New South African coffee-like brew could be healthier alternative
Coffee lovers might consider converting to this equally delicious drink.
There are various types of coffee drinkers.
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Some coffee aficionados have intricate and complicated setups for their coffee needs, while others just enjoy the instant shot of caffeine they get from a few cups of their favourite brand a few times a day.
No matter your preferred method of coffee drinking, there is always the question of how this beverage choice truly affects your health.
There might be a very interesting and local alternative.
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The mesquite tree is an invasive alien plant that has taken over large areas of land in the Northern Cape, so much so that it is a massive problem for farmers.
Aam and Brandt Coetzee have been researching the health and nutritional benefits of these trees for over 26 years.
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According to IOL, Brandt discovered that the seedpods of the tree can be roasted.
In 1996, Minister Kader Asmal launched the ‘Working for water campaign’ nationally and I was living in Prieska. The infestation of mesquite trees, which is alien vegetation plays a major role in depleting water resources. This led me to researching how we can try to reduce their spread in a way that would also benefit the local economy.
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The mesquite coffee beans are being harvested on the banks of the Orange River in the small town of Prieska.
Many researchers and scientists consider mesquite powder a "superfood", especially when used in baking. It can lower the glycemic index of any food it is added to, allowing people on low GI diets to consume carbs.
The brothers started by only producing the mesquite powder before Brandt started experimenting with roasting the seedpods in 2020.
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Harvesters can collect a year's supply of mesquite seedpods in only two to three weeks. They also have to wait until the pods have fallen from the thorny trees, which indicates the sugar content is correct. Thus they are all manually harvested.
The pods are then sorted by hand, to ensure high quality. The pods are then weighed and bagged before being transported to Somerset West for roasting.
The harvesting methods also mean that there are employment opportunities being created for more than 1,000 workers.
Currently we harvest 50 - 60 tons per year, however, we would be able to harvest up to 400 000 tons of Mesquite powder per season if the demand increased, making a huge impact on the environment and creating many more job opportunities.
But how is it an alternative to coffee and does it taste good?
It has rich caramel flavours and is naturally creamy and sweet. The pure coffee brew contains no added chemicals or additives, provides an energy boost without the negative effects of caffeine, and is low GI.
If you are a diehard coffee lover or someone looking for an alternative, this might be the drink for you.
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Main image courtesy of iStock/Mario Kovac