The 1918 Fanny Farmer Cookbook

maleberry,

which is a single round seed. In their natural state they are almost tasteless; therefore color,

shape, and size determine value. Formerly, coffee was cured by exposure to the sun; but on

account of warm climate and sudden rainfalls, coffee was often injured. By the new method

coffee is washed, and then dried by steam heat.

In coffee plantations, trees are planted in parallel rows, from six to eight feet apart, and are

pruned so as never to exceed six feet in height. Banana−trees are often grown in coffee

plantations, advantage being taken of their outspreading leaves, which protect coffee−trees

from

Java,

direct rays of the sun. Brazil produces about two−thirds the coffee used. Central America,

and Arabia are also coffee centres.

Tea comes to us ready for use; coffee needs roasting. In process of roasting the seeds

increase

in size, but lose fifteen per cent in weight. Roasting is necessary to develop the delightful

aroma

and flavor. Java coffee is considered finest. Mocha commands a higher price, owing to certain

acidity and sparkle, which alone is not desirable; but when combined with Java, in proportion

two parts Java to one part Mocha, the coffee best suited to average taste is made. Some people

prefer Maleberry Java; so especial care is taken to have maleberries separated, that they may

sold for higher price. Old Government Java has deservedly gained a good reputation, as it is

carefully inspected, and its sale controlled by Dutch government. Strange as it may seem to

the

consumer, all coffee sold as Java does not come from the island of Java. Any coffee,

wherever

grown, having same characteristics and flavor, is sold as Java. The same is true of other kinds

coffee.

The stimulating property of coffee is due to the alkaloid caffeine, together with an essential

oil.

Like tea, it contains an astringent. Coffee is more stimulating than tea, although, weight for

weight, tea contains about twice as much theine as coffee contains caffeine. The smaller

proportion of tea used accounts for the difference. A cup of coffee with breakfast, and a cup

tea with supper, serve as a mild stimulant for an adult, and form a valuable food adjunct, but

should never be found in the dietary of a child or dyspeptic. Coffee taken in moderation

quickens action of the heart, acts directly upon the nervous system, and assists gastric

digestion.

Fatigue of body and mind are much lessened by moderate use of coffee; severe exposure to

cold can be better endured by the coffee drinker. In times of war, coffee has proved more

valuable than alcoholic stimulants to keep up the enduring power of soldiers. Coffee acts as

antidote for opium and alcoholic poisoning. Tea and coffee are much more readily absorbed

Chapter III − BEVERAGES