GREEN COFFEE

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I came across an interesting article a while back, over a great espresso, of course. An Australian green bean coffee supplier was advocating the irresistible freshness of the roasted green bean. I decided to research the green coffee bean and green coffee further. So sit back with a strong cup and check out my findings…

Where does green coffee come from?

Although the coffee plant fruit is referred to as a bean, it is called a coffee cherry in the industry. It is called this because it is about the same size, colour and shape of a regular cherry. Below the outer layer of the cherry, is a slimy, viscous layer surrounding the coffee beans. Coffee beans are in fact, seeds. Usually, there are two beans per cherry; a little like to peanut halves facing each other. The surface of the beans have a very thin transparent layer, the silver skin. The bean and skin are sheathed in a firm, protective case, cream in colour; called a parchment. This keeps the beans apart from the sticky layer or mucilage. If beans are destined to be seed beans, they are left in this parchment case so they can sprout otherwise after hand picking and sorting the fruit pulp is removed from the beans using wet or dry processes. Then the green coffee beans undergo a drying process. Voilà! Raw or green beans ready for roasting or not. Un-roasted green or raw beans make great green bean coffee.

Tips on selecting the best green beans

1. Closely check the look and texture of the green beans: The colour of the green beans should be consistent. If the drying process was flawed, then the beans may be faded, varying in colour. This is due to over drying or overly moist conditions.

2. Be aware of amber beans which points to soil mineral deficiencies; this produces bitter-tasting coffee.

3. Water damaged green beans need to be avoided as they have become mouldy having reacted chemically with water. These beans are likely to be toxic.

4. Green coffee beans that have been over-fermented are brown in colour and marked. If roasted the aroma is far from pleasing.

5. Purity: If they are from the same plant species, the beans should be a similar shape and size.

These things considered, you are now well prepared to select good green bean stock but remember that depending where the coffee plants were grown, has a huge influence on flavour and ultimate taste.  Green coffee beans come in many varieties, e.g. Green Mountain Coffee or Fair Trade organic from Costa Rica or Bolivia. The most popular green coffee beans are either organic or decaffeinated. Green Mountain Coffee Fair Trade Organic Sumatran Reserve (Extra Bold), 24-Count K-Cups For Keurig Brewers (Pack of 2)

Benefits of green coffee beans

Choice selection: Hand selected from the best green coffee beans in the market, provides high quality green coffee

Shelf life: Green coffee beans have long shelf life compared to roasted beans which lose flavour and spoil sooner

Home Roasting: Green coffee beans can be roasted from raw, at home, for undeniably fresh coffee

Possible Health benefits: Latest research findings state that the extract of green coffee beans has a more potent antioxidant effect than green tea and grape seed extracts; a protective effect on the liver and assisting with burning body fats as opposed to carbohydrates.

Green bean coffee is fast becoming a favourite of mine.

Author: Helena is a freelance writer, copywriter and copyeditor for several websites. She writes prolifically about coffee, cafes, beauty, fashion, health and lifestyle. 

Article Source ©bean4coffee.net

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