Making Linden Coffee from Tilia or Linden Seeds

Have you ever tried linden coffee? The coffee is made from roasted and ground seeds from the linden tree (also called tilia or lime tree).

It’s very aromatic with a nice with a nice herbal flavour.


HOW TO MAKE LINDEN COFFEE

The linden seeds are ready to pick in July: gather a few flowers and seeds together for extra flavour. The process is laborious because it takes a long time to collect enough raw material.

Linden seeds don’t contain caffeine and linden in general has a calming effect, can reduce bloating and contains antioxidants.

Separate the seeds from their stems and any leaves. Put the seeds on a baking tray and roast them gently at 150 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes until they acquire a nice golden colour.
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Once cooled, grind the seeds in a spice grinder or blender. The yield will be quite low so several foraging trips will be needed.

Add 2-3 teaspoons of ground linden to hot water and let it infuse (a cafetiere is ideal).

Filter the liquid and add milk and sugar to taste. Suggestion: add a pinch of cinnamon for extra perfume and depth of flavour.

The coffee has a nice aroma and it is very mild, not bitter, with hints of hazelnut.

 

What’s your favourite coffee drink?