COFFEE

COFFEE

Coffee is a brewed drink obtained by extracting in water the soluble components from the roasted pits of the coffee cherry.

HISTORY OF COFFEE

The history of coffee begins in Ethiopia where local people have been drinking coffee for many centuries. At the beginning of 18th century, visiting Arab traders also found the drink agreeable, and from then on, coffee was shipped to Arabian Peninsula. A demand for coffee quickly developed amongst the people of Arabia and coffee plantations were established in Yemen.

Later, during the 18th and 19th centuries, there was a steady expansion of coffee drinking throughout the world and arabica was exported to many countries, with the source planting material originating from either Ethiopia or Yemen.

Coffee Robusta was identified later from more diverse origins in the forest of tropical Central Africa and was later transformed to many lowland areas of Africa as well as tropical countries   of Asia and the Americas. Nevertheless, despite the wide distribution of coffee crop, production remained at a relatively low level through the first half of the 20th century, chiefly because it was still regarded as a luxury item in the developed countries of the northern hemisphere.

After the end of 2nd World War and during the 2nd half of 20th century, major changes took place in the lifestyle of the population in developed countries. As income level rose, millions of people were able to enjoy luxuries, including coffee. There was a huge increase in demand for coffee and coffee producing countries.

TYPES OF COFFEE BEANS

Following are the types of coffee.

1. ARABICA COFFEE BEAN (COFFEA ARABICA)

Arabica beans are by far the most popular type of coffee beans, making up about 60% of the world’s coffee. These tasty beans originated many centuries ago in the highlands of Ethiopia and may even be the first coffee beans ever consumed. The name Arabica likely comes from the beans’ popularity in 7th-century Arabia (present-day Yemen).  Arabica is both full of flavor and aroma. These beans are grown at high altitudes and need to be in an area that has a steady rainfall and plenty of shade. The plants themselves are delicate, requiring a fair amount of pruning and constant attention to environmental factors. The Coffee arabica species is particularly prone to disease so farming in great quantities is a challenge. This drives up the cost of the bean considerably in the global market, but many coffee drinkers around the world are happy to pay the difference because of the softer, sweeter taste.

2. ROBUSTA COFFEE BEANS (COFFEA CANIPHORA)

The second most popular type of coffee bean is Robusta. This bean originated in sub-Saharan Africa and is now grown primarily in Africa and Indonesia. It is also particularly popular in Vietnam and is often mixed into coffee blends. It is a less expensive variety, making it a very budget-friendly choice for roasters. The beans also have a smooth texture and it is often said that they even have a slight chocolate hint to them, which makes them ideal to have with milk and sugar.

Its name is no coincidence. The Robusta varietal is extremely tolerant of its environment and practically immune to disease. Robusta coffee can withstand myriad altitudes, but particularly requires a hot climate where rainfall is irregular. Robusta coffee beans have almost double the amount of caffeine compared to Arabica beans in fact, caffeine is what makes Robusta plants so robust! Caffeine is the plant’s self-defense against disease.

3. LIBERICA COFFEE BEANS (COFFEA LIBERICA)

One of the hardest types of coffee bean to come by is the Liberica bean. They are larger than the other beans and is the only one in the world that is known to have an irregular shape.

Liberica beans are also unique in their aroma and some say that they are not only smoky, but they are fruity and floral too. Liberica is a low yield type of coffee compared to Arabica and Robusta.

4. EXCELSA COFFEE BEANS (COFFEA EXCELSA OR COFFEA LIBERICA VAR. DEWEVREI)

The fourth major type of coffee bean is called Excelsa. Though it was once considered a separate coffee species, scientists recently reclassified it as a Liberica variant.

Excelsa beans grow almost entirely in Southeast Asia, and they’re shaped somewhat like Liberica beans — elongated ovals. These beans grow on large 20 to 30-foot coffee plants at medium altitudes.

Excelsa grows mostly in Southeast Asia and accounts for a mere 7% of the world’s coffee circulation. It is largely used in blends in order to give the coffee an extra boost of flavor and complexity, better affecting the middle and back palate. Excelsa is said to possess a tart and fruity body—which are flavors reminiscent of a light roast—that also somehow has dark, roasty notes. This mystery lures coffee drinkers from around the world to try and seek out the varietal.

ADVANTGES OF COFFEE

Coffee is a beverage with a variable percentage of caffeine, and a specific aroma and taste. It is a natural stimulant creating a mild addiction and is associated with many health benefits.

1. Coffee contains extremely high amounts of a compound called caffeine, which is the most widely consumed psychoactive compound in the world. 
2. The liver is one of the most vital organs of the body, and keeping it in top shape is very important. Regular consumption of coffee has been proved to help prevent disease such as liver cancer, fatty liver disease, alcoholic cirrhosis and hepatitis.
3. Coffee contains certain compounds which have been proved to prevent certain types of cancer. The main reason behind this is that coffee is extremely rich in anti-inflammatory compounds. These anti-inflammatory compounds help prevent tumors, thus protecting against cancer.
4. Several studies have shown that in moderation, caffeine enhances athletic performance. The effects include improved circulation, increases in muscular strength, endurance, and power, plus reduced pain. That may help you push just a little bit harder during workouts, resulting in better improvements in muscle strength and/or endurance.
5. Coffee contains magnesium and potassium, which helps the human body use insulin, regulating blood sugar levels and reducing your craving for sugary treats and snacks. Caffeine helps fat cells break down body fat and use it as fuel for training. Caffeine is found in almost every commercial fat-burning supplement.

DISADVANTAGES OF COFFEE

As with coffee benefits, there are many potential negatives associated with drinking coffee. Some are as follows

1. As a brain and body stimulant, drinking too much coffee or consuming coffee at the wrong time can lead to sleep problems such as insomnia or a need to visit the toilet during the night which can affect the quality of our sleep.
2. An increased intake of coffee can dehydrate your body and show up as dullness of skin, rough patches on your face or fatigue.
3. There have been a number of different studies performed over the years (including one at the Mayo Clinic) that show after drinking coffee, the caffeine content raises blood pressure for up to three hours. So, caffeine spikes blood pressure and for people with high blood pressure, too much coffee can potentially be harmful to health.