As coffee fads go, there is nothing all that unusual about coffee drinkers wanting to find alternatives that will satisfy their desire for a flavorful beverage without increasing caffeine intake. More of them are turning to herbal coffee for that very reason. The beverage is similar to herbal tea in that it is made of various plants and roots, but there’s a dirty little secret about herbal coffee: it is neither a tea nor a roasted coffee product.

A better way to describe herbal coffee is to explain that it is a coffee alternative. There are many such products on the market, each one designed to provide a beverage with a similar flavor, color, and texture without all of the caffeine. Most herbal coffee products currently on the market are made with things such as dandelion root, chicory root, barley, carob, almonds, hazelnuts, dates and figs.

Exactly how these ingredients are blended is up to individual roasters. What gives the blends the dark, rich flavor intended to mimic coffee is the roasting process.

History of Herbal Coffee

We looked around to see if we could find exactly where herbal coffee came from. Though the history of this beverage is sketchy, Italians have been drinking a beverage known as Orzo for generations. Orzo is a barley-based beverage that originated hundreds of years ago among peasants who couldn’t afford genuine coffee. These peasants began experimenting with roasting barley – no easy task, given how frail barley can be under heat. But they eventually figured it out.

Today, Orzo is a common coffee alternative served throughout Europe. It remains very big in Italy, especially among Italians who love their espresso but know better than to have a cup in the hours preceding bedtime. They will now leave their espresso for the daytime and enjoy Orzo in the evening.

Herbal Coffee in the U.S.

We Americans have not been as quick to embrace herbal coffee as our European and Asian counterparts. However, that’s not to say you cannot buy it here. You can, and it is growing in popularity. There are a number of established brands available at local supermarkets and specialty stores that also carry herbal tea and other specialized food products for advocates of healthy eating.

As for preparing herbal coffee, that depends on the product you purchase. Some products are put in your coffee maker just like you would a standard coffee blend. Other products are steeped in hot water just like tea, and still other herbal coffees are instant – just add power to your hot water and you’re set to go.

Herbal coffee is the latest coffee fad to emerge in the U.S. Here at Galaxie Coffee we are all about providing the best coffee, water, and other beverages to our clients regardless of their tastes and preferences. As fads come and go, we remain constant in our dedication to top-notch customer service and competitive pricing. Please contact us for more information about coffee service to your office.