Coffee Bean or Coffee, Research Paper Example

Coffee beans are seeds of the coffee plant. They are found inside the coffee cherries or the coffee berry. The beans are then processed, which results in a marketable product that can then be brewed into the real coffee drink. Therefore, coffee is a beverage made by the combination of the baked seeds of the coffee plant. The beverage has a distinct flavor and aroma and is well-known for the fact that it naturally contains different levels of caffeine.

Coffee plants produce their finest beans when grown in a tropical climate of high altitudes and presence of rich soil. These conditions are found in regions along the Equatorial zone of latitudes of about 25 degrees North and approximately 30 degrees South. The type of coffee bean, the particular growing country/region, the climate, the particular altitude at which the coffee plant grows and soil are some of the crucial factors contributing to the exceptional flavor and taste of the coffee. Once these variables are combined with the processing of cherries, they contribute to the differences between coffees from various regions across the world. These combinations of factors are difficult that even from a particular plantation; there is a variation in taste and quality of the coffee produced.

Today, coffee is enjoyed almost in each country worldwide. In terms of trade, coffee is the second product in terms of dollars traded. Coffee plant is grown in more than seventy various regions and countries worldwide. About 40 of these countries produce more than 7,000,000 tons of coffee every year. For several of these countries, their economic achievement points to the success of their coffee crops. In the present day, Brazil is the largest supplier and trader of coffee worldwide (Darcy 228). It is closely followed by Columbia with about two thirds of Brazil’s production. The Americans consume almost a half of the entire coffee grown in the world. Hawaii is the only State that grows coffee in the USA.

Brazil

Brazil is indisputably the largest producer of coffee in the entire world. It produces almost a half of the world’s coffee in a good year. With apparently continual expanses existing for its production, Brazil’s coffee plantations produce huge amounts of coffee, often cover huge areas of land and require thousands of people to operate and manage them. Brazil grows both the Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties, though in different regions. The cool climate, altitude and quality of soil largely determine which type of coffee will best grow in which location/region (Darcy 228). A nice Brazilian cup of coffee is sweet, clear, low acid and medium bodied.

Colombia

Colombia is the 2^nd major producer of coffee worldwide. It takes this position with seriousness and tries to maintain better standards of distinction by working hard. This is as a result of growing good coffee with great pride on hundreds of a large coffee farms all over the country. An exceptionally harsh landscape offers the perfect environment for growth of coffee. However, the rugged land has also made it difficult to transport harvested coffee to the centers of production. Even nowadays, the transportation is still done by a jeep or mule. The highest coffee grade called Colombia Supremo, has a sweet and aromatic taste while Excelso grade is slightly acidic and softer.

Hawaii

Kona coffee from the great island of Hawaii is the best known and constantly on high demand. Nature offers the best and appropriate setting for the coffee trees to grow on the gradients of the Mauna Loa Volcano. The young coffee trees are planted in black volcanic soil, whereas the afternoon shade from the tropical clouds often forms a natural sunshade over the coffee trees by protecting them from extreme sunshine. The frequent island rainfall keeps the trees nourished with the rightful amount of rainfall. The Kona coffee is nicely processed and often produces a sweet cup of medium body.

Types of Coffee

There are more than 50 varieties of coffee that grow in the world today. These include Kona coffee, coffee Arabica, coffee Robusta, Mocha coffee, coffee Catura and coffee Racemosa among others. However, Arabica and Robusta are the main commercially cultivated coffee types.

Coffee Arabica

Coffee Arabica is the most popular type of coffee worldwide. Its beans are considered the premium and finest tasting coffees worldwide. They are the only coffee drunk and enjoyed without being mixed with other types of beans. Arabica coffee beans are the most wildly grown and cover about 70% of the coffee production in the world. A high quality Arabica coffee is naturally low on caffeine and grows at elevations of 2000 to 6000 feet, where frost is rare. The essential factor is that temperatures must not be too hot or too cold, preferably between 60 and 75 degrees, with almost 60 inches of rainfall yearly. The Arabica tree usually yields about two pounds of coffee beans each season.

On the world market, Arabica coffee brings the highest prices. This is because their trees are costly to cultivate since the terrain tends to be steep and difficult to access. Coffee trees are also vulnerable to diseases, pests and frost (Chu 3). Therefore, they require additional attention and care. With this reason, coffee drinks are extremely expensive. Another reason as to why coffee is worth the price is because it costs a lot to make it. Whereas coffee itself may not be so expensive, the workers need to be paid, and overhead costs like electricity and water fees among others need to be covered.

Beneficial Effects of Coffee

Coffee contains caffeine, a regularly found ingredient in cold medicines. Furthermore, it contains chromium and magnesium minerals that assist the body to use insulin hormone, which controls glucose (blood sugar). This works as an antioxidant, and some scientists are examining its possibility as prevention for several diseases like Type 2 Diabetes (Debry 111).

Even though, caffeine has received a bad reputation over the years, recent research shows that there are several benefits of its use when ingested moderately. The importance of caffeine remaining beneficial is by knowing how much is too much by not creating a dependency on the stimulant.  Extra benefits of use of caffeine include pain and headache relief, wakefulness as well as increased acidity in the stomach, which assists in medication absorption.

Caffeine is known to increase dopamine. The center of pleasure is impacted by the amount of dopamine present in the brain. It therefore, stimulates the receptors of dopamine allowing for bursts of energy, improved emotions and feelings of optimism (Debry 101). Individuals who begin their day with a cup of coffee become more active and alert. These individuals also have a positive mind-set and are ready to take the challenges of the day as they come. Small levels of caffeine also provide the following benefits:

• Boosts metabolism process by breaking down fats releasing fatty acids and alternatively ensuring they get burned completely (Debry 331).
• Reduces asthma symptoms by assisting in moderating attacks
• Benefits individuals who are at risk of liver diseases
• Increases strength of the muscles

Conclusion

Coffee is a beverage, which deserves to be consumed while its pure, which is possible once someone discovers the ideal process of preparation. Generating amazing cups of coffee is not only a company’s big business, but it is the duty of everyone involved in the entire supply chain. It is in everyone’s concern that the farmers obtain a reasonable income from the coffee they plant. This will guarantee that they will continue growing coffee and increasing their quality and yields. This eventually assures the supply of high grade coffee, which companies require.

Works Cited

Beneficial Effects of Coffee in Relation to Human Well Being and Health. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1930. Print

Chu, Yi-Fang. Coffee: Emerging Health Effects and Disease Prevention. Ames, Iowa: Wiley- Blackwell/IFT Press, 2012. Print.

Darcy, Lima and Roseane Santos. An Unashamed Defense of Coffee: 101 Reasons to Drink Coffee Without Guilt. Xlibris Corporation, 2009.

Debry, Ge?rard. Coffee and Health. Paris: John Libbey Eurotext, 1994. Print.

Waller, J M, M Bigger, and R J. Hillocks. Coffee Pests, Diseases and Their Management. Cambridge, MA: CABI Pub, 2006. Print.