Coffee is a food that is mainly associated with a beverage. While it is true that we know it as a hot or cold beverage, it has other uses as well. One of them is the use of coffee as a special ingredient in dessert recipes or as an accompaniment to desserts. Thus, there are cakes, pies, tarts, mousses, and many more that are flavored with coffee. Perhaps one of the most famous recipes is tiramisu.
For these preparations, liquid coffee or sometimes finely ground coffee powder is used. But did you know that there is a kind of flour that is obtained from coffee?
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What is coffee flour?
The more accurate term would actually be coffee cherry flour. This flour is not made from the bean itself, but by grinding the coffee cherries.
How is coffee flour made?
As we already know, coffee grows on a plant called the coffee tree. On this plant fruits known as coffee cherries grow. Inside, there are usually two beans that are then dried and roasted to become what we know as coffee. These are then ground and made into a beverage, either as espresso or some other type of brew.
However, in the process of making coffee, there are “leftovers” or, as they are commonly called, coffee byproducts. The most important is the cherry, which remains after the beans are extracted. These are usually discarded or simply left on the ground.
The manufacturing process for this flour is very simple. After the beans are extracted from the cherries, they are dried and then ground into flour. The flour is then packaged and ready to be marketed.
Is it possible to produce flour from coffee beans?
Currently, coffee flour is obtained only from the cherry. However, studies and tests have been conducted for some time to produce it from the coffee bean itself.
Daniel Perlman, a biophysicist and professor at Brandeis University in Boston, invented and patented a coffee flour from the green beans. In this process, the beans are roasted, but at much lower temperatures. In this way, they retain the antioxidant effect better and the flour can be used in various recipes.
Another interesting aspect of this flour is that it contains more caffeine than the flour that comes from the coffee cherry. As Perlman told Eater magazine, “this flour contains about 2.5 percent caffeine. So if you put 4 grams of it in a muffin for breakfast, that’s the equivalent of drinking a cup of coffee.”
But you may be wondering how good it would be to have another source of caffeine. According to Perlman, the body is much better able to absorb the substances that come from a natural source than from a drink or energy bar. The result would be a food that not only contains antioxidants, but also provides a longer-lasting and more natural feeling of energy.
This flour is not yet commercially available. Although it has already been patented and tested in various baking recipes, we still have to be patient.
And what does it taste like?
Although the flour comes from a part of the coffee fruit, this does not taste like coffee. The coffee flour that is already on the market is not made from the beans themselves and therefore does not have this taste. It is characterized by fruity aromas, but also slightly smoky and chocolaty notes.
Advantages and properties of coffee flour
Nutritional value
Coffee flour is not only a sustainable alternative to reduce the waste generated by coffee production, but also has many advantages. In recent years, it has gained popularity because it is very nutritious even in small quantities.
First and foremost, it is an important source of dietary fiber. It contains more antioxidants than coffee beans and roasted coffee and is rich in iron and potassium. It also contains calories, carbohydrates, protein, vitamin A and calcium. Although it is a “simple” flour, it has a very high nutritional content. It is also gluten, fat, and sugar free.
According to Caffeine Informer, coffee flour contains:
- About 42% more fiber and 84% less fat per gram than coconut flour.
- Twice as much potassium per gram as a banana.
- Three times more iron per gram than spinach.
- Five times more fiber per gram than wheat flour.
Does it contain caffeine?
Coffee flour does contain caffeine, but it is the coffee bean that contains the most.
According to Caffeine Informer, one teaspoon of coffee flour can contain about 63 mg of caffeine. This is roughly equivalent to the amount of caffeine contained in a serving of dark chocolate.
What is coffee flour used for?
Coffee flour is used mainly for its nutritional benefits. As we have already seen, it is an important source of fiber, antioxidants, potassium, iron, and other nutrients.
The taste is fruity with even slightly sweet notes and it tends to be used in desserts and sweet dishes. Therefore, it is excellent for cakes, muffins, pies, cookies, mousse, and other products. Even though it does not have a predominant flavor, especially in chocolate preparations, it provides a large number of nutrients.
Another very simple and practical use for coffee flour is to add it to fruit or vegetable smoothies, sauces, and even soups. Just add 1 or 2 tablespoons and mix well. Even if the taste is not very noticeable, its nutritional properties definitely are.
Can it replace other flours?
It is possible to use coffee flour as a substitute for other flours, but only in small quantities. That is, it does not completely replace the main flour in a recipe, such as wheat flour. However, if you are preparing a recipe with a mixture of different flours, you can use it to supplement or replace certain flours. Since it is gluten-free, it can substitute for other gluten-free flour, such as rice flour, chickpea flour, etc. So it is ideal for celiacs and vegetarians.
It is best to sift it with other flours so that it is mixed homogeneously and the recipe turns out better. It is important to note that you will need more liquid for the preparation due to the higher fiber content.
Where to get coffee flour?
The flour is not easy to find, although some specialized shops in healthy or vegetarian products may sell it. We recommend searching the Internet.
J. Glover Mills Coffee Flour
This is perhaps the most popular coffee flour you will find on Amazon. It is made from 100% dried and then finely ground coffee cherries. It is a vegan, sustainable food and a rich source of fiber, potassium, antioxidants, iron, and protein.
You can mix this flour with other flours or even replace them. The idea is that over time you will find the ratio that suits you best.
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It is packaged in a 226-gram bag.
You can use it to make different recipes, both sweet and savory. For example:
- Brownies
- Cakes
- Muffins
- Sauces
- Cookies
Conclusion
When it comes to coffee, nothing is wasted. It is such wonderful food that it is possible to use not only the beans but also the fruit. Although coffee flour does not taste like a coffee drink, it has a very pulpy and equally rich taste. It is therefore perfect for our favorite dessert recipes, but also for sauces and soups.
We hope this information will encourage you to add a special touch to your meals.
