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Date seed elixir: a coffee-free alternative

  • 10 min
  • 20 to 30 min
  • 250 ml cup

A natural date seed drink: aromatic, healthy, and completely caffeine-free.

In a world where we’re increasingly seeking healthier and more sustainable alternatives, date seed coffee has become a new favorite of mine. While it may look like coffee, this aromatic brew is completely caffeine-free, yet still delivers that comforting feeling of holding a warm cup of something delicious. And the best part, it uses date seeds that would otherwise end up as waste.

Date seeds are hard, shiny, and, at first glance, seem fit only for the compost pile. But once they’re thoroughly washed, dried, and roasted, they become the flavorful base for a drink that smells like roasted earth, with nutty undertones and a hint of gentle bitterness. It’s caffeine-free but rich in antioxidants, supports digestion, and offers comfort without the side effects of regular coffee.

What to Do with All Those Dates?

If you, like me, find yourself buying dates in bulk just for the seeds, here are a few ideas for the fruit itself (besides just snacking, of course):

  • Raw Dessert Bases: Dates make a perfect “glue” for raw cake bases. Blend them with almonds, walnuts, coconut, and a pinch of salt, press into a pan, and you have a solid, sweet base for raw cheesecakes, chocolate tarts, or fruit pies.
  • Energy Balls: One of the quickest, most loved healthy snacks. Blend dates with nuts, seeds, cocoa, and spices of your choice. Shape into balls and keep in the fridge for a quick “sugar fix.”
  • Date Paste: Blend them with a bit of water until smooth and use as a natural sweetener for oatmeal, smoothies, desserts, or even as a glaze for roasted veggies.
  • Filling for Pancakes or Cookies: Chop dates and mix with cinnamon, lemon juice, and chopped nuts for a perfect filling for homemade cookies, pancakes, or rolls.

Sustainability in a Cup

Roasted date seeds can be ground ahead of time and stored in a glass jar in the fridge, ready for a quick brew whenever you want. Sustainability has never tasted this good. This Not-Coffee is a perfect example of smart cooking by using what we already have, creating new flavors, and caring for both our health and the planet.

Next time you reach for a date, remember, both the flesh and the seed have something to say!

Sastojci

    • Seeds from 20 dates (well-washed and dried)

    • 250 ml water (for one cup of brew)

Priprema

    1. Clean the Seeds: Thoroughly wash the date seeds to remove any remaining fruit. Pat them dry with a cloth or leave them out to air dry for a few hours.
    2. Roast the Seeds: Spread the seeds on a baking tray and roast at 180°C for about 25-30 minutes, or until they darken and take on a rich, nutty aroma. Stir occasionally to ensure even roasting.
    3. Grind the Seeds: Once cooled, grind the seeds in a coffee grinder, powerful blender, or mortar and pestle. They don’t need to be super fine, but I prefer a fine grind, similar to Turkish coffee.
    4. Brew the Drink: In a small pot, add the ground date seeds and water. Heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from boiling over. Once the brew is hot, cover and let it steep for a short while, then strain.
    5. Serve: Enjoy the drink as is, or with a splash of milk (dairy or plant-based), a pinch of cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey or date syrup for added sweetness.

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