Wholesome Goodness

In my guest post on hydration at Keeper of the Home a few weeks ago, I mentioned that coffee works against the body in at least two ways besides the drug-like stimulation of caffeine.  It’s both dehydrating and highly acidic.  Solution?  Teeccino, a non-acidic herbal coffee with no caffeine and lots of minerals.  After three weeks with Vanilla Nut Teeccino, I’m a die-hard convert. 

True, it doesn’t taste exactly like coffee, particularly when drinking it straight.  Mixed into some warm milk or blended into a frappuccino, however, it’s downright heavenly.  Teeccino perfectly satisfies my longing for the smell, experience, and taste of coffee.  After a long hiatus, my French press is finally back in regular service.  Teeccino works for me! 

I have not yet tried any flavors from the Maya line, but if you like your brew black, it’s my understanding that the Maya flavors are a better match for your taste than those from the Mediterranean line.  They are supposed to be darker and stronger.  For a full list of Teeccino flavors and varieties, go here (you can also read more about their products while you’re at their website). 

Teeccino offers a great way to kick the caffeine habit without losing your mind.  The back of my bag recommends beginning by brewing 3/4 coffe and 1/4 Teeccino, then gradually increasing the ratio of Teeccino to coffee over time.  If I wasn’t already caffeine-free, this is how I would do it.  Unfortunately, when I quit caffeine a few years ago after realizing I was addicted, I got so scared I went cold turkey.  Ouch. 

To find Teeccino, check your local health food store (I found mine at Whole Foods) or order online at the Teeccino website.  A friend also tells me that you can order Teeccino through Frontier co-ops, though it doesn’t appear to available online.

I plan to explore many new flavors and preparations of Teeccino in the future, which I will certainly post here.  For now, here are my personal recipes for my two favorite ways to enjoy Teeccino so far, lattes and sugar-free frappuccinos. 

Have you tried Teeccino or another herbal coffee?  How do you like to prepare it?  Do you have a favorite flavor or know where to get a particularly good deal on the stuff?  

Teeccino Latte

1 tablespoon Vanilla Nut Teeccino or your favorite variety
1 cup boiling water
2 cups milk, preferably organic and raw

Brew the Teeccino in a French press for 3 minutes or follow your usual method for a drip coffee maker.  Meanwhile, warm up the milk just until it steams.  Gently the stir the Teeccino into the milk and divide between two large mugs.

Serves 2.

Teeccino Frappuccino

(pictured above)

1/4 cup Vanilla Nut Teeccino or your favorite variety
2 cups boiling water

One day before, brew the Teeccino in a French press for 3 minutes or follow your usual method for a drip coffee maker.  Pour the Teeccino into an ice cube mold and freeze until solid (just one tray is needed).  This will make enough Teeccino cubes for 4 frappuccinos.

3 cubes Teeccino
1 cup cold milk, preferably organic and raw (I’ve used very mild raw goats’ milk too with great results, and I suspect that diluted coconut milk would also be excellent)
1/2 cup ice
a hint of stevia (I strongly prefer NuNaturals NuStevia)

Combine first three ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.  Sweeten slightly with stevia, if desired.  Enjoy!

Serves 1.