The Art of Making a Cacao & Dandelion Root Coffee
In the world of beverages, innovation is key to keeping our taste buds intrigued. Among the myriad of options, the fusion of cacao and dandelion root to create a coffee-like drink stands out for its unique flavor and health benefits.
This blog post will guide you through the process of making this delightful brew, its benefits, and why it might just become your new favorite morning ritual. I started drinking coffee at a really young age. Not because Starbucks is in every neighborhood, but because my dad worked in France during my childhood.
I had these visions of what it must be like to stroll the streets of Paris, ducking into an adorable cafe, having a coffee and baguette in the morning, and an espresso in the evening after dinner. I had a vision of living a chichi French lifestyle. To me, coffee transported me to some other world.
Hey, my blog is called Oui We, because my first trip to Paris was the trip that inspired me to really open up to a different sort of life experience and incorporate travel into my life.
Despite my deep love for coffee, I decided a few years ago to give up coffee to support my well-being. I started by transitioning to decaf coffee, and when I found a beverage that I loved as much as I loved coffee, I gave it up all the way.
My replacement beverage is a blend of Cacao and Roasted Dandelion, and it tastes similar to a mocha. You don't have to give up coffee to enjoy this beverage, but if that's something you're considering, this drink could be your coffee replacement too.
Understanding the Ingredients
Before diving into the brewing process, let's understand our key ingredients: cacao and dandelion root.
Cacao: More Than Just Chocolate
Cacao, the source of all chocolate products, is revered not just for its rich taste but also for its health benefits. Cacao is a superfood full of flavonoids, rich in antioxidants that can support your body in warning off everyday toxins. It also is one of the best plant-based sources of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron.
Unlike the processed chocolate found in candy bars, cacao in its purest form has a complex flavor profile that is slightly bitter, nutty, and deep.
Dandelion Root: A Weed with Wonders
Often overlooked as a mere weed, dandelion root is a powerhouse of health. It’s known for its detoxifying properties, ability to support liver health, and rich nutritional content, including vitamins A, C, and D, and significant amounts of zinc, iron, and potassium.
When roasted, dandelion root takes on a robust, earthy flavor, somewhat akin to coffee but without the caffeine.
coconut milk, chicory, and ashwaghanda
Coconut Milk is creamy like dairy and rich in fatty acids and lauric acids, which are lovely for the skin, hair, teeth, and bones. It also has electrolytes that support our blood PH and cellular fluid balance. Chicory powder contains many beneficial plant phenols, Selenium, Manganese, Potassium, Vitamin B, and C.
Dandelion has long been used in herbal medicine to aid digestion and detoxification. Ashwagandha is used as a general tonic to boost energy and reduce stress and anxiety.
How to make Cacao Dandelion Coffee:
Ingredients:
2/4 cup coconut milk
1/4 filtered hot water
½ tablespoon cacao powder
1/2 tablespoon roasted dandelion powder
½ tablespoon roasted chicory powder
1 tsp ashwagandha powder
Crushed cacao nibs for garnish
Instructions
Heat the coconut milk in a small saucepan. In a bowl or mug, whisk the cacao powder, roasted dandelion, and roasted chicory and ashwagandha powder with hot water until thoroughly blended.
Slowly incorporate the milk into the mug. Add honey and cacao nibs once the ingredients are blended and the liquid is smooth and creamy.
Occasionally I'll add a few rose petals for garnish. This magical beverage offers a moment of blissful indulgence to start or end the day.
Customizing Your Brew
The beauty of this beverage lies in its versatility. Here are some ways to customize it:
Spice It Up: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a spiced version.
Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Add a bit of dark chocolate or extra cacao for a richer chocolate flavor.
Iced Version: Let the brew cool and serve it over ice for a refreshing summer drink.
The Benefits of Cacao and Dandelion Root Coffee
This unique beverage is not just pleasing to the palate but also offers several health benefits.
Antioxidant-Rich
Both cacao and dandelion root are rich in antioxidants, which help in fighting free radicals in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Supports Liver Health
Dandelion root is known for its liver-detoxifying properties. Regular consumption can help in maintaining liver health.
Caffeine-Free Alternative
For those looking to reduce caffeine intake, this brew offers a perfect alternative. It provides a similar satisfaction as coffee without the caffeine, making it ideal for consumption at any time of the day.
Nutrient-Dense
Apart from antioxidants, this beverage is also a good source of various vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health and well-being.
TL;DR — Dandelion Root Coffee
Making cacao and dandelion root coffee is an adventure for the palate and a boon for health. It's a testament to how traditional ingredients can be reimagined to create something uniquely satisfying.
Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to your morning coffee, a caffeine-free warm beverage, or simply something new to try, this brew is definitely worth exploring. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a warm, comforting drink, reach for the cacao and dandelion root, and brew yourself a cup of wellness.
Editor: Maeve Sullivan is a student at Georgetown University studying English and Government. She is a west coast enthusiast and loves all things reading and writing. You can learn more about Maeve on LinkedIn.
