The Daily Grind

Coffee is the second most valuable item in the world, coming a close runner-up to crude oil, and together you could say these two commodities keep the world in motion. So many of us rely on caffeine in one way or another to kickstart our day and, valued at 100 billion dollars per year, that’s an expensive breakfast! But just how many of us realise what goes into our daily grind?

The story goes that a goat herder named Kaldi discovered coffee on the plains of Ethiopia. Kaldi observed that after eating the berries from a particular plant, his goats became so energetic they did not sleep at night. He carried a sample of the berries to the local abbot who initially viewed them as a wicked temptation and threw them into the fire. The nostrils of those present were swiftly assailed with the tantalising aroma of roast coffee. The roasted beans were hastily retrieved from the fire and soon thereafter the first cup of coffee was brewed. Said abbot developed the same problem as the goats and a wave of sleeplessness swept across the ancient world. The Middle East quickly became studded with coffee houses, which were dubbed ‘Schools of the Wise’ and offered a coffee fix along with theatre, music and news on the latest modes of transport. Venetian priests condemned the beverage as evil but luckily this was short lived, and the Pope (after an exploratory taste), approved it. Popularity for the bitter drink grew fast and coffee houses spread rapidly across the globe. It is not surprising that the coffee seeds and plants were jealously guarded, and even less surprising that sooner or later, a French officer stole a seedling from King Louis XIV’s garden and smuggled it abroad. And so started the competition for and cultivation of the Caribbean and South American coffee plantations.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and we now have two major varieties, Arabica and Robusta. Robusta yield better and are cheaper to grow than Arabica, but there are many other factors that make up your morning mojo. It all really comes down to the roast and the freshness of the beans. Fresh beans will ooze oily residue, appear glossy, have an intense aroma, and release CO2. Ever wondered why bags of coffee beans are slightly inflated? Store your beans in an airless sealed ziplock bag overnight and, if they are fresh, you will get a similar result. Instant coffee, although despised by coffee snobs, also has a very real place – these freeze-dried crystals can Getafix quick!

Flat whites and artistic lattes aside, coffee is actually just as enjoyable outside of your favourite mug. Dark roasted coffee rubs add an intense flavour to chicken thighs, duck, beef or lamb, or it can be used to cut through the sweetness in desserts. Even the grounds are multi-purpose and can feature as fertiliser, mosquito and snail repellent, abrasive scrubs for cookware and, believe it or not, as a hair stimulant!

Coffee – who said there’s too much of a good thing!

Recipe Inspirations

Coffee Rubbed Beef Roast

Coffee Truffles

Millionaire Coffee Slice

Whipped Coffee

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