Corn fritter, corn chip, corn dogs, corn chowder, corn soup, pap. I could go on and on about the many sweet delicacies corn has brought to our tables, but I wouldn’t want to sound corny. Pun intended. Cereals, snack foods, salad dressings, soft drink sweeteners, chewing gum, peanut butter, and some flour products. We’ve seen them all and we love them, but today is about something different. A corn-based beverage called “Roasted corn coffee”.
For those who have yet to try it, this is a breakdown of what you need to know about roasted corn coffee. If you’re interested in a change of pace in beverages or just want to know about coffee substitutes, this is for you.
What is Roasted Corn Coffee?
Roasted corn coffee is an all-natural healthy beverage made from corn. It is nutritious as it is made from various kinds of corn. It is non-caffeinated and can be enjoyed both hot and cold. It’s great taste, health benefits, and versatility with either water temp make it a favorite daily beverage for some. While it has the taste, appearance, and aroma of caffeinated coffee, it is not coffee.
Initially, roasted corn coffee was produced in various cities in the central area of Visayas, South-East Asia before reaching the cities of Mindanao, The Philippines. Now roasted corn coffee is found in most parts of the world. It could easily be made also provided the ingredients are present.
Not only has roasted corn coffee become a popular caffeine substitute, but it has also become a gift item option for a lot of people. People tend to buy this beverage for older people. Parents, grandparents, lovers, and even children just to enjoy the health benefits it has to offer.
Ingredients of Roasted Corn Coffee
Moving on to the ingredients required to make the beverage, corns are needed. Other ingredients include coffee beans and cinnamon taste. The more the coffee beans are added, the more bitter they will taste. Needless to say, both coffee beans and cinnamon might not be compulsory.
Corn coffee is made naturally, without preservatives and caffeine. Corn coffee neither requires many ingredients nor does it require a long process. Despite all its benefits, it is cost-effective and not time-consuming.
How to Make Roasted Corn Coffee
There are two methods of making coffee.
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First Method
The corn is obtained in ground form, as well as the coffee beans if desired. Then the ground corn and beans are baked until they turn black. The baking process could take up to 30 minutes. Afterward, the ground powdery form is then collected into a container and boiled water is added and then filtered. After filtering, the particles are removed and you have your roasted corn coffee.
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Second Method
The second method differs a bit. You might not be opportune to get your corn in ground form. Once you get the corn, boil for about 30 minutes, wash then drain. Following drying, you bake the corn and coffee beans on a griddle or any available baking kitchen utensil. Remember to stir the coffee and corn to make the baking done uniformly.
The resulting baked content is ground together with cinnamon and is deposited in a plastic container or glass to save it. Finally, to prepare the beverage, two tablespoons of powdered form and boiled water should be enough. Filter, then serve the beverage which could be sweetened to taste. Coffee beans contain caffeine naturally. You could decide to omit it from the recipe for a completely non-caffeinated beverage.
How to Drink Roasted Corn Coffee
Adding a cup of roasted corn coffee to your meal every day will yield an overall health improvement. Based on your preference, you can enjoy it hot or cold. Some people also prefer to add some milk and sweetener to their coffee.
While a majority of people switched to roasted corn coffee to enjoy its uniqueness and health benefits, some people have negative thoughts about it. Some people drink corn beverages because they believe that coffee is unhealthy. Some others made their decisions based on religious beliefs.
Health Benefits of Roasted Corn Coffee
Caffeine has been researched to cause repeated elevations in blood pressure, insomnia, migraines, heart disease risks, anxiety, and more. While this article isn’t a comparison between caffeine and roasted corn coffee, the latter has been researched to not cause these risks. Here are some of the health benefits of roasted corn coffee
- Helps with body functions regulation
- Provides energy and supports growth and development.
- Controls diabetes, lowers hypertension, and deters cardiovascular diseases.
- Lowers LDL cholesterol levels.
- In infants, it prevents neural tube defects.
- Possesses Anti-cancerous properties, as well as lowers the risk of colon cancer.
- Soothes skin rashes and irritations.
- Prevent Alzheimer Disease
- Boosts immune system
- Aids weight loss in overweight people
- Extends endurance
- Increases and sustains energy levels
In terms of nutritional benefits,
- Corn coffee contains fiber, carbohydrates, ash, and protein.
- It contains Vitamin B such as Vitamin B12 also known as “Cobalamin”. This is a crucial vitamin as it is necessary for nerve tissue health and brain function. It is also important for the production of red blood cells.
- Corn coffee contains Vitamin E. This is an antioxidant also known as “alpha-tocopherol”. The function is scavenging harmful loose electrons known as “free radicals”. These free radicals damage cells.
- It is a rich source of calories
Other benefits of roasted corn coffee include the following. improved circulation, alleviation of digestive problems, decreased bloatedness, detoxification, and headache and migraine alleviation.
The Side Effects of Roasted Corn Coffee
Roasted corn coffee is all-natural and caffeine-free. As such, it is non-toxic and has no side effects. Even if you decide to enjoy the beverage daily. On average, roasted corn coffee drinkers consume about 10 cups daily.
Is Corn Coffee Good for Acid Reflux?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD, or Acid reflux is a condition where there is a backwash of HCL, the stomach acid, or gastric juice from the stomach to the esophagus. This backwash irritates the esophageal lining causing a burning sensation, hence heartburn. Corn itself is good for acid reflux, as long as it’s eaten without butter, a common heartburn trigger. Roasted corn coffee is naturally non-acidic. It should help with acid reflux.
Differences Between Roasted Corn Coffee and Regular Coffee
Roasted corn coffee has some features over regular coffee.
- Roasted corn coffee is cheaper.
- Roasted corn coffee has more nutritional benefits. According to Chito Rodriguez of the University of Philippines, every 100 grams of corn coffee is carbohydrates, protein, ash, fiber, and antioxidants.
- The aroma is different because it is made from corn. However, it still smells somewhat like coffee.
- Unlike regular coffee, corn coffee is non-caffeinated. Likewise non-toxic.
- Corn coffee is all-natural.
- It is relatively easier to make in most places.
Final Thoughts
Roasted corn coffee has indeed made a name for itself as a worthy coffee substitute. While it’s not a new beverage, more people are getting exposed to it daily. Corn coffee is easily incorporated into diets as it’s packed with all the benefits corn has to offer. While some might think, the roasting will probably have destroyed some important nutrients, it is not quite true.
If you’re an avid, but worried coffee drinker concerned about the side effects of caffeine, give this beverage a shot. Others aren’t left out. This could be a change of pace in drinks and beverages for you.
