A Handbook For Coffee Bean From Start To Finish
The Benefits and Side Effects of Coffee Beans
Coffee beans are awash with health benefits. They can boost cognitive function and reduce the risk of developing heart disease. However, too much coffee can trigger side effects such as anxiety and insomnia.
The taste of coffee can be affected by the soil, the elevation and cultivation methods. The species of the plant can also affect the taste.
Origin
The seeds of the tropical evergreen tree that produces coffee beans are known as coffee beans. The beans are then roasted, then ground into the most well-known coffee drink in the world. Coffee is the third most-loved beverage in the world and is among the most profitable commodities on the planet. It is known for its energizing effects, caused by the alkaloid caffeine.
The most widely accepted source story of coffee is that of an Abyssinian herder of goats named Kaldi. He noticed that his animals were more active after eating berries from certain plants. He noticed that the berries appeared to be stimulating and began cultivating the plant.
In the 16th Century the coffee was brought eastwards to the Arabian Peninsula where it was grown on the Yemeni peninsula. It spread further and the first coffee houses were opened. These places of gathering were opposite to taverns in Europe and were focused on speed and deep thinking.
The majority of the coffee produced today comes from two varieties of plants, called Arabica and Robusta. They grow best in the region known as the Bean Belt, which spans a band around the earth between the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn.
Types
There are a myriad of varieties of coffee beans, and each type has its own unique flavor profile. The location in which coffee beans are grown can influence their flavor. For example, Ethiopian coffee is known for its citrus and floral notes, whereas Colombian beans are full-bodied and have balanced acidity.
The coffee beans are gathered in many different ways and some are then transformed to enhance their taste. Some beans are dried, roasted and then ground. Others are frozen and ground at a later date. They may also be polished to remove the silver skin that is atop the bean, a process referred to as depulping. The beans are then graded and sorted by weight and size and any imperfections are taken out either by hand or by machine.
Robusta plants are more resistant to pests and grow at lower altitudes than Arabica plants. They also tend to have more caffeine than Arabica beans, and they are commonly used in blends or instant coffees. However more and more coffee drinkers are enjoying the distinctive flavor and top quality of single origin coffees.
Flavor
Coffee beans can be blended with a variety of flavors that add new dimensions to dessert, drinks and food recipes. The type of bean that is suitable for a particular recipe will depend on the desired flavor profile and the method by which the recipe will be served.
The coffee bean is a seed that contains pollysaccharides and other proteins, sugars, lipids, and minerals. The seeds are surrounded by a silverskin, which is removed during roasting. When the seeds are heated and pressure, they initiate an ensuing series of reactions that create their aroma, flavor and color.
Natural coffee flavors are preferred by those who are a bit strict. However, it's also possible to add flavor to coffee beans roasted with manufactured flavors. To add flavor to a batch roaster, the roaster sprays flavored oil on the beans. The flavored oil is added to the beans until it's evenly dispersed. The beans are then cool and ground prior to being packaged. The coffee beans that are flavored can be used to make the perfect cup of coffee or they can be consumed as a snack, without being brewed.
Health benefits
Coffee beans contain caffeine which is a potent stimulant that can boost your energy and improve mood. They also contain phenolic compounds, which are antioxidants, and protect cells from damage. According to the National Institutes of Health, these compounds are associated with the lower risk of developing cancer and heart disease.
The seeds of a coffee plant are located inside a fruit that resembles cherries. The typical fruit has two seeds, laid flat against each other. Some fruits only have one seed. These are known as peaberries. Peaberries make a weaker, less flavorful cup.
Roasting coffee beans alters their taste making them more pleasing to the taste buds. The beans are also more easily digested by the body when they are roast.
The phenolic compounds in coffee beans are believed to prevent the formation of glucose in the liver and also lower cholesterol levels in blood. They also decrease the likelihood of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis, and may even reduce the risk of gallstones. Coffeee are a great source of potassium, riboflavin, and B vitamins, and are rich in fiber.
Side effects
Coffee seeds are roasted and brewed into a popular beverage. Coffee consumption is linked to a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and liver diseases. However, the caffeine found in brewed coffee can cause undesirable side effects like jitters, high blood pressure, and heartburn for certain people. Green coffee bean extract is a caffeine-free substitute that has shown to have many of the same benefits as brewed coffee, but without the negative effects.
Coffee beans contain a variety of volatile and nonvolatile chemicals which help protect them from the effects of oxidation, insecticides and diseases. These chemicals also contribute to their flavor. Nonvolatile chemicals create a waxy coating on the coffee beans. This coating helps to keep the beans dry and also prevents insects from eating them.
The fatty acids in coffee beans are converted into energy when the beans are cooked. This energy boosts mental performance. It also stimulates the release of adrenaline, a hormone that prepares the body for physical effort. The chlorogenic acid present in green coffee beans may also decrease fat absorption and slow down the release sugar from the digestive tract.