Coffee is not only a habit – first in the morning and a break at any other time of the day. There is a long story behind each cup, and such a story unites different continents, cultures and centuries. Indeed, from the tropical plant that it used to be to the complex beverage that many of us familiarly drink, coffee also has an exciting story, not forgetting the process of its preparation too. To help you better understand the path of coffee, here are some fascinating facts.
Is Coffee Really A Fruit? A Surprising Origin
Do you have any idea that we enjoy our cup of coffee from a fruit? If you ever asked the question, “Is coffee a fruit?” the answer is yes. Coffee beans are actually seeds of the coffee cherry, the fruit of coffee plants. Such cherries emerge from the tree as green and may be red or purplish when ripe. Each cherry contains two seeds, which are popularly known as coffee beans.
Coffee cherry is not only pretty to the eye but also bears somewhat of a sweet taste. It may be used in other related products, such as the cascara tea, which is prepared from the dried skin of coffee cherry fruit. The actual magic takes place with seeds that go through various processes, such as harvesting, roasting, and so on, before they transform into the delicious coffee that we consume.
From Beans to Brew: The Process of Making A Cup of Coffee
The cherries, after being harvested, undergo a process of digesting them to get the seeds which is known as a coffee bean. Beans are first washed and then dried before they are roasted in order to fuel the rich flavors which consumers of coffee enjoy. That is because roasting at light, medium or dark stages has an effect on the taste of the beans. But the beans we consume in our cup of coffee are the final products which are prepared after roasting, grinding the beans and brewing them.
Eating Coffee Beans
While the majority of people limit themselves to drinking coffee there is another unique method for its consumption, more specifically, coffee beans. You might have come across chocolate covered coffee beans in stores but is eating coffee beans safe?
The answer is yes! Eating coffee beans is fine in moderation and a concentrated source of caffeine. If you need an energy jolt to hit quickly, nibbling on a few coffee beans provides a quick caffeine intake than would be obtained by sipping the coffee beverage. However, remember that consuming an excess of coffee beans can result in too much caffeine (which can cause jitters or restlessness).
The beans likewise contains antioxidants and some nutrients which are present in brewed coffee but it comes with quite a strong taste. Roasted beans have a sharp taste and this is even more so when they are not covered by something as sweet as chocolate. Coffee beans are rich in fiber and it can cause an upset stomach.
Coffee Health Benefits
Coffee is a well-established favorite globally, with no signs of slowing down. It graces busy cafes and humble homes alike because it is more than just an energy booster. It contributes positively to health in various ways. This includes the reduction of inflammation through antioxidants that are quite abundant in it, further lowering risks for chronic diseases— the list is endless without limitation to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even some cancers. Evidence suggests that memory may be protected by moderate consumption of coffee, which reduces cognitive decline associated with conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Another advantage lies in its caffeine content, which acts on the central nervous system to enhance focus vigilance and other related aspects of mental performance! Yet benefits extend beyond just brewed coffee. Indeed, taking those roasted beans presents an even richer source regarding concentration levels for these essential compounds & other bioactive molecules. It can be drunk or eaten as a snack, but coffee is much more than that—it’s a ritual, a comfort, and an essential part of the day for many. As research continues to reveal more details on the effects of that brown liquid, it becomes evident that the small bean greatly influences our body and mind wellness.
