Zanzibar Spiced Coffee: Μεθυστικός κι Εξωτικός, γεμάτος μπαχαρικά

An intoxicating and exotic coffee, full of spices

We have said again that the coffee culture that a people develops, largely reflects its overall culture. Through the recipes, but also the ritual of coffee in every country and in every region, we can understand a lot about the people who live in it. Even if we are talking about an exotic, almost mythical place, like Zanzibar!

Zanzibar is an island in the Indian Ocean that belongs to Tanzania as an autonomous province. Although Zanzibar has been inhabited since prehistoric times, its modern history begins with colonialism, as it was built by the Portuguese for many years. It passed into the hands of Arab Sultans for a number of years, was conquered by the British, and only in 1964 was it united into a state with mainland Taganika, called Tanzania.

Zanzibar's economy and prosperity were based mainly on agriculture and trade - with the spice trade always at the forefront, which was the main activity. As Tanzania began to grow coffee systematically, these two trading pillars were combined by local traders in their daily lives, and so came Zanzibar Spiced Coffee: a strong local coffee, flavored with spices.

The character of Zanzibar Spiced Coffee is strong, exotic and the taste is rich and intoxicating. It is always extracted by simple methods, it is bravely flavored by the many spices and it waits for bold explorers of taste to appreciate it. A walk in the narrow alleys of the old city of Zanzibar, say those who have visited it, is full of aromas that come from the trolleys of the wanderers who prepare the small cups of aromatic coffee!

What do you need for Zanzibar Spiced Coffee?

- 1 tablespoon cardamom
 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
- 5 cloves
- 1/2  teaspoon cinnamon
 - 1/2  teaspoon nutmeg
 - 1/2  teaspoon turmeric
- 2 tablespoons ground coffee

How is Zanzibar Spiced Coffee prepared?

 - Mix the spices well with the coffee
- Extract in an Espresso Machine or in a French Press
- Serve in small glasses, with sugar and milk


Tips for delicious Zanzibar Spiced Coffee

 - The proportions are indicative, and you can adjust them according to the taste we like best.
 - By replacing fresh ginger with ginger powder (in a slightly smaller amount), you can make a larger quantity of Zanzibar Blend, which can be stored in an airtight container.
 - Grind the coffee according to the extraction method you will use (fine grind for Moka Pot, thicker for French Press)
 - Its taste is intense, with many aromas, and that is why the locals "tame" it with milk and sugar. Prefer evaporated milk, which gives a denser texture.
 - Always serve in small cups, just like the locals.
 - A jar with Zanzibar Blend is a great, handmade gift for someone who loves coffee.
 - In the old town of Zanzibar, there are many cafes that serve this aromatic coffee with a dose of alcohol - mainly African liqueurs with a creamy texture. A Baileys shotgun can replace these hard-to-find drinks.

BONUS: Two tasty suggestions for extra authentic Zanzibar Spiced Coffee

Caffè Lab Tanzania AB 250g : Single-origin, 100% Robusta coffee from the Bukoba area on the Victoria River. Shade cultivation and intense humidity offer this coffee a depth and natural sweetness unusual for Robusta. The cup is dominated by notes of cocoa and caramel, while the body is strong and the acidity is almost absent

Cosmai Caffè Dodoma 250g: Single-origin, 100% Arabica coffee from plantations on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. The fertile volcanic soil endows the coffee with a unique taste and deep aroma. The body is strong and the sharpness subtle.

You do not need a trip to walk the streets of Zanzibar's old stone town ... only low light, an afrobeat playing and a cup of Zanzibar Spiced Coffee!