Along the banks of the Orange River in the quaint town of Prieska, a product is being harvested that could potentially revolutionize global health and daily coffee habits. Mesquite coffee beans have the potential to become the Northern Cape's next major discovery.
South African entrepreneur Brandt Coetzee stumbled upon the revelation that roasting the seedpods of the mesquite tree enhances their rich caramel flavors, resulting in a low glycemic index coffee-like brew that energizes without the side effects of caffeine.
The region has been grappling with the invasion of alien vegetation, particularly the thorny mesquite tree, for over a century. Covering over 8 million hectares of farmland in the Northern Cape, this invasive species poses significant environmental and water resource challenges.
For the past 26 years, brothers Aam and Brandt Coetzee have been dedicated to researching the health and nutritional benefits of the mesquite tree. Their journey began in 1996 when Minister Kader Asmal initiated the 'Working for Water campaign,' prompting Brandt Coetzee to explore ways to mitigate the spread of mesquite trees while benefiting the local economy.
Mesquite powder, considered a superfood, has been found to have restorative benefits for diabetes by regenerating beta cells in the pancreas. It effectively lowers the glycemic index of foods, making it suitable for those on low GI diets.
In 2020, Brandt Coetzee's experimentation led to the creation of MannaBrew's Mesquite Superfood Coffee, a coffee-like brew roasted from mesquite pods. This innovative product diversifies the traditional use of mesquite trees, offering an alternative to wood harvesting.
Harvesting mesquite pods requires careful timing and manual labor, providing employment opportunities for over 1,000 workers in the economically disadvantaged Northern Cape. The pods must be collected immediately after falling to prevent fermentation, which can lead to aflatoxins.
MannaBrew's Mesquite Superfood Coffee offers a unique taste experience, distinct from traditional coffee substitutes. With its natural creaminess and sweetness, it revitalizes the body without the acidity and caffeine-related reactions associated with coffee beans.
In summary, mesquite coffee brew resembles coffee in appearance, preparation, and enjoyment but offers the added benefits of a superfood. It presents a sustainable solution to environmental challenges while creating economic opportunities in the Northern Cape.
South African entrepreneur Brandt Coetzee stumbled upon the revelation that roasting the seedpods of the mesquite tree enhances their rich caramel flavors, resulting in a low glycemic index coffee-like brew that energizes without the side effects of caffeine.
The region has been grappling with the invasion of alien vegetation, particularly the thorny mesquite tree, for over a century. Covering over 8 million hectares of farmland in the Northern Cape, this invasive species poses significant environmental and water resource challenges.
For the past 26 years, brothers Aam and Brandt Coetzee have been dedicated to researching the health and nutritional benefits of the mesquite tree. Their journey began in 1996 when Minister Kader Asmal initiated the 'Working for Water campaign,' prompting Brandt Coetzee to explore ways to mitigate the spread of mesquite trees while benefiting the local economy.
Mesquite powder, considered a superfood, has been found to have restorative benefits for diabetes by regenerating beta cells in the pancreas. It effectively lowers the glycemic index of foods, making it suitable for those on low GI diets.
In 2020, Brandt Coetzee's experimentation led to the creation of MannaBrew's Mesquite Superfood Coffee, a coffee-like brew roasted from mesquite pods. This innovative product diversifies the traditional use of mesquite trees, offering an alternative to wood harvesting.
Harvesting mesquite pods requires careful timing and manual labor, providing employment opportunities for over 1,000 workers in the economically disadvantaged Northern Cape. The pods must be collected immediately after falling to prevent fermentation, which can lead to aflatoxins.
MannaBrew's Mesquite Superfood Coffee offers a unique taste experience, distinct from traditional coffee substitutes. With its natural creaminess and sweetness, it revitalizes the body without the acidity and caffeine-related reactions associated with coffee beans.
In summary, mesquite coffee brew resembles coffee in appearance, preparation, and enjoyment but offers the added benefits of a superfood. It presents a sustainable solution to environmental challenges while creating economic opportunities in the Northern Cape.
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