Lemon/Lime Marshmallows & A Brief History of Lemons and Limes

Lemon/Lime Marshmallows & A Brief History of Lemons and Limes

We are proud to introduce our Marshmallow Flavor of the Month - Lemon/Lime Marshmallows. Made with all natural ingredients, lemon/lime oils and just a touch of lemon juice to give these heavenly pillows, the right tartness and sweetness. Our Marshmallows are available on our official website at http://www.splitbeancoffee.com/ . Just as with all of our other flavors, we wanted to give share with you a little history behind the Flavor of the Month.

A Brief History of Lemons and Limes

Lemons and limes are considered the most useful of all fruits and thought to be native to Southeast Asia and India, and though written and archeological evidence do not point directly to its origin, the earliest written work is an Indian medical work from 100 CE. This work refers to both the lemon and the lime as “jambira”. Throughout history is is difficult to separate the complicated story of both fruits, The early Arabians used two words when referring to both fruits.

They were introduced into Assyria, where they were discovered by soldiers serving Alexander the Great, who took them back to Greece. The lemon later reached the Mediterranean after the Romans discovered a direct sea route from the southern end of the Red Sea to India. The Arabs were largely responsible for the cultivation of the fruit in the Mediterranean region. By the beginning of the 4th century CE, a fully indigenous orchard production had been established in southern Europe. The lemon flourished in Sicily, Spain, and parts of northern Africa, as well as the Mediterranean, which are still the main sources of the fruit for Europe. Some believe that this Mediterranean lemon may actually be a hybrid of the citron, India lime, and pummelo.

Early attempts to grow limes in Mediterranean countries were not successful because they were not hardy enough; but they do very well in Egypt, where they are more plentiful than lemons. Although limes will ripen to an yellow-orange color if left on the tree, they are always picked "green", possibly to distinguish them from the lemon. Limes are also widely grown in the West Indies, where the British Navy came to gather supplies to supplement their sailors' rations to help prevent scurvy. The Famous "Limehouse", in London's docks, takes its name from the warehouses where the fruit was stored after arriving from the West Indies. Unlike lemons, limes will grow in tropical regions and are an essential ingredient in South-East Asian, Mexican, Latin American, and Caribbean cooking.

Tahiti, Bearss lime, Persian lime (C. latifolia) cannot tolerate frost or cold and is mainly an ornamental variety, with fragrant blossoms and dense green foliage. The fruit is larger and oval, with a thin green rind that encases a pale green, seedless flesh. There is plenty of very acidy juice that has a tang to it of black pepper. It has been cultivated continuously in California since 1875, and is the most valuable lime for West Coast growers. It probably originated as a hybrid between the common lime and the citron. It is called Persian lime, even though it is not known in Iran, but probably came by way of there at one time, and Tahiti lime because it reached the US via that country. The Tahiti lime comes in two varieties, both grown in California: Persian, which is oval and the size of an egg, and the Bearss, which is seedless and larger than the Persian, and the only lime now cultivated in the US. Both turn greenish-yellow when mature, but have the best flavor when they are green.

Limes are most prominent in the tropical regions while lemons tend to do best in the subtropical regions. The lime, in its very acidic form, will have one and one-half times as much acid as a lemon of the same weight; but there are various kinds of limes, including sweet ones. There are three basic types of lime: Tahitian, Mexican, and Key limes. Tahitian limes are large, with a pale, finely-grained pulp and a very acidic flavor. Mexican limes are smaller, with bright green skins and a very aromatic flavor. Key limes are closely related to the Mexican and are a pale yellowish-green fruit, very juicy with a strong, sharp flavor. They are the main ingredient of Florida's Key Lime Pie. Prior to Hurricane Andrew in 1992, 90% of US limes were grown in Florida.

While lemons have been grown in California since the time of the early Spanish missions of the 1730s, it was not until the 1849 gold rush that the lemon was cultivated on a large scale. Since 1950, California produces more lemons than all of Europe combined, amounting to about one-quarter of the world's supply, although many are also grown in Arizona. Other leading producers include Italy, Spain, Argentina, Greece, and Turkey.

Today, lemons and limes are used in all types of culinary delights from salads, to soups, to main dishes, and desserts. In some cultures the juice of the lime is used to cook meat as in the case of Latin American Ceviches.

We at Split Bean Coffee are proud to introduce March’s Marshmallow Flavor of the Month – Lemon/Lime. Prepared using only natural ingredients, our marshmallows contain natural lemon and lime oils and juice to produce a wonderful aromatic, tangy, yet sweet product.

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Split Bean Coffee introduces its Flavor of The Month for March 2006 – Quince filled Alfajores and Lemon/Lime Marshmallows.

Split Bean Coffee introduces its Flavor of The Month for March 2006 –

Quince filled Alfajores and Lemon/Lime Marshmallows.

The Quince (Membrillo in Spanish) although not well known in the United States, has been a favorite in the Middle East, Europe and Latin America cuisine. This humble fruit makes great marmalades, jams, jellies and goes well in meat stews. As a matter of fact the word Marmalade derives from the Latin word for Quince.

A native of the Caucasus Mountains, The Quince was first cultivated in ancient Mesopotania. It was know by the Greeks as the “Golden Apple”. Some historians believe that the reference to the “apple” in the Song of Solomon may not have been the apple, but a quince instead. Even the forbidden fruit of the Garden of Eden may not have been the apple, but a quince or pomegranate.

Today the Quince is popular in most European countries, South America, South Africa, New Zealand, and the Middle East. It is eaten raw, cooked, and in sweet preserves. In Spain it is widely enjoyed with Manchego Cheese. The French make a great pork roast with quince, and in other countries it is widely used to accompany fatty meats like pork or lamb.

Quince preserves in Latin American are used to fill many kinds of pastries, and it just seemed natural for us at Split Bean Coffee to offer a Quince filled Alfajor. Our Quince Alfajores are filled with Quince Preserve from Mexico and Brazil. Our Quince Alfajores are tangy, aromatic, and sweet. Enjoy a couple with a cup of our Micro-Roasted Coffees or some Yerba Mate. You may even accompany our alfajores with some room temperature brie or cream cheese.

What is and alfajor you may ask? Alfajores are South American Shortbread cookies. These delicious treats are normally filled with Dulce de Leche (milk caramel) and lightly dusted with confectionary sugar. Split Bean Coffee offers a variety of standard unique flavors including Quince, Guava, Raspberry, Strawberry, Lucuma, and a chocolate covered variety. Recently featured in Los Angeles Magazine’s Food Lovers Guide, The Miami Herald, The Oregonian, and The Oklahoman, these cookies are just to die for!

ABOUT SPLIT BEAN COFFEE: Split Bean Coffee® is a Southern California based Micro-Roaster of single origin Nicaraguan Coffees, and confectioner of Artisan Quality Gourmet Sweets, featuring their world famous Alfajores La Misión®.

Split Bean Coffee is a family owned business dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of Old Fashioned Coffees and Treats. Using family treasured recipes from their families in South America and The American South, they have combined the time honored traditions of people’s love for good quality coffee and the old-fashioned sweets traditions their grand-parents learned to love.

Split Bean offers a fine selection of Micro-roasted coffees, of which Nicaraguan Coffees is their flag-ship coffee. Grown in the highlands of the Matagalpa region, and minimally processed in a family member’s fair trade co-op farm. Split Bean Coffee’s commitment to its customers is to provide freshest roasted coffee every time. Each bag of coffee is roast-to-order to assure the customer always receives the freshest roast possible.

Split Bean Coffee also features a selection of hand-made Artisan Sweets, of which Alfajores La Misión® are their best seller. They are quickly becoming America’s favorite cookie.

Split Bean Coffee's products have been featured in several national publications including The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Magazine, The San Jose Mercury News, Tu Ciudad Magazine, Specialty Food Magazine, The Dallas Post-Telegram, The Miami Herald, The Portland Oregonian, The San Fernando Valley Social, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Travel Savvy Magazine, The Oklahoman, and Indulge Magazine.

In addition to Alfajores, Split Bean Coffee also makes Artisan Marshmallows, Toffee, Southern Peanut Brittle, & Chocolate Truffles. These products are available under the Dulces del Rocío® label. Split Bean Coffee was recently voted one of the Top Five Gourmet Marshmallow Makers by Travel Savvy Magazine.

www.SplitBeanCoffee.com

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A Great Coffee Cake Recipe

A Great Coffee Cake recipe, goes well with Split Bean Coffee's Micro-Roasted Coffees or Yerba Mate Tea.

Marie's Coffee Cake

Ingredients

1 cup liquid shortening

1 cup sugar

2 beaten eggs

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 teaspoons baking powder

3 cups flour

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1-1/2 cups brown sugar

1 cup nuts, optional

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 cup margarine, melted

Instructions:

Beat liquid shortening, sugar and eggs until creamy. Mix dry ingredients together and add to mixture alternately with 1 cup milk. Mix sugar and cinnamon together. Set aside. Melt margarine over low heat. Pour 1/2 batter into 9x13 inch pan. Top with 1/2 the cinnamon sugar mixture. Pour remaining batter into pan. Spread, then top with remaining cinnamon sugar mixture. Pour melted margarine over entire mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

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Great Ways to Recycle Used Coffee Grounds and Save

Great Ways to Recycle Coffee Grounds and Save

The Web is a great place to find information. I found a plethora of information on how to recycle used coffee grounds, some were a bit wacky and unpractical for the busy person, but if you are a stay at home mom, dad or retired person, then you may find some great use for coffee grounds out there. Here are some of the ones, that I would most likely use or know someone who has used them. Enjoy!


1. Indoor House Plant Fertilizer - Mix coffee grounds with enough water to provide your houseplants with an "nutrient & caffeine rich" drink. Plants need the nutrients & caffeine compounds found in coffee grounds, including nitrogen and potassium, both common ingredients in store-bought fertilizer.

2. Outdoor Plant Fertilizer - Sprinkle used grounds on your outdoor plants, you may want to mix into the top soil for better absorption. Coffee grounds are highly recommended for acid loving plants, such as azaleas, laurels and rhododendron.

3. Natural Insect Repellant - Sprinkle a ring of used grounds around a tree or plantings to deter ants.


4. All-around Kitchen Helper - Use to scrub gunk off surfaces such as grills and greasy pans. Use wet or dry grounds.

5. Strong Smell Remover - Use to scrub strong odors such as fish, garlic and onion, from your hands.

7. Air Freshener - Keep some dry and freshly ground coffee in a small bowl in the bathroom.

8. Compost - Coffee grounds are a great addition to any compost pile. Just throw them into your compost bin, filter and all (use unbleached paper filters if you must use a paper filter)


9. Art Project - For a natural dye, you can use left over coffee and coffee grounds to stain yarn, and fabrics. I used coffee to stain white appliqués and made them look antique-pearl.

10. Going fishing? Keep your worms happy in a container with moist, used coffee grounds.

11. Deororizing the Fridge - Used coffee grounds are very effective for deodorizing the refrigerator. Just put them along with the filter into a bowl and place on a shelf. Works for even the strongest odors.

12. Anti-Slip for Icy Steps - I use damp (not too wet) used coffee grounds on my icy steps and sidewalks. The damp grounds stick to the ice, creating a safer surface for walking. There is no damage to the wood deck or sidewalks.

For the best micro-roasted coffee, shop at Split Bean Coffee.

Cafe con Leche

An Arial View of The Central Section of Leon, Nicaragua

Cafe con Leche

by

Roger X. Navas-Balladares

As I get older, I can't help but to think back to my childhood days when life was worried free. I didn't have to worry about taxes, working, global warming, or how the swings of crude oil prices would affect my life. Everything was provided and as a small child all my brother and I were only responsible for attending school, going to church on Sunday, getting good grades and the occasional house chore.

Today, it seems the kids have to worry about so many things. I find it incredible to even imagine being a kid in this day and age. For example, when I was a kid, we did not have to worry about peanut, wheat or corn allergies. We ate what was given to us and what was seasonally available at the market. Today, my niece can’t even take certain foods to school because of the fear someone with a peanut or wheat allergy may come in contact with her food.

Parque Central - Leon Nicaragua - Where I used to play as a kid

Another thing that shocks me is that as a kid, we ate what we liked, without having to worry about being fat, this is probably due in part that not too long ago, walking was the preferred mode of transportation for kids. I used to play with our friends all throughout the neighborhood. I would sometimes even go to the Central Market alone without having to worry about being kidnapped or molested. I guess we were blessed, and really feel like our children are missing out a great deal of self-discovering today. If I had do it all over again, I would love live my childhood, just they way I did. Very much like the kids in the movie by Jean-Loup Hubert “Le Grand Chemin”. I highly recommend watching this movie about a city boy sent to live in the country for the summer in 1950s France. It is a classic French movie about kids being kids.

As the owner of Split Bean Coffee, one of the things I enjoy the most if the aroma of roasting coffee, there just something about the nutty, sweet intoxicating essence the carries me back to my childhood days in Nicaragua, when my Grand-Aunt, or Mamita as we used to call her, prepared us a nice bowl of “Café de Leche” (Coffee and Milk – aka Café au Lait) with freshly baked “Pan Frances” (French Bread) that was delivered by vendors every morning. In those days vendors marched up and down the streets delivering fresh goods to all the houses in the neighborhood. It was just unheard of to eat day-old bread. Even the milk was delivered fresh from the farm at 5 or 6 in the morning, along with some fresh cheese, butter, sour cream, and eggs.

My Mamita would warm the milk just to the point of boiling and remove the “nata” that would form on top. She would then add freshly ground coffee and bring to boil once again. Once the milk had once again reached the boiling point she would remove it from the fire and serve it in our big “Café de Leche” bowls, add just the right amount of sugar, and serve it with a couple pieces of French bread. My brother and I would cut the bread into small pieces and soak them in the “Café de Leche”. This was our favorite breakfast food, and though we had corn-flakes and oatmeal available, we would always opt for our Café de Leche ritual.

Today, as I was roasting coffee to be shipped to our regular customers, I could not help and wonder that perhaps one of our customers will one morning smell our freshly roasted beans and possibly experience a similar back-flash, perhaps to a time when he or she was a kid and was also loved by some little old lady in a very different world, in a distant past.

To enjoy freshly roasted Nicaraguan coffee, visit our website at

www.SplitBeanCoffee.com . You will also find a assortment of our world famous Alfajores and our Award Winning Marshmallows and other sweets.

www.SplitBeanCoffee.com

How to Enjoy Yerba Mate

Yerba Maté

Yerba maté (botanical description) is a shade subtropical member of the holly family that thrives in its native rainforest environment. The combination of humidity and cool temperatures from the shady canopy above, in concert with the rich organic soil below, nurtures the natural slow growth of the yerba maté plants and produces a premium-quality yerba maté unsurpassed in flavor and unrivaled in quality. Equally important, the rainforest canopy is home to hundreds of bird species.

Yerba maté is a powerful rejuvenator enjoyed as the national drink of Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. The Gauchos (Argentine cowboys) drink maté as their "liquid vegetable", relying on its array of nutrients to power them throughout the day. People have survived periods of drought and famine drinking yerba maté and revere it as the drink of the gods. In Argentina, yerba maté is consumed 7 to 1 over coffee, and is believed to lift the spirit: "Te levanta el espíritu." This legendary beverage has become the symbol of hospitality and is shared traditionally in a maté gourd to inspire community.Tonics are the substances provided by Nature for the repair and maintenance of normal physiology. Yerba maté is considered a whole-body tonic - it goes where the body needs it most and restores balance to body systems that are under stress.

Induces Mental Clarity

Dr. Mowrey, Ph.D., states that, "Better than any other xanthine alkaloid, maté has the ability to quicken the mind" and "increase mental alertness and acuity." He adds that, "like other xanthines, it stimulates the central nervous system but, unlike most, it is not habituating or addicting."

Sustains Energy Levels

The metabolic effects of maté include the ability to maintain aerobic breakdown of carbohydrates during exercise for long periods of time. As a result, more calories are burned, thereby increasing cardiac efficiency and delaying the build-up of lactic acid.

Boosts the Immune System

Yerba maté leaves have been found to contain a group of known and novel saponins. These phytochemicals stimulate the immune system, aiding the body in protecting against disease.

Helps Relieve Allergies

Linda Rector Page, N.D., Ph.D., notes that yerba maté is helpful in opening respiratory passages to overcome allergy symptoms. Shown to reduce the severity of some allergies and hay fever, yerba maté works by stimulating the adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids, which help suppress the inflammation and immune response due to allergies.

Aids Weight Loss

In Europe maté is used for weight loss "as the ideal slimming remedy which facilitates losing weight in a natural way and stills the distressing feelings of hunger," according to Max Witchl in Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Clinical evidence also suggests that yerba maté may be useful as an antidiabetic agent, as it seems to slow the development of hyperglycemia (excess sugar in the blood). Researchers at the University of Surrey in Guildford, England, found that maté reduced the abnormal appetite and thirst, as well as weight loss, associated with diabetes.
Improves Digestion

Dr. Mowrey, Ph.D., notes, "Reported effects range from the immediate improvement in digestion to the ability to repair damaged and diseased gastrointestinal tissues. Constipation, acute or chronic, can easily be overcome through the use of maté." He also states that yerba maté is useful as a therapy for gastrointestinal disorders.

Traditional Indigenous Herbalism
Traditionally, the Paraguayans use yerba maté as the herbal base for their daily herbal medicine mixtures. Yuyeras (herbalists) sell herbs to make remedios (herbal remedies) in the maté gourd. As an herbal base, yerba maté acts as a catalyst to enhance the healing powers of other herbs. By improving healthy circulation and promoting balance, maté helps assimilate other herbs into the body. South Americans drink maté as a daily tonic for optimum health.

How to Drink Yerba Maté

Loose Maté Preparation

Yerba maté brews with any standard coffee or tea method. The finer the filter, the better. We recommend one heaping Tablespoon per serving. Adjust as necessary. First moisten the maté with cool water, then use hot, not boiling, water, to protect the nutrients and flavor.

French Press

Place 3-4 Tablespoons of yerba maté in the French Press (use more or less depending on desired strength). Add enough cool water to moisten the maté. Then add hot water. Steep for 3-10 minutes. The longer, the stronger.

Coffee Maker

Place yerba maté in filter basket. Add enough cool water to moisten the maté. Then run the machine as usual. Espresso Maker Guayakí Yerba Maté brews well in most espresso makers. Place yerba maté in the espresso portafilter. Add enough cool water to moisten the maté. Run the machine as usual, brewing it as a double shot. Makes a great latté.

Traditional Maté Gourd and Bombilla

Yerba maté is shared traditionally in a maté gourd to inspire community. A maté gourd is a dried, hollowed-out vegetable gourd (Lageenaria vulgaris) that has been hand-carved by an artist with great care.

Tea Pot or Tea Ball

Add loose maté to tea pot and moisten with cool water before adding hot water. The maté will sink to the bottom in a few minutes. Pour through a fine metal mesh strainer if there is not one built into the tea pot. (When using a tea ball, a fine-mesh filter is most effective.) This method also works great with a reusable tea sack.

You may purchase Split Bean Coffee's Yerba Mate by visiting our web site. We carry two selections - Traditional (with stems) and Without Stems Blend. We also carry a fine selection of micro-roasted coffees, alfajores, marshmallows and artisan quality sweets.

www.splitbeancoffee.com

Insight into The Papaya Fruit

Insight into The Papaya Fruit - Flavor of the Month - Feb '06

Papaya (Carica papaya) - The papaya is a pear-shaped fruit with a bright green to golden-yellow skin. The flesh, normally a golden-yellow or red-orange color, is juicy and silky smooth, with a very sweet to sweet-tart flavor. The large center cavity is filled with shiny, round, black seeds. Though these pepper-like seeds are edible, they're generally discarded. If you have not eaten a papaya, they are similar in texture to a very ripe honey-dew melon.

Image Courtesy of www.greenpeace.org

Papayas are an excellent source of vitamin A and C, and potassium. They are high in vitamin C and A content. There are also small amounts of calcium, iron, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin present in papayas. In its natural state, papayas are low in calories and sodium and high in potassium.

Papayas contain a digestive enzyme called Papain. Papain is extracted from the papaya skin and is primarily used in the meat industry as a tenderizer. The greener the fruit the higher the content of papain. This enzyme has been used as a meat tenderizer since pre-Colombian times. It is said that Columbus noticed that the natives at large amounts of meat and did not get indigestion if they consume green papaya after each meal.

Papaya (Carica papaya) has been grown in the Americas' tropical region since pre-historic times. It is believed to have originated in Central America. Papaya is available all year round. It was spread to the south with the migration of Native Americans, and throughout the Caribbean with Spanish exploration. The Spanish also introduced it to Europe and the Pacific Islands. By the mid 17th century, papaya was distributed pan tropically (all the tropic areas of the world).

It is believed that folk medicine uses of fruit, leaves, and latex may be related to papain content. Fresh latex can be smeared on boils, warts, corns or freckles to remove them from skin. It is also used for treating psoriasis and ringworm. Latex is smeared on the uterus to cause abortion in India, or sometimes the unripe fruit and/or seeds are eaten to induce abortion. Either the latex or plant parts are considered antiseptic, antibacterial, antihelmintic, and amebicidal. Papain is used in remedies for ulcers, diphtheria, swelling, toothache, fever, relief of gas and sour stomach.

Aside from all of its wonderful uses, Papaya has become a favorite of cooks world-wide. Used in smoothies, milk-shakes, ice-cream, salads, soups, main dishes, jellies, preserves, candies, or eaten plain. The versatility of this wonderful fruit makes it a favorite of people around the globe.

We at Split Bean Coffee are featuring our flavor of the month - Papaya Alfajores. These delicious South American treats are hand made and preservative free. Visit our website for further details.

www.SplitBeanCoffee.com

Flavor of The Month - St. Valetine's Shipping Schedule

Dear Split Bean Coffee Friends:

It is time again for our Flavor of the Month. This month we have preparedtwo special treats - Papaya Alfajores and Rose Petal Marshmallows.

Our Papaya Alfajores are filled with "home-made" papaya preserve using freshpapayas from Mexico. We slow cook the papaya pulp with a hint of lime juiceto preserve the original red-orange color of the papaya fruit.

Our Rose Petal Marshmallows are made with imported rose flavor from theMediterranean, where Rose Petal scent is used in pastries such as baklava'sand nougats. These Marshmallows were a hit last Mother's Day so we thoughtwe bring them back just in time for St. Valentine's Day.

Be sure to check-out our Valentine's Page for gift ideas for your friendsand loved ones. Aside from our delicious Alfajores we are also offering aspecial selection of truffles and chocolates. Remember to give us a call ifyou need a special basket or packaging.
Our deadline for Valentine's Day is Feb 6th for our standard priority mailshipping and Feb 10th for Express shipments.

http://www.splitbeancoffee.com/page14.html

Keep in mind that all of our offerings are made to order, even duringspecial holidays. These assures you always receive the best productpossible.

For those of you who enjoyed our Lucuma Alfajores, we have decided to addthem to our standard offerings under our Alfajores Page.

We wish you all a Happy St. Valentine's Day filled with Love, Peace, andHappiness.

The Split Bean Coffee Family

PS - Be sure to visit our Circle of Friends Page where you will find a fewspecial websites offering special services nationwide. Be sure to tell ourfriends you saw them at Split Bean Coffee. If you are the owner of a smallbusiness, let us know and we will try to add a link from our site to yours.

www.SplitBeanCoffee.com