If you’re looking to kick caffeine the journey may be more difficult than you expected. Getting over that daily buzz can be a challenge, so it’s important to have some yummy substitutions along the way. Some people opt for tea but since it also contains trace amounts of caffeine it may be a lateral move, but there is a healthy and unexpected option at hand in dates.
But it’s by no means a new idea with this coffee replacement being enjoyed in Middle Eastern countries for centuries. Though some fruit seeds are poisonous and bitter, date seeds are 100% non-toxic and even contain several health benefits. They’re a rich source of several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants – including phosphorous, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, and potassium alongside polyphenols. Contain antioxidants for stress relief and immune boosters. It also boosts energy without damaging gut health.
To make this caffeine-free coffee all you need is a handful of dates that you’re willing to eat (we have some ideas of what to do with them here.) Then you just roast and grind up the pits, and you’re good to brew up a natural, caffeine-free beverage. This gives a whole new meaning to the idea of a ‘coffee date’.
Ingredients:
For the ‘coffee’ powder
- 8-10 or more date seeds 8-10 are needed per cup of coffee
To Brew
- 2 teaspoon date seed powder
- 150 ml hot water
- ¼ tsp ground cardamom powder
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp date syrup or another sweetener
- 1 tbsp milk, optional
Method
- Clean, sun dry, and roast the date seeds in a hot pan or oven at 175ºC for 30-45 mins.
- Cool and then grind them in a blender or food processor into a fine powder.
- Sieve and re-grind any larger pieces.
- Boil some water, combine the date seed powder and spices and then add it to a coffee drip or french press like regular coffee grounds.
- Sweeten to taste and add milk if desired.