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Can You Grind Green Coffee Beans?

Because it is hard to grind green coffee beans, a significant number of coffee lovers are now opting for healthy coffee versions such as bulletproof coffee, French vanilla coffee, or pumpkin spice latte. And with some seeking to cut on weight, green coffee stands out to be a better option. Even so, concerns have risen on whether you can grind green coffee beans and which tool to use.

The first method of grinding green coffee beans is by using a hand grinder with a steel burr. The second option is to use a blender under a pulse setting. Lastly, you can use a mortar and pestle to grind the raw green coffee beans.

What Are Green Coffee Beans?

Green coffee beans refer to unroasted coffee seeds. The raw coffee seeds are separated from coffee cherries and dried. Thus, they retain their natural green coloring. In simple terms, green coffee beans are the exact coffee appearance before roasting happens.

Though green coffee beans tend to have an acidic and bitter flavor, they pose many health benefits. They contain chlorogenic acid, which is a natural antioxidant. The acid helps lower blood pressure, aid weight loss, among other benefits.

The chlorogenic acid significantly reduces when the raw coffee beans undergo roasting. And that’s the reason green coffee beans have this acid in high amounts than roasted coffee beans.

How To Grind Green Coffee Beans

Green coffee beans are denser, very hard, and contain moisture, which is not the case with regular roasted coffee beans. Like many, you may wonder if it is possible to grind them. But of course, with the best technique and tool, you can grind the green coffee beans.

Allow me to take you through the three most popular methods for grinding the green coffee beans at home;

Method 1: Use a Grinder To Grind The Green Coffee Beans

Not every grinder is ideal for grinding green coffee beans. In fact, most of the ones you use for roasted coffee beans cannot grind raw coffee beans. They even suffer damage without completing their initial grinding attempt.

A hand grinder is what you need for your raw green coffee beans. But don’t go for an electric grinder. The moisture in the coffee beans can ruin it. Again, a coffee grinder with a regular ceramic burr might fail to grind the tough beans well.

The better option would be a steel burr grinder. Even so, clean your grinder thoroughly after using it.

Method 2: Use a Blender To Grind The Green Coffee Beans

A blender is also a better alternative in grinding raw coffee beans. Even so, don’t pour all the green coffee beans into the blender at once. Again also, don’t put them in when the blender is on a complete power setting.

Begin by grinding a tablespoon of the raw coffee beans at a time. Also, ensure that you blend them when your blender is on a pulse setting.

Method 3: Use a Mortar And Pestle To Grind Green Coffee Beans

If you are worried that you might ruin your blender or grinder, then you have to grind your green coffee beans with a mortar and pestle. The method will consume most of your energy and time. Though, it is effective and quite affordable.

To achieve better results, you will have to avoid crushing many coffee beans at the same time. I advise you to start with a few coffee beans, then add more as you continue to grind. Thereafter, repeat the process.  Other tools such as a hammer can as well help you do the job perfectly.

How To Make Green Coffee Using The Green Coffee Beans At Home

Before you make your green coffee, it is vital to note that its flavor and taste are not the same as that of regular roasted beans. The coffee tends to be grassy and acidic with high caffeine content. Nonetheless, you can still enjoy it.

Let’s now take a tour through the steps of making green coffee;

  1. Ensure that your green coffee beans have a medium-fine grind. The consistency should be the same as sand.
  2. Boil/ steam your water to 90oC.
  3. Pour the green coffee grounds into a mug, then slowly add the hot water.
  4. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes.
  5. Strain your mixture using a fine sieve.
  6. Add sweeteners and flavorings like sugar, caramel, honey, chocolate, or any other. They will help boost the taste of green coffee since it is acidic and bitter. But if you prefer the coffee without any other additives, you can avoid using them.
  7. Serve your green coffee.

Green Coffee Beans Healthy Benefits

Even though you might go through a rough time grinding green coffee beans, the health benefits are worth the hustle. Again, you may have to bear with the coffee’s awful taste.

So, green coffee beans pose the following health benefits;

1. The Coffee Is Rich In Antioxidants: Raw coffee beans contain high levels of chlorogenic acid, which is a natural antioxidant. It lowers the risk of chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart conditions.

2. Green Coffee Is a Natural Detoxification Component:  It cleanses the liver from harmful cholesterol and toxins.

Besides, green coffee beans contain Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, Theophylline compounds, and Epigallocatechin gallate. These are elements that delay aging signs like wrinkles. They also protect skin cells from damage while keeping your skin soft and fresh.

3. It Is Effective In Burning Extra Fats And Boosts Metabolism: Green coffee works by lowering the flow of excess glucose into the blood. It then triggers the body to burn stored fats until it reaches the usual glucose level.

4. It Aids Weight Loss: Since green coffee aids in burning extra fats, you can cut on excess weight. Therefore, it helps you maintain a healthy weight without necessarily hitting the gym or following a strict diet.

PS: Green coffee beans contain the highest amounts of caffeine than roasted coffee beans. Therefore, I recommend you consume the drink in moderation to avoid severe side effects of caffeine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

It is not a walk in the park to grind green coffee beans, but it is worth the effort. And with a perfect grinding tool, you will make your cup of green coffee in no time. Even though the taste might not be pleasing, the health benefits are overwhelming.

However, if you cannot withstand green coffee, you can try out other healthy coffee options such as garlic coffee or Delgada coffee.