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A World of Spices: The Vibrant Flavors of Afghan Cuisine

Introduction: Exploring Afghan Cuisine

Afghan cuisine is a tantalizing blend of Middle Eastern and South Asian flavors, with a unique twist all its own. In Afghanistan, food is not just sustenance – it is a way of life. The country’s rich culinary culture reflects its long history and diverse geography. From the rugged mountains of the Hindu Kush to the lush valleys of the Amu Darya River, each region of Afghanistan has its own distinct culinary traditions and ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just discovering the joys of Afghan cuisine, the vibrant flavors and aromas of this exotic cuisine are sure to delight your senses.

The Influence of Geography and History on Afghan Cuisine

Afghanistan’s history as a crossroads between East and West has had a profound impact on its cuisine. The country’s location along the ancient Silk Road trade route meant that it was exposed to a wide variety of culinary influences from neighboring countries like Iran, Pakistan, and India. Over time, these influences merged with indigenous Afghan ingredients to create a distinctive cuisine. The country’s harsh, mountainous terrain and arid climate have also shaped its culinary traditions. For example, hearty stews and meat dishes are popular in colder regions like the north, while lighter, vegetable-based dishes are more common in the warmer south.

Staple Ingredients in Afghan Cooking

Afghan cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh, wholesome ingredients like lamb, chicken, rice, and vegetables. Rice is a staple of Afghan cooking, and is often flavored with saffron, cardamom, or other spices. Meat dishes like qabuli pulao (a rice and meat dish) and kebabs are also popular. Vegetables like eggplant, tomatoes, and okra are often used in stews and curries. Afghan bread, known as naan, is a staple accompaniment to meals.

Spice Blends: The Key to Afghan Flavor

Spices are an essential component of Afghan cuisine, and are used to add depth and complexity to dishes. Some of the most commonly used spices in Afghan cooking include cumin, coriander, turmeric, and ginger. Spice blends like garam masala and ras el hanout are also used to add flavor to dishes. Afghan cuisine is not known for its spiciness, but rather for its depth of flavor and complexity.

Popular Afghan Dishes and Their Flavor Profiles

Some of the most popular Afghan dishes include qabuli pulao, a rice and meat dish flavored with saffron and served with a side of raisins and almonds; bolani, a savory stuffed flatbread; and mantu, steamed dumplings filled with spiced ground meat and topped with yogurt sauce and mint. The flavors of these dishes are characterized by a rich mix of spices, herbs, and other ingredients.

Regional Variations in Afghan Cuisine

Afghan cuisine varies greatly from region to region. In the north, for example, dishes tend to be meat-heavy and rice-based, with a focus on hearty stews and soups. In the south, on the other hand, vegetables and legumes are more common, and dishes tend to be lighter and spicier. The central region of Afghanistan is known for its breads and pastries, while the east is famous for its kebabs and grilled meats.

The Role of Hospitality in Afghan Dining Culture

Hospitality is an integral part of Afghan dining culture. Guests are treated with the utmost respect and generosity, and it is common for hosts to go to great lengths to ensure that their guests are well-fed and comfortable. Meals are often served family-style, with a variety of dishes offered to guests. Tea is also an important part of Afghan hospitality, and is served throughout the day.

Conclusion: Savoring the Unique Flavors of Afghan Cuisine

Afghan cuisine is a vibrant and flavorful cuisine that reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse geography. From the hearty stews and meat dishes of the north to the lighter, spicier fare of the south, there is something to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just discovering the joys of Afghan cuisine, be sure to savor the unique flavors and aromas of this exotic cuisine.

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A Bunker in The Ice: What is Hidden in The “Treasury of The World”?

In the far north of Spitsbergen, the “treasury of the world” is hidden deep underground in a bunker. What is in it and what is it used for?

Who built this treasury and why?

The “Global Seed Vault” was built in 2008 as a worldwide seed repository to preserve vital seeds. Deep in the bunker-like cold stores of this modern “Noah’s Ark”, the seed samples are protected from possible catastrophes, and are intended to secure the world’s food supply for future generations and avoid famine. The preservation of the genetic diversity of useful and cultivated plants, livestock and domestic animals and their wild relatives is also one of the sustainability goals of the UN Agenda 2030.

The “treasure” lies deep in a mountain in a former lignite and hard coal mine. Normally, the samples are cooled there to minus 18 degrees. Due to the location and the climatic conditions there, the temperature inside does not rise above minus 3 degrees, even in the event of a power failure. Over a million seeds from cultivated plants from all over the world are now stored there. The purpose behind it: Scientists want to protect these valuable biological resources from crises and disasters so that they can be made available to future generations.

They are packed in plastic boxes and waterproof aluminum bags and stored in the bunker, protected from earthquakes, flood disasters, acid rain, rocket attacks and radioactive radiation.

249 countries store seeds

Initially, African countries provided seeds for the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. Many more followed: amaranth from Ecuador, wild beans from Costa Rica and chickpeas from Nigeria, but also tomato varieties from Germany are stored there. Today, 249 countries store seeds there. The samples are mostly old and rare varieties that have been bred by farmers over a long period of time. The samples are always secured in three ways:

The state, i.e. the owner of the seeds or seedlings, keeps a sample
A sample goes to an international gene bank
The third after Spitsbergen
On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the seed vault, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimated that around 40 percent of the agricultural seed used worldwide is stored in the vault on Svalbard.

Who can enter this treasury and what does the climate catastrophe have to do with it?

Normally no one who is not directly involved in this treasure trove has access to it. Access is strictly forbidden for tourists or other visitors in order not to expose the valuable seeds to contamination or even destruction. Incidentally, the Norwegian government bears the costs for this facility, and seed storage is free of charge. The conversion to this seed store cost 18 million euros. To date, seed has only been taken once. In 2015, Syria had to fall back on the stored seeds because its own facility in Aleppo was destroyed during the war.

But the treasury was also threatened by the climate catastrophe. In 2017, water entered the entrance of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. Unusually high autumn temperatures had melted the permafrost. Even if the water did not penetrate to the storage area, the bunker was extensively rebuilt over a period of two years and adapted to possible thaw weather. In view of the consequences of the climate crisis, it should now be able to survive for the next 200 years. The old entrance tunnel has been replaced with one made of waterproof concrete, cooling pipes support the frost. Technical systems were relocated to a new building to keep unwanted heat away from the storage. The seed is now also received there.

This facility can be seen as the last resort for feeding humanity. In an emergency, the seeds stored there can be used to grow new seeds in order to ensure the food supply of individual countries or worldwide. Let’s hope we never have to resort to it to this extent.

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According to The Study: These Are The Most Boring People in The World – Are You One of Them?

In a study, the most boring person in the world was symbolically searched for. In the following we present the criteria for this and you may also find yourself in them.

What was examined in the study?

A team of British researchers went in search of boredom. Research was carried out into characteristics that lead to people being perceived as boring. To do this, researchers from the University of Essex conducted various tests and surveys involving over 500 people.

It was possible to find out which hobbies and jobs most people find boring. The results were recently published in the psychological journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.

However, the study was mainly about the perception of different jobs and hobbies and not about specific character traits. Whether the person behind the facade is really boring is of course always to be judged individually.

Who is boring – according to the study?

A person who works in accounting, likes to sleep in and watch TV, lives in a small town and is religious is perceived as the most boring. According to the study, such a person is a symbol of a stereotypical bore.

In particular, jobs in data analysis, taxes/insurance or in cleaning and banking are perceived as particularly boring. If these jobs are combined with leisure activities such as sleeping, religion, watching TV, watching animals or mathematics, then one is quickly considered boring.

In addition, people who do not live in a village or in a small town are more interesting. As a result, boring people are less likely to be liked and more likely to be avoided, according to study leader Dr. Wijnand van Tilburg.

On the other hand, who is interesting and why?

Because of the way you shape your own life, it can happen that other people find you boring. Without them really knowing the people behind it. Other people spend less time with these people and the conversations are also more superficial. Then boredom actually becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

On the other hand, these jobs are perceived as particularly interesting:
artistic or performing professions
Jobs in the scientific field
Journalism professions
Medical Professions
the activity as a teacher.
The paradox is that jobs that are perceived as boring are often very important and these people have a lot of power within society.

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Ginger Lemon Iced Tea: Recipe For The Best Summer Drink in The World – Without Alcohol

Are you looking for the perfect summer drink? Then you should try this ginger elderflower lemon ice tea with honey. The alcohol-free refreshment tastes delicious and is really healthy. Here is the recipe.

Recipe: Ginger-lemon iced tea with honey and elderflower

You need this for one liter of iced tea
A thumb-sized piece of ginger
Three to four tablespoons of elderflower syrup*
A tablespoon of honey
juice of a lemon
It’s that easy
Wash ginger and cut into thin slices
Pour a liter of boiling water over it and let it steep for at least 10 minutes
Add elderflower syrup, honey and lemon juice
Remove pieces of ginger, stir, allow to cool, add ice cubes and enjoy
A few more tips
You can peel the ginger, but you don’t have to – just wash it
The longer you let the ginger steep, the more intense or spicier the tea will be
If the iced tea tastes too sweet according to the recipe, simply reduce the amount of syrup and honey accordingly

By the way: You can easily grow ginger in a pot or in the garden yourself. Cut a thumb-sized piece with a “bud” off a ginger root, soak it in water overnight, and plant it the next day, about an inch deep. Water regularly and after just a few months you will have your own ginger plant at home, whose bulb you can harvest and eat as soon as the leaves turn brown. I’ve tried it myself, it works – even if the tuber harvested was admittedly not very large.

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White Tea: is This The Healthiest Tea in The World?

White tea makes us healthy: This rare and extremely tasty type of tea contains numerous valuable ingredients that are good for our health. Whether for combating free radicals, burning fat or as a means of preventing cancer – white tea is a herb that has grown to combat a wide range of ailments. We will introduce you to the miracle tea and tell you what makes it so special.

White tea: That’s what makes it so healthy

White tea is considered a real “magic drink” due to its countless health benefits. Teekenner.de points out that white tea is one of the oldest remedies in traditional Chinese medicine. Since white tea, unlike teas such as black tea or oolong, was not fermented and only went through a short processing time, most of the healthy ingredients are still included.

On the one hand, the polyphenols contained in the tea have an antioxidant effect and thus protect against free radicals. Kobu-Teeversand says that some experts assume that a glass of white tea has the same polyphenol content as twelve glasses of orange juice – so it is extremely healthy. In addition, the catechins contained in white tea are also popular in the field of cancer prevention due to their antioxidant effect. Even those who want to lose weight can lose weight by regularly taking white tea. Studies show that under the influence of the active ingredients in white tea, human cells accumulate fat less and also lose it more quickly. The polyphenols contained are probably also responsible for this. Other health benefits of white tea include:
good for the heart and preventive against cardiovascular disease
antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal effects
preventive against signs of aging of the skin and tissue
anti-inflammatory
helps with menopausal symptoms

Production and characteristics of white tea

It is important to note that all major tea varieties come from one and the same plant – Camellia Sinensis

A special feature of white tea, which characterizes it as probably the highest quality tea, is its naturalness. This means that it is processed very little and is allowed to dry naturally in the sun. Since white tea is generally only allowed to oxidize for a very short time, the production time is limited and the finished tea is often produced after just one day – other types of tea go through a much longer production process.

The degree of fermentation or oxidation is also important. White tea is characterized by a particularly low degree of oxidation, which makes it taste so mild.

White or Green Tea: What’s the Difference?

White tea is not easily compared to green tea, as both are very different in several aspects, but are similar in others. This starts with the production of the respective tea type: while white tea goes through a relatively short production process and only wilts for a short time, green tea is steamed or roasted after harvesting, according to Verbraucherfenster Hessen. Both varieties are unfermented teas.

However, the difference in taste is immense: while white tea tastes extremely mild and sweet, green tea has a rather bitter taste. The types of tea can also be distinguished visually, as explained by the scientific information service for tea at the Technical University (TU) Braunschweig: the lighter the type of tea, the lighter the leaf material.

When it comes to distinguishing between the two types of tea based on their ingredients, it is often difficult to make a clear distinction. Both white and green tea contain similarly large amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids. The healthy catechins are also contained to a similar extent, albeit in a slightly higher proportion in white tea. However, it is noticeable that white tea generally contains more caffeine than green tea. A study by Dr. re. of course Yumen Hilal at the TU Braunschweig. Teekenner.de locates the caffeine content of a high-quality tea at five to six percent of the dry matter. In comparison, coffee contains only one to three percent caffeine based on dry matter. In contrast to coffee, the caffeine in white tea is not as strong and has a longer-lasting effect.

White Tea: These varieties are the best

The silver needle tea, also known as Bai Hao Yin Zhen, is probably the best type of white tea. This special tea comes from the “silver needle” tea variety of the same name and is grown in the southeast Chinese province of Fujian. The special feature: only the youngest, unopened leaf buds are used for this excellent white tea. Due to the very low level of oxidation, the silver needle tea tastes lovely and looks very light and subtly golden when poured. The taste is described as fresh with a sweet aftertaste.

What also makes it so special is the very low degree of oxidation of up to a maximum of two percent, which gives it its extreme mildness and sweetness. Because: The higher the degree of oxidation, the more the quality of the white tea decreases. Since only the most tender tea buds are harvested for silver needle tea*, the pickers have to be more careful not to damage the leaves than with other types of tea. Therefore, the use of picking machines is taboo here, which could never reach the level of care of picking by hand. For this reason, if you value a particularly high quality of white tea, you should make sure that the tea is hand-picked instead of using picking machines. Because if the buds are damaged, the tea already begins to oxidize – and the excellent mildness of the tea is endangered.

The tea variety Pai Mu Tan is also considered a particularly high-quality variant of white tea. This is characterized by a large proportion of coarse green leaves and a large number of white buds and is considered one of the most expensive types of white tea in the world. In terms of taste, the Pai Mu Tan* is described as mild but nutty, with a subtle cocoa note. Only the freshly opened leaf buds are suitable for this special white tea, the unopened ones are reserved for the silver needle tea. Another good, but by far not as excellent type of tea as the silver needle tea is the Shou Mei, which in terms of quality also has to rank behind the Pai Mu Tan. The Shou Mei is harvested after the Pai Mu Tan, which is why slightly older leaves are used for its production. This makes the Shou Mei less mild in taste, but still aromatic and fresh.

White tea: healthy but expensive? – Saving tip

White tea should actually be our daily companion due to its numerous health benefits and is an ideal substitute for one or the other coffee due to its gently invigorating effect – but unfortunately high-quality white tea is quite expensive!

One reason is that really high-quality white tea is only grown in one region, and that’s in the Fujian province of southeast China. Between 2010 and 2019 there are signs of a sharp jump in prices and tea prices are now more than twice as high as they were a few years ago. One of the reasons for this is that the demand for white tea from the Fujian region has increased immensely. White tea is scarce anyway: it can only be picked a few days a year and the areas under cultivation are limited. The weather must also be right to ensure a rich harvest. This is also extremely high, since each individual bud has to be carefully harvested by hand, which means that a comparatively large amount of working time goes into the harvest of the white tea.

So here’s our tip for getting as much expensive white tea as possible: Pour the tea several times. White tea is perfect for multiple infusions, as are green tea and oolong tea. When infusing, make sure that the water is no more than 70 to 80 °C hot, as water that is too hot is harmful to the healthy ingredients and the excellent taste of the white tea. With each new infusion, the taste of the tea develops, but it doesn’t get any worse! In principle, however, high-quality white tea is advisable, as it can be infused several times without any loss of quality.

Conclusion: White tea – the healthiest tea in the world

White tea can rightly be called the healthiest tea in the world: Due to its countless benefits for our health, it should actually be consumed every day. Thanks to its naturalness and the very short processing time, there are many healthy ingredients in the tea that have a preventive and alleviating effect on many physical ailments and diseases.

When buying, you should make sure that the white tea is of high quality. The best of all white teas is Silver Needle Tea, followed by Pai Mu Tan and Shou Mei.

Since high-quality white tea is rare and therefore expensive, you can save with this tip: Pour the tea several times, this does not damage the taste, it even develops further.

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Exceptional Coffee – a Coffee Trip Around The World

Other countries other manners. Accompany us on our “coffee trip” around the world and get to know extraordinary coffee – from A for America to V for Vietnam.

Each country prefers its own special type of coffee. We will show you where there are any specialties in a brief overview.

America: The Americans have a rather pragmatic attitude to coffee. It has to be quick here: coffee to go. This trend made it to us in Germany some time ago.

If, on the other hand, the Americans take some time and go to a coffee shop for coffee, so you can see really extraordinary coffee. The Americans like their coffee cute – right! Sirups or even caramel sauce are often drunk in coffee, sugar is also used in large quantities and the drink is often crowned with a large cream hood – which is also often decorated with chocolate sauce. So if the Americans take their time for their coffee, then he almost takes on the shape of a full meal. The classic espresso, cappuccino or latte macchiato is also decorated again and provided with all kinds of toppings.

Ethiopia: In the motherland of the coffee, you usually take a lot of time to prepare and enjoy your daily coffee. This makes coffee in Ethiopia a social event. You come together, discuss the problems of everyday life and donate to each other comfort and blessings. Exceptional coffee is therefore part of Ethiopian culture and is simply part of it.

Brazil: Brazil, like Ethiopia, is a coffee export nation. A whole lot of coffee is also drunk in Brazil itself-and usually without much frills. Often you will find thermos can in public facilities or restaurants that are filled with coffee: one with and one without sugar. The Brazilian usually doesn’t need more to enjoy a tasteful coffee. Simply can be exceptional here!

Germany: A new trend has been spreading lately: coffee with honey. Especially in the winter months, this extraordinary coffee should protect against colds. It also tastes great. In contrast to sugar, honey combines with the natural aromas of coffee and creates completely new and interesting flavors. A cappuccino with honey can taste completely different.

France: From France we know the Café au lait. It classically consists of equal parts of coffee and milk. The original was originally prepared with filter coffee – today you can find the Café au lait with a double espresso. The tastes like to differ here from time to time.

Greece: The Greeks like their coffee cold – it is also not too surprising because it is usually warm enough in Greece. To do this, mix instant coffee or coarse -grained coffee with cold water. Then the whole thing comes into a cocktail shaker and is shaken vigorously. The extraordinary coffee is usually served in a glass with ice cubes.

Italy: In Italy you will find a plenty of different types of coffee, everyone is in common the espresso, which is the basis for the different variants. What is special about the espresso is his fine crema, which makes him an extraordinary coffee. It is created by the special manufacturing process of the espresso: high pressure is essential for the espresso. This presses water vapor through a sieve with the coffee powder.

Thailand: In Thailand it is less the preparation method of the coffee, which is so extraordinary than the “production” of the bean. The “Black Ivory” variety first passes the intestine of pachyderms. Yes: coffee from elephant droppings is even considered a rare delicacy. One kilo usually costs around 850 euros. So this curious coffee is not a bargain, but is traded worldwide and finds new followers every day.

Vietnam: The Vietnamese are also a real coffee export nation. They are now in second place in coffee exporters worldwide. They also have extraordinary coffee on offer. The varieties Catimor, which has a fine-nutty, slightly chocolate-like taste, and Chari, a special caffeine-free coffee. By the way, the Vietnamese prefer to drink their coffee cold, with sweetened condensed milk. This is not exceptional in Vietnam, because the climate is pleasantly warm. The coffee can be cold.

There are many extraordinary coffees in the world all around. Each country has its specific preferences and convinces with cultural and taste differences. From coffee with honey to coffee from elephant droppings, all curiosities are represented. What tastes best in the end, but everyone has to decide for themselves – there is enough selection in any case!

Thailand: In Thailand it is less the preparation method of the coffee, which is so extraordinary than the “production” of the bean. The “Black Ivory” variety first passes the intestine of pachyderms. Yes: coffee from elephant droppings is even considered a rare delicacy. One kilo usually costs around 850 euros. So this curious coffee is not a bargain, but is traded worldwide and finds new followers every day.

Vietnam: The Vietnamese are also a real coffee export nation. They are now in second place in coffee exporters worldwide. They also have extraordinary coffee on offer. The varieties Catimor, which has a fine-nutty, slightly chocolate-like taste, and Chari, a special caffeine-free coffee. By the way, the Vietnamese prefer to drink their coffee cold, with sweetened condensed milk. This is not exceptional in Vietnam, because the climate is pleasantly warm. The coffee can be cold.

There are many extraordinary coffees in the world all around. Each country has its specific preferences and convinces with cultural and taste differences. From coffee with honey to coffee from elephant droppings, all curiosities are represented. What tastes best in the end, but everyone has to decide for themselves – there is enough selection in any case!

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Death Wish – The Strongest Coffee in The World

Sometimes the normal dose of caffeine in coffee isn’t enough. The Death wish coffee is considered the strongest coffee in the world and provides the necessary extra kick.

For even more power – Death wish coffee

The Death wish coffee does not bear its name and its terrifying skull and crossbones presentation for nothing. It has a significantly higher amount of caffeine and is therefore only for real caffeine junkies. With two other providers, he fights for the title of the “strongest coffee” in the world. It is particularly popular with morning grouches who just can’t get going in the morning. With the Death wish coffee, nothing stands in the way of a turbo start to the day. However, beginners should use the Hi-Wake Bomb with caution. Not everyone can tolerate the higher amount of caffeine, especially in the morning on an empty stomach.

Death wish coffee – the harmless caffeine bomb?

Sensitive people probably know it. After too much coffee, the body reacts. The pulse quickens and you start to sweat easily. But is this really because of the caffeine? And what dose is safe? Stomach problems are often due to the roasting. It helps to try a different type of coffee. When it comes to dosing caffeine, a single dose of 200 mg is considered safe for adults. You should not consume more than 400 mg of caffeine throughout the day. Pregnant and lactating women are advised not to exceed half the value.
Death wish coffee has a significantly higher caffeine content than normal filter coffee. The manufacturer speaks of 200% more caffeine. According to the manufacturer, 100 ml of Death Wish coffee contain 186 mg of caffeine. So a small cup of the strongest coffee in the world is safe. However, it should not be more than two cups in order not to exceed the recommended maximum dose of caffeine.

Comparison with other coffees

The taste of Death wish coffee is considered to be particularly tart. It is made in the USA from real Robusta beans. Death wish coffee is currently fighting with two other suppliers for the crown of the strongest coffee in the world. The competitors are called “Banned Coffee” and “Black Insomnia Coffee”. According to the manufacturer, half a cup of “Black Insomnia Coffee” quickly reaches the recommended caffeine limit. Caution is advised here. Many coffee drinkers also forget that the effects of caffeine only unfold slowly. Finally, the caffeine takes about 45 minutes to get into the bloodstream. The effect of caffeine is therefore often misjudged.

Ultimately, you have to try the Death Wish coffee to find out if the steep price of $20 a pound is worth it. The included dose of caffeine definitely promises a tingling and awakening experience. You shouldn’t be put off by the gloomy exterior of the packaging – it’s only intended to emphasize the powerful effect of the contents.

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Cooking Tips

Brazil is World Champion – at Least When it Comes to Coffee

Not only in football Brazil is usually at the top. The country on the Sugar Loaf is the clear number one worldwide among coffee producers.

Perfect climate for cultivation

Almost five million of the approximately 190 million inhabitants live directly from coffee cultivation. Around 60% of the annual harvest is exported. Every fourth coffee plant in the world grows on Brazilian soil. And because the climate in the South American country is usually ideal for growing coffee, almost 30% of all coffee beans come from Brazil – more than a million tons. So it’s no wonder that the recent period of drought in the country has led to a steep rise in the world market price for green coffee because of fears of massive crop failures. Brazilian coffee is very popular, especially in Europe. The Germans and Italians alone import almost 100,000 tons of coffee a year. The low acid content paired with a high caffeine content, which characterizes the coffees from the South American country, is particularly appreciated.

Because the climate in the South American country is usually ideal for coffee growing, almost 30% of all coffee beans come from Brazil – more than a million tons.

The first coffee plants were brought to Brazil from French Guiana around 1730 by the officer Franciso de Melo Palheta. From this point on, coffee cultivation and coffee culture spread rapidly. At the Sugar Loaf there are a number of coffee specialties that are an integral part of everyday life there. These include, for example, the Café de olla and the Cafezinho. For Brazilians, making a good coffee starts with choosing the right water. It must be pure, rich in minerals and oxygen, because this is the only way the coffee can develop its full taste.

Café de olla refreshes and invigorates

The café de olla is not only a popular coffee specialty and refreshment in Brazil. It is usually drunk cold and made from coffee powder with various spices such as cinnamon, orange peel, chili or vanilla. The drink is available in many variants, of which we would like to present a typical one for you to cook at home:

Cafe de olla recipe

Ingredients:

1,000 ml still mineral water,
30 g freshly ground coffee powder,
125 g brown sugar,
2 cinnamon sticks,
5 cloves,
Zest of half an orange.

Preparation:

First bring the water to the boil in a small saucepan along with the cloves, the cinnamon stick and the zest of the orange.
Once it boils, let it simmer for about 10 minutes more.
Then add the coffee powder and the sugar and let it boil again briefly.
Finally, remove the pot from the hotplate and let it steep for about 5 minutes.
To pour into a pot or bottle, it is best to pass it through a fine sieve.
The café de olla tastes best when it has been well chilled. Bottled and refrigerated, this Brazilian refreshment can easily be kept for several days.

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Coffee Curiosities From Around The World

Coffee: strange, bizarre or funny – the perception of some extraordinary stories is different for each viewer. In the past few weeks we have again found and collected some interesting mishaps, finds and deeds.

I forgot 24,000 euros while getting my coffee

Munich is known for its prosperity and the rather high prices for rents, goods and gastronomy compared to the rest of the country. So when you hear that two coffees have reached a value of 24,000 euros, you hold your breath. One inevitably wonders whether the coffee was served with gold leaf or expensive spices in a fancy restaurant, or whether these are particularly large cups of the most expensive coffee, Kopi Luwak. The story behind it is completely different.

At Munich Central Station, shortly before their train departed, two gentlemen quickly each got a coffee-to-go. A short time later, father and son noticed that they had left their shoulder bag in the shop there. As if losing a bag with normal contents such as a cell phone, wallet and documents wasn’t bad enough, in this case 24,000 euros in cash was a whole new type of loss. A conscientious member of security from the restaurant immediately reported the finding of this bag to the police. After the find was taken care of and the officials had counted the money, they were amazed. In addition to the 24,000 euros already mentioned, the two gentlemen’s passports and credit cards were also found. Luckily, there was no big search because father and son got in touch relatively quickly. For all those who now think badly: The origin of the money could be proven and was properly registered. Of course, the two men didn’t just carry the money around with them for fun – no – it was intended for an operation on their sick father in Germany. In the end everything turned out well again. The father thanked the finder for his honesty and the son promised to take better care of his belongings in the future. What a story!

Coffee container as a hiding place for drugs

Once again something was hidden between a load of coffee from Brazil that definitely doesn’t belong there. However, the dimensions are unmatched. Said container came from Santos in Brazil and was shipped to Antwerp. Afterwards we went to Switzerland comfortably by train. There the journey ended for the brown beans and the stowaway, because a sports bag was found when the freight container was opened. This was well filled, because the contents were 191 kilograms of cocaine with a market value of around 70 million francs. That’s the equivalent of around 65 million euros. For this amount you can treat yourself to a lot of delicious coffee specialties every day for a really long time. This find was of course immediately reported to the responsible police. According to this, it is the largest find of cocaine in Switzerland to date. For this reason, it is suspected that the drugs were not intended for the Swiss market. It is much more likely that this delivery was intended for the intermediate station in Antwerp. It is assumed that the unloading and distribution of the parcels failed there. Perhaps one had simply overreached oneself with this enormous quantity. Antwerp is generally known as one of the largest drug hubs. The degree of purity of the drugs is also significant. This is more than 90% instead of the conventional 40%. Either way, we cannot understand this act and would rather enjoy a coffee – and that 100%.

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Cooking Tips

Argentinian Coffee Culture: Have a Coffee With the Vice World Champion

Whoever thinks of Argentina, besides Lionel Messi, perhaps has the huge Pampas in mind, which is very intensively cultivated, e.g. B. is used for the world famous cattle breeding. But who thinks about coffee?

Argentina is known for many things. But also for coffee culture?
Argentine coffee culture

It is mainly thanks to the many Italian immigrants that there is a rich coffee culture in Argentina. Due to the geographical and climatic situation, coffee cultivation is only possible to a limited extent in the north of the country. That is why, when it comes to coffee cultivation in Argentina, the focus is very successfully not on sheer volume like in its neighbor Brazil, but on quality.

In most bars, restaurants and cafés in the country you can almost certainly order at least one of these four coffee specialties from the mozo, the waiter:
According to the German understanding, the “Americano” is a normal cup of coffee.
The “Solo” is a strong small coffee that is very similar to espresso.
The “Cortado” is a coffee with a little milk, usually served by the glass.
With the “Lagrima” the ratio of milk and coffee is reversed compared to the “Cortado”, i.e. a lot of hot milk and little coffee.
A piece of chocolate that can be melted in the milk is often served with the coffee and milk specialties.

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