Make Your Own Coffee Substitutes

market . . . the makers of Maxwell House, Yuban Nescafe, and other major brands of Java . . . all would have us believe that the
only way they can indulge oar thirst for an aromatic dark-brown breakfast drink is to buy their wares and pay their prices, no
matter how outrageous those prices might be. It simply ain’t so/

There’s no reason in the world to spend up to $5.00 a pound for ground roast coffee (or up to $10 a pound for instant) . . . when
you can brew your own perfectly satisfying coffee substitute from inexpensive, readily available (not to mention wholesome and
nutritious) cereal grains and vegetables. Yes, cereal grains and vegetables. Back in the 30’s — when money (and coffee) was a
good deal scarcer than it is now — many people couldn’t afford to drink real coffee. Instead, they brewed a variety of mock
javas from barley, rye, wheat, oats, flax and other common foodstuffs. And in some cases, the dark-brown beverages that resulted
were said to have a significantly better flavor than real coffee.

Whether the mock Javas listed below are better — or worse — tasting than your favorite freeze-dried or ground roast
coffee is something you’ll have to decide for yourself. One thing is certain, however: Unless you do try one or more of the
following concoctions, you’ll never know bow satisfying coffee substitutes can be . . . and you’ll never know how mach “coffee
money” you might have been able to save!

More Coffee Substitute Ideas

Parsnips, wheat, chickpeas, and barley aren’t the only ingredients that can be used to make rich, good-tasting coffee
substitutes.

Oats, fax, rye and (of course) chicory can also be made into delicious Java-like beverages . . . or coffee extenders. (Think how
far you can stretch your coffee dollar by combining any one of the above ingredients with your favorite ground roast coffee!)

The high price of jaya got you down? Relax. Brew up some Parsnip Postum or Wheat Java or Chickpea Surprise or Barley Brew (see the recipes at the top of the article): Have a
good hot drink. And think of how much money you’re saving!

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More information on the making of coffee substitutes can be found in the booklet Mock Java, available for $2.00
(plus 75¢ postage and handling) from General Printers, 13483 King George Highway, Surrey, B.C., Canada B3T 2T8, or from
MOTHER’s Bookshelf, P.O. Box 70, Hendersonville, N .C. 28739. — The MOTHER EARTH NEWS editors.