Cool Sunday Find: 1800s Coffee Grinder
Here’s a cool find for those of you who are into vintage items: an authentic coffee grinder dating back to the early 1800s!
The grinder belonged to the grandfather of a Mrs. Idyll Arps Walkoe. According to Mrs. Walko, her grandfather “was the first Section Foreman for the C&NW Railroad when tracks were being laid for the railroad.” She also relates how her grandfather used the grinder: “I recall my Grandfather with this grinder between his knees each morning grinding the coffee for that day.”
Imagine just how laborious it must have been to work this grinder every morning! Even with the nifty grinders we have these days, we have to admit that sometimes, it can be a hassle to have to measure out the beans and grind them! (Maybe it’s just me, but this is precisely the reason I resort to using coffee grounds most of the time, despite having my own handy grinder.)
The coffee grinder is part of the Harper-Freeman collection in the Village of Cary.
If you’re interested in more vintage coffee grinders, let me point you to the site Vintage Coffee Grinders. They have got some really beautiful items, and the best part is that they can help you find (and purchase) one. Whether it is for daily use or for your personal collection, the guys over there will help you get your hands on one. Oh, and they also have vintage coffee roasters if you’re interested.
Bukidnon Corn Coffee: A Healthier Alternative?
Coffee has received so much bad publicity in the recent years that one should be wondering why it is still such a popular drink all over the world. I, for one, do not care much for all the negative news – and I don’t really listen. If, however, you are feel differently and you have been looking for an alternative to coffee, then here is something that might interest you: corn coffee.
How can it be coffee if it is made from corn? That’s why it’s an alternative, silly!
The story is that in the Philippines, the people used to use corn kernels as substitutes for coffee beans during World War II. The reason is that the Japanese occupation disrupted the farming of coffee, while corn was still in relatively abundant supply. Hence corn coffee was born.
According to those who have tried corn coffee, you really wouldn’t notice the difference. Maybe it’s something like saying “It tastes just like chicken!” when trying out a new kind of meat? While I am not disregarding the idea that corn coffee may taste good (it probably does – corn products do taste great), I highly doubt that the difference from real coffee is not detectable. If coffee enthusiasts can detect the subtle differences between different kinds of coffee and how they are brewed/roasted, how much more for coffee made out of other beans?
In any case, this is worth checking out. This kind of coffee is supposed to be good, free of caffeine, and organic. What more can you ask for (aside from “real” coffee, that is)?
I haven’t seen any site selling this coffee internationally, though. If you know people from Manila, Philippines, they might be able to get some for you. Anyone here who has tried corn coffee?
Photo credit: kevindooley
