Drinking coffee is not a ritual that I classify as aromatherapy by any means, but I love the aroma of freshly ground and brewed coffee beans. The aroma is rich, strong and enticing. In its own way, the aroma is soothing despite the stimulant properties of the beans. Until a few months ago, I had never considered the aroma of coffee beans as one befitting my usually strict definition of aromatherapy. Coffee beans, especially the organic ones that I buy, are natural, but of course they are roasted.
The oil that is contained within the coffee bean is responsible for its distinctive flavor. Prior to roasting, the beans and the oil derived from them smells quite green and somewhat bitter. In fact, unroasted coffee beans are referred to as green coffee beans. Oil that is extracted from roasted beans possesses the familiar aroma of freshly ground coffee beans. I’m not familiar with the availability of an authentic steam distilled coffee essential oil at the time that I write this, but it is available as a CO2 extract, absolute and as a cold pressed oil, Coffee CO2 extract and coffee bean butters. For more information, view AromaWeb’s Coffee Bean Oil Profile.
