The coffee bean is the seed of the Coffea plant and the main ingredient in coffee. It is also known as a coffee cherry, coffee fruit, or stone fruit. Listed below are some of the different types of coffee beans. These varieties are Arabica and Robusta. Each variety has unique properties and is used in different ways.
Microscopy
Microscopy is a method that allows us to see the internal structure of a plant. We can observe changes in the cell membranes caused by washing and drying. We can also examine changes in the structure of the cell walls. Observations show that the coffee bean contains thick cell walls and has a cytoplasm and lumen space.
Microscopy is an important tool to study coffee beans. It helps determine the structure and quality of the bean. Coffee beans are characterized using electron microscopy, light microscopy, and mercury porosimetry. However, these methods are time consuming and use hazardous chemicals. Moreover, a 3-dimensional characterization of coffee beans is necessary to establish a relationship between the microstructure and quality.
Dry processing
The process of dry processing of coffee beans involves a number of steps, which may be combined in various ways. The first is de-pulping, which removes some of the liquid. The next step is drying at elevated temperatures or using a sun-based process. After de-pulping, a pelletizer is added to the coffee pulp, which is heated to between 70 and 90 deg C. The pelletizer then converts the pulp into small pellets of five millimeters in diameter.
This method may also include a secondary step known as fermentation. This process may involve the addition of a preservation liquid, which provides intimate contact between the pulp and the coffee cherries.
Arabica
Coffee made from Arabica beans is one of the most popular types of coffee. The beans are grown in the Coffee Belt region of the world, which is between 30 degrees north and south of the Equator. This region has a tropical climate, good soil, humidity, sunshine, and elevation. The Arabica coffee bean is native to Central Africa, most of Asia, Central and South America, and North Australia.
High-quality Arabica coffee has a sweet flavor with hints of nut, fruit, and chocolate. The acidity is moderate, with little bitterness or astringency. Roasting the bean can change the intensity of the flavor. It also affects the balance of flavors.
Robusta
Robusta coffee beans contain a high concentration of caffeine, which makes them a popular choice among caffeine enthusiasts. One 8-ounce serving contains about 265 milligrams of caffeine. This caffeine content can cause a person to develop caffeine intolerance if they don’t consume it in moderation.
The Robusta coffee bean contains double the amount of chlorogenic acid as its Arabica cousin. This acid can cause stomach problems in some people. However, studies have shown that chlorogenic acid can help lower blood pressure and positively affect stomach ulcers in mice.
Elements of a coffee bean
Coffee beans are a composition of different natural compounds. They include amino acids, sugars, fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and caffeine. These elements all contribute to the flavor and aroma of the finished beverage. The bean is usually composed of three to seven layers. The coffee fruit contains a lot of sugars, which also affect the flavor of coffee beans.
The lipids present in coffee beans form a wax-like covering that protects the internal matrix from oxidation and insects. They are also responsible for influencing the coffee bean’s flavor. The lipids present in coffee beans are mainly made up of linoleic acid and palmitic acid. The lipid fraction also contains esters and diterpenes. The lipid content varies according to the type of coffee bean. The lipid content is higher in arabica beans than in robusta beans.
Cost of a coffee bean
Cost is one of the first factors to consider when buying a coffee bean. Generally speaking, coffee beans range in price, with high-quality products costing more than cheaper alternatives. However, the cost does not necessarily reflect the quality of the product. For example, you can get a high-quality coffee bean for around $60 if you plant 200 seeds, or you can get a cheap version for less than $20.
The cost of a coffee bean varies widely, and is determined by the type and origin of the bean. For instance, Arabica coffee beans typically cost more than robusta beans. In 2018, Arabica coffee sold for a US$2.93 per kilogram, while robusta beans sold for 1.87 U.S. dollars per kilogram. According to Cox, this would suggest a worldwide shortage of coffee.