PEABERRY

PEABERRY

Peaberry, also known as Caracoli, is a type of coffee bean. Normally the fruit of the coffee plant develops as two halves of a bean within a single cherry, but sometimes only one of the two seeds gets fertilized so there is nothing to flatten it. This oval (or pea-shaped) bean is known as Peaberry. Typically around 5% of all coffee beans harvested are of this form. Normal coffee beans are less commonly called by contrast flat berry Peaberry coffees are particularly associated with Tanzanian Coffee, although the peaberry variety of Kona coffee has also become quite prominent.

Roasting Peaberry

Peaberry beans roast differently from the corresponding flat berry beans, hence to ensure an even roast, in high grade coffee, peaberry beans are separated. Peaberry beans are widely reputed to roast better than flat berries, being said to roast more evenly, because of their rounder shape minimizes sharp edges, and rolls about the roasting chamber more easily, as well as the alleged higher bean density may improve heat transfer in the roasting process. However, some sources claim that the effect is minor, and that the major benefit of peaberry beans is that they have been carefully selected, which is essential for optimal quality, regardless of bean shape. 

CHICORY

Binomial Name(s): Cichorium Intybus

Kingdom:                 Plantae

Division:                  Magnoliophyta

Class:                      Magnoliopsida

Order:                      Asterales

Family:                     Asteraceae

Tribe:                       Cichorieae

Genus:                    Cichorium

Species:                 C.intybus

Popular Name(s): Endive, Succory

Parts Used:           Chicory flowers

Habitat: Cultivated throughout India

Uses & Benefits of Chicory

☼ Bruised leaves of chicory are often used for the treatment of inflammations and can be applied over swellings. They are also used for the treatment of headaches and provide relief from arthritic pains and swellings.
☼ Regular and frequent use of chicory roots, in the form of liver tonic, is found to be beneficial for women suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It helps by maintaining a balance in the hormone level of the body and alleviating the symptoms associated with the condition.
☼ Consumption of the herb, as a “bitter” salad consisting of sorrel, chicory and dandelion, helps to improve the liver functions and is believed to discourage the growth of Candida.
☼ One of the major functions of chicory is to increase the body’s ability to absorb calcium. This mineral is very essential to maintain strong teeth and healthy skeletal system.
☼ Two fibers, raftilin inulin and raftilose oligofructose, present in the herb are fermented by the bacteria in the large intestine, increasing the body’s ability to absorb calcium and certain other minerals.
☼ Therapeutically, the herb is very important for the proper functioning of the urinary system, as it helps to detoxify and cleanse the urinary tract.
☼ Certain herbal remedies containing chicory are also available for treating disorders like gout and rheumatic pains.
☼ The herb is also used as a mild laxative agent and helps to treat children affected by constipation and other digestive conditions.
☼ Supplements of chicory, when taken in the diet, also aid in the proper metabolism of cholesterol in the body.
☼ Apart from the effects mentioned above, the herb is also taken internally, for loss of appetite, jaundice, gallstones, gout, and rheumatism.

Caution
☼ Although there are no serious side effects associated with the consumption of chicory, occasional cases of food allergy have been reported.
☼ In the rare occasion of any skin irritation, it is best to consult a physician or a doctor.