Raw Coffee Beans
Coffee beans are one of the most popular beverages in the world, supplying a tasty flavor and aiding in keeping people alert and awake throughout the day. But for some, drinking brewed coffee isn’t quite enough, leading them to experiment with raw coffee beans. Raw coffee beans are believed to be more potent in terms of caffeine, offering a stronger energy boost than a cup of coffee from a commercial blend. Additionally, drinking raw coffee beans is believed to be more healthy, providing a long list of minerals and antioxidants. For those looking to try the healthiest cup of coffee on the planet, here’s the basics of how to consume raw coffee beans.
Preparing the Beans
The first step in consuming raw beans is to check the quality of the product itself. All beans should be free of any discoloration or detritus, appearing fresh and free of any foreign material. Also, it’s important to purchase organic, chemical free beans with low pesticide levels. Once the quality of the beans have been verified, the beans should be ground and stored in an airtight container. The grind size should be slightly bigger than the grind typically seen in a coffee shop, as the beans won’t be exposed to high pressure hot water like coffee brewed in a French Press. This will prevent any muddy flavors from the coffee
Biting the Bullet
With the beans prepared, it’s time to bite the bullet and consume them. To begin, half a teaspoon of the coffee grinds should be placed either directly on the tongue or added to a small spoon. Coffee aficionados suggest that the flavor of the beans is better when consumed directly from the tongue, but it does require some getting used to. Additionally, individuals can experience minor side effects, such as an upset stomach from the caffeine content of the beans. Additionally, the bitterness and robust flavor of the coffee makes it difficult to consume socially. As a result, it is recommended that the individual start slowly when consuming raw coffee beans.
Negative Health Effects
While raw beans offer some health benefits, there may be some potential dangers associated with consuming them as well. Too much of the caffeine content of the beans can cause stomach discomfort or even indigestion, leading to heartburn and other issues. Additionally, the bacteria found in the raw beans can lead to poisoning or food poisoning as well. That’s why it’s important to purchase organic, chemical free beans with a low pesticide level, as organic products typically contain high levels of beneficial bacteria. Also, to ensure maximum freshness, the beans should be consumed within a few days of purchase.
Drinking Coffee Beans as Tea
One of the best ways to consume raw coffee beans is by drinking them as tea. To create a cup of raw coffee bean tea, 1 teaspoon of the coffee grind should be steeped in boiling water for 3 minutes. After, the coffee should be strained, and any remaining coffee grind should be discarded. The result is a stronger cup of coffee than is typically seen from a brewed cup, and without the added bitterness or acidity. Additionally, adding some raw cocoa powder, or even a small amount of cinnamon can add an extra dose of flavor and health benefits, further enhancing the drink.
Cooking With Coffee Beans
Another interesting use of raw coffee beans is in cooking. Instead of simply grinding the beans to create a cup of coffee, grinding the beans down to a finer consistency allows them to be used in various dishes. The coffee grinds can be used in marinades, sauces, and desserts, adding an extra depth of flavor. For instance, coffee grinds can be used to compliment the flavor of beef, reducing the gaminess of the meat while enhancing its sweetness. Or, even simply adding a bit of ground coffee in brownie mixes can brighten the flavor of the desert.
Brewing With Coffee Beans
Finally, while it won’t keep many people away from consuming the raw beans, it is possible to brew coffee with the grinds as well. For those looking to experience the benefits of raw coffee beans without the extra commitment, adding a spoonful of the grinds to a cup of hot water can create a drink that contains many of the health benefits of the raw beans. Additionally, adding some vegan foamed creamer or sweetener can further improve the flavor of the beverage, making it more palatable. For those looking for an energy boost without consuming raw coffee beans, brewing is an excellent method of achieving optimal results.
Coffee’s Health Benefits
One of the main benefits of drinking raw coffee beans is the wealth of minerals and antioxidants found in the product. Coffee contains a large variety of essential minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, which play important roles in the body’s ability to metabolize glucose and maintain healthy bones. Additionally, the product is loaded with polyphenols and other natural antioxidants, which can help protect the body from free radical damage. For instance, certain polyphenols can help protect against heart disease while others can provide anti-cancer benefits.
What to Expect From Coffee
Regardless of the reasons for drinking raw coffee beans, individuals should be prepared for the effects it will have on their body. The caffeine content of raw beans is significantly higher than that found in a cup of brewed coffee, leading to immediate energy gains and alertness. Additionally, the high levels of antioxidants present in the product can help reduce the risks of certain cancers, heart disease, and other health conditions. However, it’s important to remember that too much caffeine can lead to jitteriness, headache, or even hyperactivity.
Risks of Coffee
While the benefits offered by consuming raw coffee beans are hard to deny, there are risks associated with the product as well. Ingesting too much caffeine in one sitting can lead to a variety of physical ailments, such as jitteriness and stomach discomfort. Additionally, consuming the product in higher doses and over an extended period of time can lead to problems such as anxiety and sleep disturbances. As with anything, moderation is key, and drinking raw coffee beans in moderation can help ensure that the potential benefits are experienced without leading to any potential health risks.
Coffee as an Alternative Medicine
In addition to increasing energy levels and alertness, raw coffee beans are thought to offer a variety of health benefits, which some believe to be better than offered by other traditional forms of medicine. There is some evidence to suggest that the product can help reduce inflammation in the body, increasing the body’s overall health and reducing the risks of heart disease and even certain types of cancer. Additionally, the high levels of minerals and antioxidants can aid in boosting the immune system, offering protection against a range of illnesses and diseases.
What to Look For
When it comes to purchasing coffee, it’s important to look for beans that are organic and chemical-free. Ideally, the beans should be grown without the use of pesticides, as these commonly contain chemicals which can cause toxicity when consumed. Additionally, it’s important to purchase the beans only from reputable suppliers, as beans grown with chemicals can still be sold by less than reputable sources. Finally, it’s important to only buy freshly roasted beans, as older beans can lose some of their health benefits.
Finding the Right Roast
When it comes to picking the right roast for raw coffee beans, the individual must take into account their own personal preference. Those looking for a milder cup should choose a light roast, while individuals looking for a more bitter flavor should opt for a darker roast. Additionally, individuals should look for roast profiles that offer a balance of acidity and bitterness, as too much of either can lead to an unpleasant cup of coffee. With the right roast profile, raw coffee beans can offer a delicious cup that can be enjoyed any time of the day.
Deciding if Coffee Beans Are Right For You
For many, the decision to switch to raw coffee beans or brew coffee beans is a personal one. While the product does offer increased health benefits and an improved flavor profile, too much of it can cause issues such as jitteriness and stomach discomfort. Additionally, the product is not socially easy to consume, and can lead to unwanted reactions from those around the individual. As such, it’s important to take into account all of the factors associated with drinking raw coffee beans before making the decision. For those looking for a healthy alternative to coffee, there are other alternatives to consider as well.
