Coffee leaf tea, made from coffee plant leaves, is gaining fans for its unique flavor, health benefits, and eco-friendly production. It’s a nutty, low-caffeine drink, distinct from coffee or traditional tea, with roots in cultures spanning centuries. This guide covers what it is, how it tastes, its benefits, and why it’s catching on globally.
What is Coffee Leaf Tea?
Coffee leaf tea is a beverage crafted from the leaves of the coffee plant, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional coffee and tea. Unlike coffee beans, which come from the plant’s fruit, the leaves are harvested, dried, and then toasted, smoked, or roasted to bring out their nutty, earthy flavor. This drink has been enjoyed for centuries in regions like Ethiopia and Indonesia, where coffee plants grow abundantly, and is now reaching global markets for its low caffeine and eco-friendly production.
How Does Coffee Leaf Tea Taste?
Coffee leaf tea’s flavor stands out, making it a great base for creative drink pairings. Many liken it to green tea but nuttier and earthier. The taste shifts by origin—Ethiopian leaves lean floral, Costa Rican ones more robust. It stays smooth even after long steeping, avoiding bitterness. Try it with dried apple, vanilla, and cinnamon for a cozy fall vibe, or lemongrass, mint, and ginger for an Asian twist. For summer, chill it with hibiscus and mint over ice. A chai-style blend with milk, ginger, cloves, and cardamom also works well.
What Are the Benefits of Coffee Leaf Tea?
Coffee leaf tea shines for its health perks, appealing to those seeking wellness-focused drinks. It’s packed with antioxidants, especially mangiferin, which studies show fights inflammation better than green tea, aiding conditions like arthritis.
Chlorogenic acids may lower cholesterol and diabetes risk. With low caffeine—20–30 mg per cup versus coffee’s 95 mg—it’s gently stimulating, perfect for easing off high-caffeine drinks. Its eco-benefit is big: year-round leaf harvesting, especially in coffee’s off-season, boosts farmers’ income and cuts waste, supporting sustainable agriculture.
How Popular is Coffee Leaf Tea?
Coffee leaf tea is finding its place in the specialty drink world, with rising global interest. It’s been a staple in Ethiopia and Indonesia for centuries but is new to many markets. The European Union’s 2021 approval for sale opened doors, with brands like Wize and AMAM bringing it to North America and Europe. As specialty coffee and tea fans chase new flavors, coffee leaf tea’s low caffeine, sustainability, and health perks fuel its growth potential.
How to Make Coffee Leaf Tea at Home
Brewing coffee leaf tea is easy and lets you tailor flavors to your taste. Follow these steps for a perfect cup:
- Measure 1–2 teaspoons of dried coffee leaves per 8 oz cup.
- Heat water to 185–195°F (just shy of boiling).
- Add leaves to a teapot or infuser and pour in hot water.
- Steep for 5–10 minutes, tasting to adjust strength.
- Strain leaves and add honey, sugar, or blends like dried fruit or spices.
For a summer cooler, chill a hibiscus-mint mix. For a warm chai, add milk, ginger, and cloves. Store leaves in an airtight container away from light. Source leaves from specialty shops or try growing a coffee plant.
Practical Tips for Enjoying Coffee Leaf Tea
A few tips can make your coffee leaf tea experience even better.
- Pick Quality Leaves: Choose organic, sustainably sourced leaves from brands like Wize or local farms.
- Try New Blends: Mix in vanilla-cinnamon or lemongrass-ginger to find your go-to flavor.
- Watch Steeping Time: Start at 5 minutes and tweak to avoid over-extraction.
- Store Smart: Keep leaves in a cool, dark spot to preserve taste.
- Go Hot or Cold: Sip warm for cozy nights or iced for a refreshing drink.
- Support Fair Trade: Buy from brands that prioritize farmer welfare.
Quick Reference Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Steep 1–2 tsp dried leaves in 185–195°F water for 5–10 min |
| Flavor Profile | Nutty, earthy, green tea-like; varies by origin |
| Health Benefits | High in mangiferin, anti-inflammatory, may lower cholesterol/diabetes risk |
| Caffeine Content | Low (~20–30 mg/cup) |
| Sustainability | Year-round harvest, diversifies coffee farming, reduces waste |
| Popular Blends | Hibiscus-mint, cinnamon-vanilla, ginger-lemongrass, chai-style |
Where to Find Coffee Leaf Tea
Finding coffee leaf tea is getting easier as demand grows, with options for all budgets. Online retailers like Wize (Canada) and AMAM (Japan) sell leaves, starting at $10–15 for 50 grams. Specialty coffee shops in places like San José, Costa Rica, or Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, often carry it. Some Central American coffee farms sell directly—check local markets when traveling. For home growers, coffee plants need warm, humid climates and partial shade, but yields are small unless you’re in a tropical area.
Pairing Coffee Leaf Tea with Food
Coffee leaf tea’s versatile flavor pairs well with various foods, enhancing your drinking experience. Its nutty, earthy notes complement light pastries like scones or almond biscotti. For a savory match, try it with soft cheeses or herb-crusted breads.
A chilled hibiscus-mint blend goes great with fresh salads or fruit-based desserts. For a cozy evening, pair a chai-style tea with spiced cakes or gingerbread. Experimenting with food pairings can make coffee leaf tea a fun addition to meals or snacks.
Final Thoughts
Coffee leaf tea blends tradition, taste, and sustainability. Its nutty flavor, health benefits, and low caffeine appeal to both tea and coffee fans. With rising global interest and simple brewing, now’s a great time to try it. Whether you’re enjoying a chai-style blend or an iced summer mix, coffee leaf tea brings a fresh, eco-friendly twist to your cup.