Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages. Its invigorating effects come from caffeine, which is also found in tea and chocolate.
The phenolic compounds in coffee have antioxidant properties that help protect against heart disease. However, it may make anxiety worse and can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder. Coffee can also raise blood pressure and interfere with a good night’s sleep.
Origins
Coffee is made from the roasted and ground seeds, or beans, of the coffee plant, a tropical evergreen shrub. Two of its 25 or more species, Arabica and Robusta, account for the vast majority of the world’s production. Coffee is consumed worldwide and has a stimulating effect on humans.
The exact origin of coffee is unknown, but it is widely believed that it was first cultivated in Ethiopia and then introduced to Yemen and the rest of Arabia in the 15th century. It reached Europe by the 17th century.
The first coffee house opened in Paris, France in 1669 when Suleyman Aga, the ambassador from the Ottoman Empire to King Louis XIV of France brought with him bags of what was described as a magical beverage. From there the beverage spread quickly throughout Europe. Coffee became a vital part of European culture and is now enjoyed in many countries around the world. It is considered the most popular hot drink in the world.
Caffeine
The caffeine content of coffee varies, depending on the beans used and how they are roasted. It is also found in tea leaves, cocoa seeds and guarana berries. In addition, it is made synthetically and added to many non-prescription medications and dietary supplements. In small doses, caffeine stimulates the brain and central nervous system, increases blood flow, and boosts energy levels. It is also used for headache, migraine, depression and to improve athletic performance. It is also a diuretic, increasing the flow of urine.
Doctors say moderate amounts of caffeine may promote weight loss, enhance cognitive function and alertness, and prevent drowsiness. However, they warn that too much can lead to nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, stomach upset, high blood pressure and heart problems. Some people can develop a tolerance to caffeine, so what might be considered a moderate amount for one person may be too much for another. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that adults consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine a day, which is about two cups of brewed coffee.
Flavors
The most universally recognized flavor in coffee is sweetness. This can be sweet in the fruity sense or it can have notes of chocolate and caramel. It can also have hints of spices like cinnamon or cardamom.
Other general descriptions of the taste and aroma of a coffee include florals, citrus, fruity, and nutty. These describe the flavors and aromas that are produced naturally by a coffee when it is not being flavored.
Flavoring a cup of coffee is done with syrups or powders that are mixed in with the brewed beans. These flavorings are designed to enhance the natural taste of a coffee rather than mask it. Some popular examples are vanilla, hazelnut, and maple syrup. The nutty and sweet taste of amaretto is another popular choice as it provides the flavoring of an Italian liqueur without the alcohol. Cinnamon is a popular spice that offers both a spicy and sweet taste to a cup of coffee.
Ingredients
In addition to caffeine, there are more than 80 different acids in coffee that make up four to twelve percent of the beans. Some of these are acetic acid, malic acid, and citric acid which have an impact on the taste of coffee. There are also several amino acids in coffee that can affect the flavor as well as other important nutrients like vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine).
Coffee can be added to a wide variety of sweet and savory recipes for its unique flavor and aromatic properties. It can be combined with other spices, such as nutmeg and cinnamon, for an exotic twist or used to enhance the flavor of cocoa.
Researchers at the University of Londrina in Brazil have developed a test to identify the filler ingredients in coffee using liquid chromatography. The technique creates a fingerprint stain for each ingredient. These stains can be compared to a database to determine which chemicals are present in the coffee.
