Coffee from Mexico

Culture

In Mexico, coffee culture is deeply ingrained in the country's history and daily life. It is an important part of the country's economy and a significant export.

Coffee production in Mexico has a long history dating back to the early 1800s when it was introduced by Spanish colonisers. Today, Mexico is the world's largest producer of organic coffee, with the majority of production coming from the states of Chiapas, Veracruz, and Oaxaca.

In Mexico, coffee is traditionally prepared using a method called cafetalero, which involves roasting the beans over an open fire or stove. The beans are then ground and brewed in a pot known as a cazo, which is placed over a burner or on a stovetop. The coffee is served black or with a small amount of sugar, and is often accompanied by sweet pastries or bread.

Coffee is a central part of Mexican culture and is often consumed during social gatherings, such as at family dinners or in local cafes. It is also a common offering to guests in Mexican homes.

In addition to traditional coffee, specialty coffee shops and artisanal roasters are becoming more popular in Mexico, offering a range of specialty brews and coffee-based drinks.

Overall, coffee culture in Mexico is a rich and integral part of the country's history and daily life, with a focus on traditional methods of preparation and a strong sense of community and socialisation.

How to prepare traditional Mexican coffee

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of water
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 cloves
• 2 star anise
• 1/2 cup of raw sugar or piloncillo
• 1/2 cup of ground coffee

Instructions:

• In a pot, bring the water to a boil.
• Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise to the pot and let it boil for about 2 minutes.
• Add the sugar or piloncillo to the pot and stir until it has dissolved.
• Add the ground coffee to the pot and stir well.
• Reduce the heat to low and let the cafe de Olla simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
• Strain the coffee through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the spices and any grounds.
• Serve the cafe de Olla hot, with a slice of orange or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, if desired.

Benefits of Mexican Coffee

Benefits of Cinnamon

• Helps regulate blood sugar levels: Cinnamon has been shown to help lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity. This can be particularly beneficial for people with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
• Reduces inflammation: Cinnamon contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body. This can help with conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and heart disease.
• Boosts brain function: Cinnamon has been shown to improve memory, alertness, and cognitive function. It may also help protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
• Promotes weight loss: Cinnamon has been shown to reduce cravings for sweet and high-fat foods, which can help with weight loss. It may also increase metabolism, helping the body to burn fat more efficiently.
• May reduce the risk of heart disease: Cinnamon has been shown to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease. It may also help prevent blood clots and improve circulation.
• Contains anti-microbial properties: Cinnamon has been shown to have anti-microbial properties, meaning it can help fight off infections and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. It may be particularly effective against the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Benefits of Cloves

• Cloves have strong anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce inflammation in the body, making them helpful for conditions like arthritis, asthma, and eczema.
• They contain antioxidants that may help protect against cancer and other diseases.
• Cloves have been shown to improve digestion and reduce gas and bloating.
• They have been used traditionally as a natural pain reliever, and can be effective in reducing toothaches and other types of pain.
• Cloves have been shown to have a positive effect on blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for people with diabetes.
• They may help improve oral health by killing bacteria and reducing plaque build-up.
• Cloves may help boost the immune system, making them a useful tool for fighting off illness.
• They may have anti-aging effects due to their high antioxidant content.
• Cloves have been used traditionally as a natural aphrodisiac and may help improve libido.

From low to high quality beans

Coffee has a long and interesting history in Mexico. One story that comes to mind is the tale of the "Santos de Minas," or "Saints of the Mines."

In the early 19th century, Mexico was facing economic difficulties and the government was looking for ways to boost trade and generate revenue. At the same time, the country had a surplus of small, low-quality coffee beans that were difficult to sell.

To address these challenges, the Mexican government established the "Santos de Minas" program, which encouraged farmers to plant high-quality coffee plants and improve their cultivation techniques. The program was a success and helped establish Mexico as a major coffee producer.

Today, Mexico is one of the top coffee-producing countries in the world, with a wide variety of coffee styles and flavours that reflect the country's diverse regions and cultures. The Santos de Minas program played a significant role in this development and helped establish coffee as an important part of Mexican culture and economy.

Drink like a local