants made his goats more energetic. Coffeee shared his findings with the abbot of a nearby monastery, who came up with a drink made from the berries. The energizing properties of the berries were then spread to other places.

Currently coffee beans are produced by two main varieties of Coffea plants: Arabica and Robusta. Robusta is mostly in Africa and Indonesia and is usually cheaper than arabica. There are also smaller varieties that are a mix of robusta and arabica. These beans are referred to as peaberries, and are more flavorful than regular beans.

When roasting beans lose their moisture which could result in them becoming stale and bitter. It is essential to make use of fresh, high-quality beans for your coffee.

Flavor

The four components of flavor- acidity, bitterness, saltiness, and sweetnesscan be influenced by bean type, climate, and the method of processing. The level of these elements can create a wide range of flavors that range from fruity and sweet to nutty and even smoky.

When coffee beans are heated they react with the amino acids contained in their seeds to form hundreds of aromatic compounds that affect their flavor. This process is known as the Maillard Reaction and it is the same chemical reaction that occurs in almost all cooking. The result is that the scent of coffee that has been roasted is a reflection of those substances.

While the Maillard Reaction affects the overall flavor of a roast, nonvolatile and volatile compounds also contribute to the flavor of coffee. Green beans, whether unroasted or not, can possess a flavor that is sweet, floral or earthy. Bitterness is usually related to roasts that are full-bodied and contain more caffeine, but it could also be due to improper brewing methods or storage.

Flavored coffee beans are coated with flavor oils to help preserve the beans while providing a specific aroma and taste. These flavor oils are a combination of chemicals and natural flavors that can include everything from cinnamon to vanilla to chocolate. The flavors are bound to the beans with polyphenol, a chemical compound.

Health Benefits

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

Coffee is a natural energy booster that helps people feel more alert. The caffeine in it stimulates neurochemicals in the brain that improve the vigilance and memory, improves cognitive function and helps control blood sugar levels in the body. Studies have found that moderate consumption of coffee can lower the risk of Parkinson's disease and dementia, as well as boost mood, happiness as well as energy and concentration.

Anti-aging: The antioxidants in coffee (including chlorogenic acids and caffeine) are natural skin moisturizers increasing cell turnover and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They also have UV-protection properties, absorbing sunlight and preventing sun damage to the skin.

Anti-depressant - Coffee beans are a natural anti-depressant. They increase dopamine levels and serotonin levels in the brain, which increases the level of happy hormones. It can also ease inflammation and pain, acting as a natural analgesic, and improving the effectiveness of pain killers. Cafestol and Kahweol are diterpene-based compounds that possess lipolytic properties. They can 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 actually the seeds of a plant called the coffee plant or coffee cherry, and they contain the natural stimulant caffeine. The caffeine content of coffee varies based on how it is roasted or prepared, as well as the method of brewing it. There are some rules that can help you choose the best coffee.

The average coffee bean contains about 2 milligrams of caffeine per bean, but the exact amount varies according to the size of the bean and the amount of roasting it has. There is a common misconception that dark-roasted beans have more caffeine than lighter roasted ones but this isn't the reality. A dark roast coffee bean is likely to have less caffeine in it than light roasts due to its lower density, however the total amount of caffeine will remain the same.

The recommended daily limit for caffeine is 400 milligrams. A typical cup of coffee contains 95 milligrams. If you are not sensitive to caffeine keeping within this range shouldn't cause any negative consequences. Caffeine isn't harmful for those who are not sensitive. However, it is important to monitor how much caffeine you drink and to avoid overdoing.