MARCH – National Caffeine Awareness Month

March is Caffeine Awareness Month 3/2019

Moderately drunk, coffee removes vapours from the brain, occasioned by fumes of wine, or other strong liquors; eases pains in the head, prevents sour belchings, and provokes appetite.”                                      -England’s Happiness Improved (1699)

Vapours, or Brain Fog can definitely weigh down one’s ability to focus, especially in the workplace. A cup of coffee may help bring some mental clarity. The caffeine in coffee has been shown to increase alertness, improve mood, boost cognitive function, and make you feel less tired. It’s no wonder why 85% of the US population relies on caffeine to start their day. Tea and coffee are still the most popular pick-me-ups choices.

Most people don’t think of coffee as an herb. However, if we define an herb as a medicinal plant, then not only is coffee an herb, it’s one of the most popular herbs in the world, with over 500 billion cups of coffee being consumed annually, and over 75 million people making their livelihood from coffee.  Tea can be considered both an herb or a spice.

Real tea comes from a tea bush, whereas herbal tea comes from other plants. But herbal tea also comes from leaves. Therefore, as regular tea is similar, despite the fermentation process, I would consider tea to be an herb before a spice.

Tea is a key part of social engagements, where it plays a central role in political meetings and celebrating special occasions. Tea culture varies dramatically in style from Japanese tea ceremonies to a simple afternoon cuppa with friends and family on the veranda.

Teatime is by its very nature a combination of small luxuries arranged in social symmetry. And although tea for one is certainly a fine thing, the addition of a circle of dear friends to share it with ensures the whole is larger than the parts.” – Author Unknown

Tea and coffee are not only used for drinking.
Give these fun recipes a try! Give these fun recipes a try!

Coffee Rubbed Steak   Steak of Choice, rub and grill
2 tablespoons coffee grounds NOT instant
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Chamomile Tea bag Brine:
4 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3 cloves garlic
1 handful fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
4 chamomile tea bags

For the brine: Add salt, brown sugar, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, tea bags and 2 quarts water to a large
sauce pot. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let cool completely.
Add your protein, let sit at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerated for up to 1 day.
Cook accordingly and enjoy!  

Tea Hack: Sometimes our shoes get a bit stinky, but you can use dry teabags to absorb the smell.

Coffee Hack: Freeze leftover Joe in ice cube trays for future iced creations. Add spice or flavorings like cinnamon or nutmeg before freezing for extra zing. Add a few cubes to your next cup of java to create iced coffee that isn’t watered down

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