Elevating Motlopi Coffee: A Modern Hope For a Traditional Brew

Revitalizing Motlopi Coffee with a Modern Twist

'Our mission is to explore innovative and sustainable ways to bring ‘Motlopi coffee’ into the modern world, all while celebrating its unique healing and communal qualities... With its distinct properties, it offers a refreshing alternative to traditional coffee.' ~ Kgosi

The Versatile Power of the Shepherd's Tree: From Famine Relief to Natural Preservation

Boscia albitrunca, commonly known as The Shepherd's Tree or the "Tree of Life", has earned its name for its many uses - providing food, protecting soil, and offering fodder for livestock during famines. It also has medicinal and ornamental purposes, making it truly versatile. Similarly, the roots of the Motlopi tree, with their branching nature, serve a variety of functions. They can be pounded into porridge or brewed into an herbal tea that doubles as a coffee alternative, giving rise to the moniker name "Motlopi coffee." It's one of those charming human curiosities - when something resembles another, it gets linked to it, even if they're totally different in nature. What’s even more intriguing is that these roots were once eaten raw in traditional times of famine, or cooked up as a hearty, nutrient-packed relish. But that’s not all - Motlopi roots also act as natural preservatives. When crushed into powder, they help preserve animal fat and even prevent mold on foods like oranges, tomatoes, bread, and potatoes. Talk about a tree that keeps on giving!

The Multifaceted Motlopi Tree: From Edible Berries to Cultural Significance and Traditional Remedies

Motlopi fruit (berries) are seasonal, edible, and featured in traditional dishes. While still green, the fruits can be crushed and mixed with milk to create a drink that has been shown to reduce syneresis - the liquid that seeps out of foods like jams, sauces, dairy products, and even meats. The fruits are also used in refreshing salads. The mature leaves and twigs of the Motlopi tree serve as excellent forage for livestock, rich in protein and high in vitamin A.

Medicinally, the tree is revered: the green fruits are used to treat epilepsy and colds, the leaves are applied for eye infections in cattle, and an extract from the roots is used to treat hemorrhoids. The tree also holds cultural importance, with some communities believing that the wood should never be used as firewood, as it could affect cattle breeding, while others think the fruit’s early withering could signal a failed millet harvest. Some tribes even use the Motlopi tree as a place to honor their Dikgosi (chiefs).

For fungal enthusiasts, Motlopi trees grow in association with termite mounds and are found across Botswana and southern Africa. They thrive in various soil types but particularly favor sandy, loamy, and clay soils.

Now, for the coffee lovers out there: Motlopi coffee is a unique beverage made from the plant’s roots, rather than the traditional beans. Despite the roots’ original whitish color, the resulting brew resembles a regular coffee flavor when roasted well or a chicory flavor whne lightly roasted in both color and preparation method. This fascinating alternative has no added flavorants or colorants, yet is still referred to as "Motlopi coffee" by many, thanks to its brewing and production process laid out below:

Locating and examining the relevant trees for production to begin harvesting the traditional harvesting process and examination. Selecting and identifying appropriate roots for production. It is crucial to ensure that the roots extracted are fresh and healthy for manufacturing. The process involves carefully removing the roots from the soil without harming the tree, utilizing a method known as soil erosion. Gathering approved roots for production involves transporting them from the bush to the manufacturing site. Upon arrival, a supervisor inspects and approves the suitable ones. The roots which are approved are then cleaned and pounded followed by drying out the processed raw material.

The roasting process of Motlopi Coffee - where the magic comes happens:
At this stage we have three different types of roasts namely the light roast, medium roast and the dark roast. The process involves varying temperatures and durations, followed by packaging and dispatch after roasting. The medium roast is available on My Terra in 100g, 250g and 500g: Motlopi coffee and pairs very well with cinnamon honey sticks from Naturally Untitled.

Kgosi's Message: A Step Towards Growth and Sustainability

“For now, we’re selling it in small quantities while we work to secure the capital needed to expand the Motlopi coffee project. We’re continuously learning about this unique species and need your support on My Terra. Through your support and feedback, you’re contributing to the growth and impact of the Motlopi coffee project. We greatly appreciate the support from those who have already joined us on this journey, and look forward to welcoming newcomers. Your curiosity for alternatives to coffee plays a vital role in the success of this venture. Thank you!”