Germination treatment method for improving nutritional value and functional activity of coffee beans

Abstract

The invention discloses a germination treatment method for improving nutritional value and functional activity of coffee beans, which comprises the following steps: selecting high-quality green coffee beans which are full in grains and free from mildew and damage, washing the coffee beans with clear water, removing dust and impurities on the surfaces of the coffee beans, putting the cleaned coffee beans into a container, adding sufficient purified water to ensure that the coffee beans are completely immersed, and then putting the coffee beans into a high-pressure water bath; the container is placed in an ultrasonic generating device. The method has the beneficial effects that the waxy coat and the cell wall of the coffee bean seed coat can be instantly broken through the cavitation effect of the ultrasonic waves and the physical effects of mechanical vibration, microjet and the like generated by the ultrasonic waves, and the permeation and absorption of moisture and oxygen are greatly enhanced, so that the germination preparation process which needs 72 hours or more in the traditional method is shortened to 5-6 hours, and the germination efficiency is improved. The germination rate is increased to 98% or above.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food processing, and in particular to a germination treatment method for improving the nutritional value and functional activity of coffee beans. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, research has found that allowing coffee beans to germinate under certain conditions can activate their internal enzyme system, break down macromolecules, and potentially reduce bitterness, decrease anti-nutritional factors (such as phytic acid), and increase the content of beneficial components such as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), polyphenols, and antioxidants, thereby improving the flavor and health properties of coffee.

[0003] Existing coffee bean germination techniques typically suffer from the following problems: Low germination rate and long cycle: Traditional methods rely on natural soaking, which results in a slow and uneven germination process, leading to an unstable germination rate, usually requiring more than 72 hours.

[0004] Some methods use alkaline solutions (such as sodium hydroxide or sodium bicarbonate) or other chemicals for pretreatment to promote germination or inhibit mold growth. This may introduce unnecessary chemical residues, which does not meet modern consumers' pursuit of "clean labels" and natural foods.

[0005] Traditional methods lack precise control over environmental factors such as water temperature and oxygen, which can easily lead to mold growth or over-fermentation of coffee beans, affecting the flavor and safety of the final product.

[0006] Mild natural conditions may not fully activate the physiological and biochemical reactions inside coffee beans, resulting in a limited increase in target functional components (such as GABA).

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a new germination method that is efficient, safe, controllable, and can significantly improve the nutritional quality of coffee beans.

[0008] Meanwhile, existing electric humidifiers must generate steam through a heating element, and the steam is produced when water boils, resulting in a fixed and high temperature that is uncontrollable. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems by designing a germination treatment method for improving the nutritional value and functional activity of coffee beans.

[0010] The technical solution of the present invention to achieve the above objectives is a germination treatment method for improving the nutritional value and functional activity of coffee beans, comprising the following steps: S1: Select high-quality green coffee beans that are plump, free from mold and damage, and rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove surface dust and impurities; S2: Place the washed coffee beans in a container, add enough purified water to completely submerge the beans; Place the container in the ultrasonic generator; The ultrasonic waves are activated to maintain the water temperature within the range of 30°C-42°C throughout the treatment process. S3: After the ultrasonic germination process is completed, remove the coffee beans, wash them again, and then spread them out on a breathable and sterilized draining tray to prepare for drying. S4: Using hot air drying, the moisture content of sprouted coffee beans is reduced to below 12% to terminate their life activities, making them easier to store and roast later.

[0011] Preferably, in step S1: the total duration of ultrasonic treatment is 5-6 hours, i.e., germination begins.

[0012] An ultrasonic heating humidifier used in a treatment method includes a base, a housing on the upper side of the base, a water tank on the upper side of the housing, a connection port on the upper side of the housing, a water tank inserted into the connection port, a connecting piece on the upper side of the water tank, a top cover on the upper side of the water tank, a connecting box on the lower side of the top cover, a vertical plate inside the connecting box, a bidirectional spring rod on the vertical plate, positioning pieces inserted into both sides of the connecting box, and positioning holes corresponding to the positioning pieces on the upper side of the water tank. A heating element is connected to the lower side of the water tank, and the lower side of the heating element is connected to the upper side of the water tank. An ultrasonic oscillator is installed inside the water tank, and an opening is provided on one side of the water tank. An electric blower corresponding to the opening is installed inside the housing, and a mist outlet is opened on the upper side of the housing. The upper side of the electric blower is connected to the mist outlet.

[0013] Furthermore, the heating unit includes a drain pipe, the upper side of which is connected to the water tank, and the lower side of which is connected to a metal pipe. A control valve is provided on the lower side of the drain pipe, and a resistance heating wire is tightly wound around the outside of the metal pipe. A protective shell is fitted over the outside of the metal pipe.

[0014] Furthermore, each of the four corners of the connection port is provided with a screw hole, and the four corners of the connecting piece are provided with connecting bolts corresponding to the screw holes.

[0015] Furthermore, a guide groove is provided on the upper side of the top cover, and a movable seat is slidably connected to the guide groove. The lower side of the movable seat passes through the guide groove and is connected to a positioning piece.

[0016] Furthermore, a control device is provided on one side of the housing.

[0017] The present invention provides a germination treatment method for improving the nutritional value and functional activity of coffee beans. By utilizing the "cavitation effect" of ultrasound and the physical effects such as mechanical vibration and micro-jet, the waxy layer and cell wall of the coffee bean seed coat can be broken instantly, greatly enhancing the penetration and absorption of water and oxygen. This shortens the germination preparation process, which requires more than 72 hours in the traditional method, to 5-6 hours, and increases the germination rate to more than 98%.

[0018] Gentle ultrasound and precise temperature control provide an ideal stress environment for coffee beans, maximizing the activation of their internal enzymes, especially glutamate decarboxylase, which is related to GABA synthesis. Germinated coffee beans treated with this invention can have 3-5 times more γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content than ungerminated beans.

[0019] The germination process can effectively degrade some phytic acid and astringent substances, which may result in coffee that is roasted later with a milder acidity, reduced bitterness, and a more mellow taste. Meanwhile, the equipment used in this application has the following effects: the heating part adopts a design in which a resistance heating wire is tightly wound around the outside of a metal tube, and combined with the control valve to precisely regulate the water flow, so that the water temperature is adjustable, thereby controlling the mist temperature. Compared with traditional electric heating humidifiers that can only produce fixed high-temperature steam, the mist produced by using high-frequency ultrasonic oscillation is more delicate and the humidification is more uniform. At the same time, since the atomized water is heated, the insufficient decrease in ambient temperature during humidification is avoided. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first three-dimensional structure of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second three-dimensional structure of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the third three-dimensional structure of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Base, 2. Housing, 3. Water tank, 4. Water reservoir, 5. Connecting plate, 6. Top cover, 7. Connecting box, 8. Vertical plate, 9. Two-way spring rod, 10. Positioning plate, 11. Ultrasonic oscillator, 12. Electric blower, 13. Mist outlet, 14. Drain pipe, 15. Metal pipe, 16. Control valve, 17. Resistance heating wire, 18. Protective shell, 19. Movable base, 20. Control device. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example 1 A germination treatment method for improving the nutritional value and functional activity of coffee beans. We select high-quality green coffee beans that are plump, free from mold and damage, and rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove surface dust and impurities. Place the rinsed coffee beans in a container, add enough purified water to completely submerge the beans; Place the container in the ultrasonic generator; The ultrasonic waves are activated to maintain the water temperature within the range of 30°C-42°C throughout the treatment process. After the ultrasonic germination process is complete, the coffee beans are removed, rinsed again, and then spread out on a breathable and sterilized draining tray to prepare for drying. Hot air drying is used to reduce the moisture content of sprouted coffee beans to below 12% to terminate their life activities, making them easier to store and roast later.

[0026] Furthermore, the total duration of ultrasonic treatment is 5-6 hours, at which point germination begins.

[0027] Please see Figure 1-4 An ultrasonic heating humidifier includes a base 1, a housing 2 on the upper side of the base 1, a water tank 3 on the upper side of the housing 2 and the upper side of the housing 2, a connection port on the upper side of the housing 2, a water tank 4 inserted into the connection port, a connecting piece 5 on the upper side of the water tank 4, a top cover 6 on the upper side of the water tank 4, a connecting box 7 on the lower side of the top cover 6, a vertical plate 8 inside the connecting box 7, a two-way spring rod 9 on the vertical plate 8, positioning pieces 10 inserted into both sides of the connecting box 7, and a positioning hole corresponding to the positioning piece 10 on the upper side of the water tank 4. A heating element is connected to the lower side of the water tank 4. The lower side of the heating element is connected to the upper side of the water tank 3. An ultrasonic oscillator 11 is installed inside the water tank 3. An opening is provided on one side of the water tank 3. An electric blower 12 corresponding to the opening is installed inside the housing 2. A mist outlet 13 is opened on the upper side of the housing 2. The upper side of the electric blower 12 is connected to the mist outlet 13. The heating part includes a drain pipe 14, the upper side of which is connected to the water tank 4, the lower side of which is connected to a metal pipe 15, a control valve 16 is provided on the lower side of the drain pipe 14, a resistance heating wire 17 is tightly wound on the outside of the metal pipe 15, and a protective shell 18 is fitted on the outside of the metal pipe 15. It should be noted that during operation, water can first be added to the water tank 4. Then, the user can use their fingers to pinch the two movable seats 19 at the same time, so that the movable seats 19 move along the guide groove and drive the positioning piece 10 to retract into the connecting box 7, and compress the bidirectional spring rod 9. Then, the top cover 6 can be placed at the connection port. At this time, the bidirectional spring rod 9 returns to its original position, so that the positioning piece 10 can be inserted into the positioning hole, thereby completing the installation of the top cover 6 and preventing dust and other substances in the air from falling into the water tank 4, causing water pollution inside the water tank 4 and affecting the quality of water mist. The control valve 16 is a solenoid valve, and the control valve 16 is electrically connected to the control device 20. The control device 20 is well known to those skilled in the art, so it will not be described in detail. When the solenoid valve is opened, the water in the water tank 4 can flow into the water tank 3 through the connecting pipe and the metal pipe 15. During this process, the resistance heating wire 17 operates, and together with the metal pipe 15, it can heat the flowing water. The heated water will then flow into the water tank 3. The ultrasonic oscillator 11 inside the water tank 3 operates and can generate fine mist. Then the electric blower 12 operates and can discharge the mist through the mist outlet 13, thus completing the ultrasonic heating and humidification operation. Since the mist generated by high-frequency ultrasonic oscillation is used, the mist is finer and the humidification is more uniform. At the same time, since the atomized water is heated, it avoids the insufficient decrease in ambient temperature during humidification. Among them, one end of the resistance heating wire 17 is connected to the power cord, and the other end is connected in series with the power cord with a one-time temperature fuse and a recoverable temperature fuse. The metal tube 15 is provided with a protective shell 18 to further increase the safety of the device. The water tank 4 is connected to the shell 2 by connecting bolts, making the whole device easy to disassemble, clean and maintain. A control device 20 is provided on one side of the housing 2. The control device 20 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic oscillator 11, the resistance heating wire 17 and the solenoid valve. The connection methods are all well known to those skilled in the art, so they will not be described in detail.

[0028] The above technical solutions only embody the preferred technical solutions of the present invention. Any modifications that may be made by those skilled in the art to certain parts thereof embody the principles of the present invention and fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A germination treatment method for improving the nutritional value and functional activity of coffee beans, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Select high-quality green coffee beans that are plump, free from mold and damage, and rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove surface dust and impurities; S2: Place the washed coffee beans in a container, add enough purified water to completely submerge the coffee beans; Place the container in the ultrasonic generator; The ultrasonic waves are activated to maintain the water temperature within the range of 30°C to 42°C throughout the treatment process. S3: After the ultrasonic germination process is completed, remove the coffee beans, wash them again, and then spread them out on a breathable and sterilized draining tray to prepare for drying. S4: Using hot air drying, the moisture content of sprouted coffee beans is reduced to below 12% to terminate their life activities, making them easier to store and roast later.

2. The germination treatment method for improving the nutritional value and functional activity of coffee beans according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1: The total duration of ultrasonic treatment is 5-6 hours, which is when germination begins.

3. An ultrasonic heating humidifier used in the processing method of claim 1, comprising a base (1), characterized in that, The base (1) is provided with a shell (2) on the upper side, the shell (2) is provided with a water tank (3) on the upper side of the base (1), the shell (2) is provided with a connection port, a water tank (4) is inserted into the connection port, a connecting piece (5) is provided on the upper side of the water tank (4), a top cover (6) is provided on the upper side of the water tank (4), a connecting box (7) is provided on the lower side of the top cover (6), a vertical plate (8) is provided inside the connecting box (7), a two-way spring rod (9) is provided on the vertical plate (8), positioning pieces (10) are inserted on both sides of the connecting box (7), and a positioning hole corresponding to the positioning piece (10) is opened on the upper side of the water tank (4); The water tank (4) is connected to a heating element on its lower side. The lower side of the heating element is connected to the upper side of the water tank (3). An ultrasonic oscillator (11) is installed inside the water tank (3). An opening is provided on one side of the water tank (3). An electric blower (12) corresponding to the opening is installed inside the housing (2). A mist outlet (13) is opened on the upper side of the housing (2). The upper side of the electric blower (12) is connected to the mist outlet (13).

4. The ultrasonic heating humidifier according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heating part includes a drain pipe (14), the upper side of which is connected to the water tank (4), a metal pipe (15) is connected to the lower side of the drain pipe (14), a control valve (16) is provided on the lower side of the drain pipe (14), a resistance heating wire (17) is tightly wound around the outside of the metal pipe (15), and a protective shell (18) is fitted on the outside of the metal pipe (15).

5. The ultrasonic heating humidifier according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the four corners of the connection port is provided with a screw hole, and the four corners of the connecting piece (5) are provided with connecting bolts corresponding to the screw holes.

6. The ultrasonic heating humidifier according to claim 5, characterized in that, The top cover (6) is provided with a guide groove on the upper side, and a movable seat (19) is slidably connected to the guide groove. The lower side of the movable seat (19) passes through the guide groove and is connected to the positioning piece (10).

7. The ultrasonic heating humidifier according to claim 6, characterized in that, A control device (20) is provided on one side of the housing (2).

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