Coffee is one of the most popular drinks with which many people start every morning. It is prepared from plant materials collected on the high plantations of Guatemala, Costa Rica, Brazil, Ethiopia or Kenya. In today's publication, we will explain how natural ground coffee is useful, what to look for when buying it, and how it is brewed correctly.
Chemical composition
The aroma and unique beneficial properties of the drink are directly related to the fact that it contains various volatile compounds. According to rough estimates, more than a thousand components are present in the grains, the main of which is caffeine.
In addition, they contain alkaloids, phenolic compounds, proteins, sugars, organic acids, lipids and minerals. The concentration of all these substances directly depends on the type of coffee tree and the composition of the soil on which it grows. Also in the grains there are polysaccharides, pectin, amino acids and vitamins.
The benefits of natural ground coffee
The valuable properties of this drink are explained by its unique chemical composition. The combination of caffeine with soluble carbohydrates, organic acids and fats has a positive effect on the human body. The moderate use of this drink helps to improve mood and relieve fatigue. It is proved that two cups per day several times reduce the risk of depression.
As for the energy value, the calorie content of natural ground coffee is only 200 kcal per 100 g of dry product. This amazing drink allows you to overcome hunger and get rid of excess weight. Caffeine promotes the production of specific acids, the effect of which is aimed at the destruction of fat cells.
Due to the fact that the composition of the drink contains antioxidants, its use allows you to slow down the aging process. In addition, natural ground coffee is considered an excellent prevention of cancer, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Probable harm
This drink should be consumed in moderation. Since abuse of it is fraught with the occurrence of insomnia, hypertension, etc. It is scientifically proven that coffee helps to strengthen heart contractions. So, it is contraindicated for people suffering from high blood pressure. Also, it can not be used by those who are diagnosed with heart problems.
Women who have a baby also need to be careful with this strong invigorating drink. It has been found that those who consume more than two cups of coffee per day have a 30% increased risk of miscarriage.
Also, this drink helps to increase the acidity of the stomach. Therefore, before eating it, you must definitely eat. Unlimited consumption of large amounts of ground natural coffee leads to leaching of calcium from bones. Therefore, lovers of this drink need to regularly replenish the reserves of this mineral.
Existing varieties
Today, several types of coffee trees are considered the most famous - liberica, robusta and arabica. All of them differ from each other in the quality and taste characteristics of the grain.
The most expensive and popular is considered arabica. Natural ground coffee made from these beans is appreciated for its unique taste and pleasant aroma. Growing such trees is a rather complicated, lengthy and labor-intensive process, as these plants are very demanding on the growing conditions.
Robusta is considered the second most popular species. It contains significantly more caffeine. And the process of ripening berries lasts only six weeks, which makes it possible to get at least twelve crops per year. Since robusta contains chlorogenic acid, it has a more bitter and stronger taste.
In addition to the above two types of coffee trees, there is also liberica. It is grown in the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and several other states. This is a tall plant with wide leaves and large long berries, the taste of which leaves much to be desired. Therefore, liberica is not used in its pure form, but is used only in combination with other varieties of coffee.
Storage recommendations
Just like instant coffee, natural ground grains quickly oxidize and easily absorb moisture and odors. All this significantly worsens its taste characteristics. Therefore, it can be stored no more than seven days from the moment of opening the package. To extend the shelf life of the product, it can be poured into a glass, hermetically sealed jar.
To avoid oxidation, it is advisable to remove the container with ground coffee beans in a dark place, away from direct sunlight. And for longer storage, the product can be subjected to a single freeze. It is advisable to take a serving for brewing only with a dry, clean spoon.
Selection tips
When buying natural ground coffee, it is important to pay attention to the packaging. This can be a special foil bag, a sealed metal container or a glass jar with an airtight lid. You should also carefully study the label. It must contain information about the country of manufacture, production date, expiration date and degree of grinding.
Also, if possible, you need to evaluate the proposed product itself. It should have a uniform structure and a uniform shade. Fresh ground grains have a pleasant taste and aroma. They do not emit the rancid smell of a stale product.
Cooking recommendations
Every modern housewife should know how to make natural ground coffee. To do this, filtered water is poured into the Turk so that its level is three centimeters below the neck. Filled cezve sent to the fire and wait for the boiling liquid. As soon as characteristic bubbles appear on the surface of the water, ground coffee bean is poured into it and lightly melt it with a spoon. A second after raising the thick foam, the Turk was removed from the fire, covered with a saucer and insisted for a short time. If desired, salt, sugar, cinnamon, pepper and other spices are added to the drink.
Classic recipe
This traditional drink is served only fresh, therefore it must be prepared strictly according to the number of guests present. To do this, you will need:
- 350 ml of filtered water.
- 1 tbsp. l natural ground coffee (roasted).
- 3 tsp Sahara.
- ½ tsp rose water.
- Powdered cinnamon and black pepper.
The pre-washed and warmed Turk is poured the right amount of coffee. Sugar, cinnamon and ground black pepper are sent there. All this is carefully mixed, poured with filtered water and placed on a fire. As soon as the contents of the cezve began to boil, it was removed from the stove. The practically finished drink is supplemented with rose water, insist for a short time and filtered through a sieve.
What can coffee be combined with?
To strengthen the natural taste and beneficial properties of the drink, it is often supplemented with various components. Coffee goes well with cardamom. Such a drink not only has a tonic effect, but also serves as an excellent prevention of colds.
No less popular is the combination of ground grain with lemon. Vitamin C, which is found in large quantities in citrus fruits, neutralizes the harmful effects of caffeine. To keep warm and prevent the onset of a cold, a little powdered cinnamon is added to the coffee. And to enhance the antioxidant properties of the drink, it is supplemented with pasteurized milk. Those who can’t do without a cup of aromatic coffee even in the evening can try adding some vanilla to it. This combination not only contributes to increased efficiency, but also helps to normalize sleep.
Natural ground coffee: consumer reviews
People who regularly drink this amazing drink praise its taste characteristics. In addition, they are absolutely sure that moderate doses of caffeine have a beneficial effect on the human body and charge it with vigor for the next day.
Experienced consumers recommend that you carefully consider the choice of product, as it is now very easy to stumble on counterfeit products. To verify the quality of the coffee purchased, ground grain is spread in a thin layer on a sheet of white paper and examined for impurities. This simple method allows you to identify impurities of barley, chicory and other additives that should not be in a quality product. Also, to determine the fake, a pinch of ground coffee is dissolved in a glass of purified cold water. If the liquid turns brown, then you are out of luck and you bought a fake.
True coffee connoisseurs recommend that beginners adhere to the recommended technology for preparing the drink and strictly observe the proportions indicated in the recipe. During the cooking process, it is important not to overdo it with ground grain, since its excess will give an unpleasant bitter aftertaste. It is advisable to prepare coffee on filtered water in a special, pre-warmed Turk.