If the sound of blueberry coffee makes you wince, you're not alone. Blueberries and coffee are not your typical mix, but don't judge it 'til you try it!
Blueberries are one of the tastiest "super foods". They're praised by nutritionists for their healthy qualities. Now, we're adding them to our cup of coffees. Is this "super drink" about to take the coffee market by storm?
How do we get Blueberry Coffee Beans?
The best blueberry coffee comes from freshly roasted 100% Arabica beans. Fresher coffee beans allow the ripe, fruity blueberry flavor to shine through in your cup. Arabica beans have a milder, more delicate taste that won't overpower the blueberries.
We can achieve blueberry coffee by adding blueberry flavored syrup into your cup of coffee. However, here we're going to discuss another method. In this method, we infuse blueberry into coffee beans during the roasting process. This method achieves a more subtle taste of blueberry. Adding blueberry syrup will make a more vibrant, sweet flavor.
Coffee beans are carefully chosen and the roasting process is made up of several stages. During the last part of the roasting is when the blueberries should be added. This can ensure maximum taste and freshness.
The best blueberries to use are the dried kind. Fresh blueberries contain water that can evaporate when it gets heated. They can also taste a little burned when roasted. Sometimes it's difficult for the oils in fruit to fully penetrate the coffee bean. For this reason, the blueberry smell can be stronger than the taste. Your drink will probably taste like coffee with just a hint of sweet blueberry.
Blueberries are a seasonal fruit, so supplies of this coffee are limited for some parts of the year.
There are many variations of blueberry coffee you can buy, so there's a taste for everyone! Why not try some of the following:
- Blueberry cream flavored coffee
- Coconut blueberry coffee
- Cinnamon blueberry coffee
- Blueberry cobbler flavored coffee
How to Make the Best Blueberry Coffee
If you purchase blueberry coffee beans, you can brew them as normal to make a tasty cup of exotic coffee. For this recipe, I'm going to show you how to make blueberry coffee with a twist. We all love a fruity treat during the summer, so why not add that to our coffee?
Here is a simple blueberry iced coffee recipe for you to sip on! Iced coffee offers the same benefits and caffeine content as hot coffee. Just be sure to drink it quickly so the ice doesn't melt and water down your beverage!
You will need:
- Blueberry coffee grounds
- Sweetened, condensed milk (2-3 tbsp)
- Cubed ice (2 cups)
- Hot water
- Glass
- Long spoon
- Coffee brewer. e.g. French press, stove or drip coffee maker
The Method | |
|---|---|
1. | Brew the coffee ground according to your brewer's instructions. For the best results, buy whole coffee beans and grind them yourself just before you brew. When brewing, allow the coffee grounds to steep in the water for a few minutes. |
2. | Allow the brewed coffee to cool. It's best to let it sit at room temperature before adding it to your ice to avoid instant melting! |
3. | Fill your glass to the top with ice and pour the cool coffee over it. Add milk if required, the amount is up to you |
4. | Give it a stir with your long spoon to mix everything together! Add a straw if you like and sip away. Best enjoyed in the hot summer sun! |
What's so Great about Blueberries?
Blueberries are little balls of juicy goodness. They offer a heap of health benefits, so adding them to our coffee can only be a good thing! What is it that makes blueberries so good for us?
- They are full of nutrients. In fact, any type of fruit or vegetable should be incorporated into your daily diet. In general, fruit and vegetables can lower your risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. They're good for increasing energy and maintaining a healthy complexion.
- Blueberries boost iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K, zinc and more. These elements are important for maintaining healthy bones and joints.
- They are naturally free of sodium, something which is essential to keeping a low blood pressure.
- Blueberries even contain antioxidants that can help prevent cancer. They have vitamins A, vitamin C and other phytonutrients that can protect cells against damage. They can decrease inflammation and slow down numerous types of cancer.
- The little fruits can also contribute to an overall healthy image. Their fiber content is good for a healthy digestion and to prevent constipation. Fiber is also useful for weight management. It makes you feel fuller and reducing your calorie intake. The vitamin C nutrient helps to fight wrinkles and look after the skin. It prevents sun damage and improves overall skin texture.
Nutritional Notes
Although your blueberry flavored coffee may taste indulgent, you can guarantee that it's guilt-free. It has a juicy, sweet aroma that will drive your senses wild! It tastes almost buttery with a hint of caramel, with that fruity blueberry undertone.
It's sweet and tasty enough that you probably won't need to add any extra sugar or sweeteners. Let's see how a cup of blueberry coffee without milk, sugar or other fatty additions shows up in our nutritional notes. I've based this information on a 10 oz cup.
Calories | 20 |
Caffeine | 150 |
Total fat | 0g |
Cholesterol | 0mg |
Sodium | 65mg |
Carbohydrate | 4g |
Protein | 1g |
The Bottom Line
You might have tried blueberry coffee cake, which actually isn't made with blueberry coffee beans at all! Instead, bakers combine a clever mix of ingredients to get that rich coffee taste. They'll then usually top the cake the fresh blueberries.
If you like your blueberry coffee to give off a powerful blueberry taste, use flavored syrup. If you prefer a more mild hint of sweet fruit, it's best to buy the beans infused with blueberry. Whatever your taste, I'm sure you'll never turn back after trying this coffee flavor!
