Monday’s FOOD FOR THOUGHT: GREEK COFFEE

What is the secret to a healthy heart or longevity?? Could Greek coffee perhaps be the trick?!

It has been documented that on the island of Ikaria, Greece, elderly residents who had one cup a day of Ellinikos, (Greek coffee), displayed better overall cardiovascular health. Ikaria has been documented that the residents have lived well past the age of 90. This is a higher rate than most places in the world. Maybe we should all move to Ikaria? LOL

Greek Coffee Benefits:

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. Greek coffee is considered very good for your heart due to Greek coffee having an abundance of antioxidants and polyphenols. Greek coffee is superior to the average coffee because it is concentrated and the preparation of the coffee.

Greek coffee is boiled rather than brewed like your normal coffee. Boiling Greek coffee creates a foam, that the Greeks call Kaimaki, which adds a rich flavor and creaminess to the coffee. Boiling coffee extracts all of the nutrients within the Greek coffee versus the filtered way.

According to studies, those who drink Greek coffee regularly, have healthier blood vessels. The latest research has shown that Greek coffee protects against endothelial cell dysfunction, a type of heart disease in women.

Have Your Coffee The Greek Way:

In Greece, coffee is consumed 4-5 times a day! This is a pastime in Greece to gather your family and friends around and either go to a kafeneio, (Greek coffee shop) or have coffee at the house. You can have your coffee in many ways, but some of the most popular are Elliniko, Greek Frappe, or Greek Freddo style. My favorite is the Freddo espresso.

If you guys have noticed on this specific coffee bag it said BAKLAVA flavored! Yes, my friends, you can now get infused Greek coffee. My friend Athina sent me a beautiful package and some of the flavors included: baklava, mastiha, and tsoureki flavored coffee from Loumidis shop in Athens. You can VISIT their website here for more information.

So why not grab a Greek coffee and enjoy its health benefits? 🙂

Let’s make Greek coffee!!!

Greek Coffee (Ellinikos Kafes) – Ελληνικός Καφές

Servings: 1-2

How sweet do you like your coffee?

• “Sketos” – Unsweetened (no sugar)
• “Metrios” – Medium sweet. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar (most popular)
• “Glykos” – Sweet, two teaspoons of sugar per cup

Ingredients:

• Greek coffee (“Bravo” or “Loumidis” are two very common brands)
• Sugar (optional)
• A “briki” – a small pot designed specifically to make Greek coffee. The body and handle are traditionally made of brass or copper, though nowadays they are also made from stainless steel.
• Water
• Demitasse cups

Method:

1. Depending on how many cups you are serving, measure out water accordingly and fill a briki. (I don’t recommend doing more than 2 servings.)
2. Add 1 heaping teaspoon of Greek coffee per cup to the briki. (Add sugar if you like.)
3. Place the briki on the stove over medium-high heat. Stir gently making sure the sugar has dissolved.
4. Let the coffee come to a boil and create a thick foam on the surface. Serve immediately in demitasse cups.

Notes:

• Please be careful when the coffee starts to boil! It’s easy to make a mess and have it spill over the stove, so always keep a close eye on it.
• I like to add a dash of cinnamon powder to my coffee!

Cheers!