What Are Coffee Beans? The coffee beans you brew are actually seeds from the coffee cherry. The coffee plant is perennial, meaning that it comes back year after year. Coffee beans contain high concentrations of certain compounds - such as caffeine, so they should be consumed in moderation. Learn more about this popular seed! Origin Coffee is a beverage made from the seeds that have been roasted (beans) of the coffee plant. The beans are among the most well-known and lucrative international commodities. Coffee plants are woody evergreen shrubs that grow in the tropical regions. The Bean Belt includes the areas close to the Tropic of Cancer, and the Tropic of Capricorn. The most famous legend about coffee's origin is that of a goat herder named Kaldi in Ethiopia. He noticed that the bright red berries produced by certain coffee plants made his goats more energetic. Kaldi shared this discovery with an abbot of a nearby monastery, who made drinks with the berries. From there, the positive energy of the berries spread. Presently coffee beans are produced by two major varieties of Coffea plants: Arabica and Robusta. The latter is primarily found in Africa and Indonesia and is generally less expensive than arabica. In addition to the major varieties, there are smaller, specialty beans that are a mix of arabica and robusta. These beans are known as peaberries, and are more flavorful than standard beans. While roasting, beans can lose moisture, which could cause them to become stale or bitter. It is essential to make use of fresh, high-quality beans for your coffee. Flavor The four components of flavor- acidity, bitterness, sweetness, and saltiness- are influenced by the bean type, climate, and the method of processing. The intensity of these elements can create a wide variety of flavor profiles ranging from fruity and sweet to nutty, or even smoky. When coffee beans are heated they react with amino acids present in the seed, creating hundreds of unique aromatic compounds that influence their flavor profile. This process is called the Maillard Reaction and it is the same chemical reaction that happens in nearly all cooking. The result is that the scent of roasted coffee is a reflection of these chemical compounds. The Maillard Reaction is responsible for the overall flavor, however volatile and nonvolatile components also contribute to the flavor of coffee. Green beans, whether unroasted or not, can have a taste that is fruity, floral, or earthy. Bitterness is often due to roasts with a full body that contain more caffeine, but it could also be due to improper brewing methods or storage. https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/coffee-beans have flavor oils that help preserve the beans and add a certain flavor and aroma. The flavor oils are a mixture of chemicals and natural flavors, like chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla. The flavors bond to beans by using the chemical compound polyphenol. Health Benefits Coffee beans are a fantastic source of magnesium, potassium and B vitamins. They are also a good source of antioxidants to help fight the oxidative stress (which can lead to chronic diseases like cancer and atherosclerosis). The antioxidant chlorogenic acid found in coffee beans is especially effective against obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes and high cholesterol levels. Coffee is a natural energy boost that makes people feel more alert. The caffeine in it stimulates neurochemicals in the brain that improve mental vigilance and memory, increases cognitive function and helps control blood sugar levels in the body. Research has found that drinking moderate amounts of coffee may help lower the risk of Parkinson's disease and dementia, and also increase happiness, mood energy, and concentration. Anti-aging: The antioxidants in coffee (including chlorogenic acids and caffeine) are a natural skin moisturizer that increases cell turnover, as well as diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They also have UV-protection properties blocking light and preventing sun damage to skin. Anti-depressant Coffee beans are a natural anti-depressant. They boost dopamine levels and serotonin levels in the brain, which increases the levels of happy hormones. It also helps relieve inflammation and pain, acting as a natural sedative and enhancing the effectiveness of medical pain killers. It also contains cafestol and Kahweol, two diterpene ester with lipolytic properties within the adipose tissues, aiding in fighting cellulite. Caffeine Coffee is among the most popular drinks in the world, and it has become a staple of the routine of many mornings. Coffee beans are actually the seeds of a plant known as the coffee plant or coffee cherry and they are a natural stimulant, caffeine. The caffeine content in coffee may differ based on how the bean is roasted, brewed and prepared. But, there are basic rules about the amount of caffeine contained in each coffee bean that will aid you in making smart decisions when choosing your joe. The average coffee bean has around 2 milligrams of caffeine. However the exact amount will vary depending on its size and how darkly it was roast. It is a common myth that coffee beans roasted in darker roasts contain more caffeine than lighter roasted ones. This is not true. Dark roast coffee beans have less caffeine than light roasts due to their lower density. However the amount of caffeine remains the same. The daily limit recommended for caffeine is 400 milligrams. A typical cup of coffee contains 95 milligrams. If you're not sensitive to caffeine staying within this limit isn't likely to cause any adverse effects. Those who are not sensitive to caffeine can enjoy their coffee, however it's important to be aware of the amount of caffeine you're ingesting and avoid excessive consumption.