Coffee beans: discover what makes each bean special

When you think of coffee, the first thing that comes to mind is the aroma that wakes you up in the morning. But have you ever wondered what really makes your coffee so magical? Let's talk about the coffee seed , that little wonder that transforms the daily life of all coffee lovers.

The secret behind every cup: the coffee seed

The coffee seed , which we also call the coffee bean, is the heart of the drink. Imagine a cherry, where the real treasure is the little bean inside. Without those seeds, there would be no delicious cup of coffee that you enjoy every day.

The process begins with the harvesting of ripe cherries . These are picked by hand or by scraping and shaking them off the branches. The cherries are then processed using two main methods. The dry method involves drying the cherries in the sun and separating the beans. In the wet method, the cherries are broken down to obtain beans with a cleaner flavour profile.

After processing, the beans are sorted, polished and packaged, resulting in green beans ready for roasting. Each stage of the process, from harvesting to roasting, affects the final flavour and aroma of the coffee. Therefore, each cup reflects a journey from the coffee seed to your table.

 

What makes coffee beans so special?

The coffee bean is packed with properties that make it truly special. Let’s explore some of the highlights:

Caffeine

Caffeine is the most popular compound in coffee. It offers a number of benefits that can improve performance and overall health when consumed in moderation. It acts as a powerful stimulant, which can help with concentration and being more active.

In addition, caffeine stimulates the release of dopamine and adrenaline. This is why it is possible that after drinking your cup, you may have a feeling of well-being. It is important to remember that its consumption should be moderate. This is to avoid adverse effects (Secretaría de Salud, 2024).

Antioxidants

Coffee is one of the richest sources of antioxidants in the daily diet, making it an important ally for health. Antioxidants present in coffee, such as polyphenols, play a crucial role in protecting the body against oxidative damage caused by free radicals . For this reason, they help reduce the risk of disease and premature aging (Van Dam et al ., 2020).

On the other hand, antioxidants are compounds that also help protect the bean during its growth and processing. These contribute to the coffee's flavor profile and freshness.

As you can see, by consuming coffee, you not only enjoy a drink that fills you with energy, but you also provide your body with additional defense (Méndez, 2022; Van Dam et al ., 2020).

Arabica and Robusta: two faces of coffee

 Now that you know what makes coffee beans so special, let’s explore the most common varieties: Arabica and Robusta. Each has unique characteristics that influence flavor, aroma, and growing conditions.

Arabica

This is the gentle star of coffee. Arabica stands out for its delicate and refined flavour, which can feature floral, fruity notes and sometimes even a hint of chocolate. It loves to grow at high altitudes and with ideal climates, generally between 1,000 and 2,000 metres above sea level. This altitude provides the perfect conditions for a slower development of the bean. This contributes to its complexity of flavours.

Arabica coffee plantation requires a cool climate and moderate temperatures to thrive. The process of this coffee is also more meticulous, with greater attention to detail during drying and roasting to preserve its unique flavor profile. Arabica is ideal for those who enjoy a smooth and elegant cup, offering a sophisticated sensory experience (Planeación Agrícola Nacional, n.d.).

Robust

It is known for its stronger and more bitter taste. This variety is more robust and resilient, able to grow at lower altitudes and in harsher climatic conditions. The coffee processing is generally simpler and less demanding compared to Arabica.

Robusta beans have a higher caffeine concentration and greater resistance to pests and diseases, making them ideal for plantations in less than ideal conditions. Their more intense flavor and higher caffeine content make Robusta the preferred choice for those seeking a cup with more body and intensity (World Coffee Research, n.d.).

Try and discover coffee your way through the coffee seed

Each coffee variety offers a universe of unique flavors and aromas. If you’re just starting out, try a mild Arabica; when you’re feeling adventurous, explore Robusta. Every cup represents a new opportunity to explore, and we’re here to guide you through every sip.

The next time you enjoy a cup, think of it as a taste of an experience carefully crafted from the coffee bean . Discover how different varieties affect your coffee experience. Dare to try different types and find the one that best suits your tastes. Each cup is an adventure in itself. Find your favorite today!