Giving up wheat products can be difficult for those who embark on a gluten-free diet. Thankfully, the food industry has produced an array of tasty gluten-free breads, crackers, cookies, and cakes. There is also an assortment of gluten-free flours available for those who prefer to bake their gluten-free goods, made from gluten-free grains, nuts, or seeds.
One downside of gluten-free baking is that the flours used often lack the fiber and nutrients found in gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, and rye. However, there is another alternative flour you can try for an added boost of fiber and nutrition — coffee flour.
The benefits of coffee flour
Coffee flour, which is naturally gluten-free, is made from the leftover fruit that covers the coffee bean (known as the “cherry”). This fruit is usually discarded after the coffee bean is harvested. By drying and milling these leftover coffee cherries into a fine powder, billions of pounds of waste are avoided, making it an eco-friendly alternative.
One tablespoon of coffee flour has 35 calories and provides 6 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein. It is rich in antioxidants and contains significant levels of potassium, iron, and calcium required daily.
Though originating from the coffee plant, coffee flour does not taste or smell like roasted coffee beans. Its flavor is more fruity and tart, somewhat like a fruity cocoa powder, making it a suitable addition to sweet recipes but not recommended for more savory dishes.
Using coffee flour
When using coffee flour for baking, combine it with another preferred flour, replacing two tablespoons of every cup with coffee flour. As coffee flour’s high fiber content may require additional fluid, it goes best in recipes that use brown sugar or molasses, although it’s also compatible with chocolate-based baked goods like brownies.
Additionally, coffee flour can be used as a nutritional supplement; try adding a tablespoon or two to your daily smoothie, hot cereal, or chia pudding for an extra dose of nutrients.
Although not as widely available as other gluten-free flours, coffee flour can be found at some Trader Joe’s locations and health-food specialty stores. It can also be ordered online from providers such as The Coffee Cherry Co. and Nuts.com.
In summary, coffee flour is an innovative and nutritious alternative for those pursuing a gluten-free diet, who still want to enjoy their baked goods. With its unique flavor profile and impressive nutritional content, it’s a fantastic choice for an added boost of fiber and essential nutrients. Plus, using this flour promotes sustainability by utilizing a previously discarded byproduct of the coffee industry. So why not try coffee flour in your next gluten-free baking adventure and enjoy the benefits of this eco-friendly, fiber-packed superfood?
