How longest-living people make 'healthy' coffee that tastes strong but has less caffeine
This is how the people of Ikaria, Greece, one of the world's five blue zones, make their coffee. It is the perfect way to make decaf coffee at home.
If you are looking for a healthier way to make your morning cup of Joe, the Turkish coffee method is the perfect alternative.
Throughout the Middle East and Greece, including in the European country's island of Ikaria, considered one of five "blue zones" around the world where there is the highest concentration of the longest-living people, people boil their coffee instead of brew it.
"This method of boiling finely ground coffee beans creates a foamy, rich creaminess to the resulting coffee," explains National Graphic author Dan Buettner, who starred in Netflix's Blue Zone documentary.
He continues to explain that the fine grind yields a higher concentration of antioxidants, as well as other healthy compounds. It also produces less caffeine than in a typical American cup of coffee, making it "healthy and delicious."
Channeling a bygone era, the best way to enjoy this coffee the way natives do is to take it outside and enjoy it with loved ones. Here is how you can adhere to a blue zone diet.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Greek coffee
- 2 cups cold water
Materials
- Briki or small saucepan
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Instructions
- Add water and coffee to briki or saucepan. Stir until the grounds dissolved.
- Slowly bring to a boil. When you see foam at the top, remove from heat.
- Evenly divide the foam between two coffee cups, and then pour in remaining coffee over top. Wait for grounds to settle to bottom of cup before drinking.
This recipe was originally published on Dan Buettner's Blue Zones website.
