Spices That Go Well with Coffee: Add Them to Stay Warm and Healthy

Cinnamon

The most popular companion for coffee. The sweet aroma of cinnamon brings an instant feeling of celebration. There are two main types of cinnamon — Ceylon (delicate and sweet, but rare and expensive) and cassia (more pungent, but accessible). Ceylon cinnamon is better for coffee: it should be added whole during the preparation of the drink, and ground when the coffee is already poured into the cup.

Benefits of cinnamon:

• speeds up metabolism, helps control blood sugar levels, has anti-inflammatory properties;

• the warm aroma reduces anxiety, creates a sense of comfort and coziness.

Ginger

Ginger is a spice that challenges: it adds sharpness and piquancy to coffee, awakens energy, and drives away drowsiness. The spicy taste and warming properties of fresh ginger are due to gingerol — a substance that increases blood circulation and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

In dried ginger, gingerol transforms into shogaol, making the spice twice as beneficial. Dried ginger is best added to coffee during preparation, while fresh ginger can be placed in the cup before pouring in the brewed coffee.

Benefits of ginger:

• improves blood circulation, strengthens the immune system, helps with nausea, aids digestion;

• invigorates, enhances tone and concentration, combats apathy and lethargy.

Cardamom

A spice with a royal character. Not just an addition, but a sign of refined taste. It has a complex aroma with notes of eucalyptus, camphor, and citrus. It transforms ordinary coffee into an exquisite Eastern beverage with a warming effect. The citrus-camphor notes and refreshing eucalyptus undertone neutralize the excessive bitterness and acidity of coffee. In Arab countries, cardamom is added to coffee for the most esteemed guests.

You can sprinkle ground cardamom on finished cappuccino, but it reveals its best qualities when placed in a cezve.

Benefits of cardamom:

• soothes an inflamed throat, freshens breath, improves digestion;

• relieves nervous tension, clears the mind, provides a sense of harmony and balance.

Cloves

A concentrate of benefits hidden in a tiny bud. Cloves are suitable for those days when you feel a cold coming on and want to make yourself a "preventive" coffee.

The quality of cloves is checked simply: if the bud is placed in a glass of water, it should sink or float vertically, cap up. If it lies horizontally, it means that there are no essential oils left in it, and therefore, little benefit.

Cloves show their best qualities when added to a cezve.

Benefits of cloves:

• helps with respiratory diseases, stimulates blood circulation, acts as a strong antiseptic;

• the rich aroma helps focus and drives away fatigue.

Star Anise

The sweet anise flavor with hints of licorice gives coffee a magical, almost fairy-tale character. Star anise helps create not just a warming drink, but a truly soothing one with numerous health benefits.

Do not confuse star anise with regular anise: despite the similar smell, they are completely different plants.

Place anise in a cezve or sprinkle the finished coffee with ground anise.

Benefits of anise:

• alleviates cough and improves mucus clearance, helps with digestive issues (bloating, cramps), has antiviral activity;

• the delicate aroma helps relieve stress, set the mood for relaxation and creativity.

Allspice

A universal addition that combines the aromas of several spices: pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It gives coffee a multifaceted, deep flavor and a soft yet persistent warmth that envelops and soothes.

Allspice consists of dried unripe fruits of the pimento tree. The name speaks for itself.

Pepper is added to coffee during preparation.

Benefits of allspice:

• improves digestion, alleviates bloating and stomach pain, has warming and antiseptic properties;

• creates a feeling of warmth and coziness, helps relax after a stressful day.