What Are Coffee Beans?
Coffee beans are the seeds of a cherry-like fruit or plant. They thrive at higher elevations and in similar climates to ones where they are planted. They also require certain levels and compositions of soil, moisture and other factors.
They are not only delicious, but they also have many health benefits. Coffee contains the amino acid trigonelline, which upon roasting transforms into nicotinic acid (a water-soluble B vitamin). It also contains phenolic acids, including chlorogenic acid, which helps reduce blood sugar.
Origin
Everyone knows what a roasted coffee bean looks like, but not many know that it began as an fruit. A coffee bean is a seed that is produced by a specific species of Coffea plant. The berries typically split open and each contains two beans, but in about 5% of all harvested beans, one bean does not split. This kind of coffee bean is called the peaberry. It is usually manually sorted out and sold in separate packages.
The majority of all coffee is grown in what is known as the "Bean Belt" an area of the globe that lies within the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer. Coffee is produced in many countries using various methods. Each method has its own distinctive taste profile and distinct characteristics.
It is not known where coffee was first cultivated, but it is widely believed that the first coffee plants grew in Abyssinia (now Ethiopia). The most well-known tale is about a goatherd referred to as Kaldi who spotted his goats screaming and excited after eating the brightly red berries growing on nearby shrubs. Kaldi tried the berries and felt the feeling of excitement. After this, he introduced the drink to his family and it gained popularity. It gained acclaim throughout the Islamic world during the 15th and 16th centuries despite Islamic authorities declaring it to be intoxicating which was banned by the Qur an.
Flavor
The flavor of coffee beans is affected by the location and the species, methods of farming and roasting process. It is possible to achieve different tastes by changing the temperature and duration of the roasting as well as the air flow during the roasting.
The flavor of coffee beans is affected by the kind of syrup used as the flavoring agent. Flavored coffee is usually made by spraying the beans with oil-based flavoring agents following the roasting process and waiting for 30 minutes so that they have time to absorb the oils. The coffee beans that are flavored are then graded and sorted.
The addition of flavor to coffee beans lets you customize the taste without changing the texture or color. The flavor of flavored coffee is often more intense than the regular unflavored coffee. This is because the coffee beans with flavor are soaked in flavoring syrup.
The flavor of coffee can also be influenced by a different spices that are added to it during storage. Mixing whole spices like vanilla, cinnamon sticks, and cocoa bean with freshly roasted beans will provide them with a unique flavor. This is especially effective when the roasted beans are kept in a airtight container.
Health Benefits
Coffee beans have been associated with numerous health benefits. These benefits include decreasing the risk of developing Alzheimer's Parkinson's disease, Parkinson's disease and other diseases. The caffeine contained in coffee beans has been found to improve memory and cognitive function. Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants that combat free radicals. The chlorogenic acid in coffee is believed to help prevent chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
Consuming coffee beans has been linked to a lower likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Research has also found that it can help reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, liver disease and cancers of the colon and the colorectal tract. Coffee is linked to improved brain function and could even aid in the prevention of depression. Different studies have demonstrated that the presence of certain acids found in coffee could boost levels of serotonin as well as dopamine.
Although drinking coffee beans raw is a safe option for the majority of people however, it should not be used as an alternative to a healthy diet and exercise. The effects of caffeine should not be over-exercised, since it can trigger jitters, anxiety, and insomnia. If coffeebeans suffer from acid reflux or have a sensitive stomach you should avoid coffee beans.
Preparation
The coffee plant produces a drupe or fruit, that has two seeds (or beans) placed flat against one other. Each fruit has an outer skin called the exocarp. It also has an incredibly thin layer of pulp on top. The coffee seeds are taken from their covers, separated and cleaned prior to roasting. The beans can be processed in three distinct ways: dry, moist, or a hybrid referred to as wet-processed. The beans are then roasted, and once done they can be ground or whole.
Coffee bean varieties have a wide range of flavors that can be used to complement many different drinks desserts, food and dessert recipes. The right coffee bean for your recipe will depend on the flavor and texture you want to achieve.
When the coffee bean is fully grown it has a solid wax layer that protects its aroma and flavor compounds from air. After grinding, however those compounds are exposed to the air, and they begin to lose their flavor over time. When you brew coffee the temperature of the water you use is crucial in preserving and capturing those flavors. Pouring coffee at a low temperature, you'll get less of the nascent flavors when you pour, whereas pouring at a high temperature releases more. This is why it's vital to make sure you brew your coffee at the optimal temperature for your tastes. If you don't do this the flavor will turn bitter or sour.