From Kapi to Coffee. Review on Folgers Coffee

No South Indian home is without coffee and that too filter coffee. Years ago, we used to buy coffee beans, roast and powder it. Then started buying the coffee powder. My childhood memories about coffee were that it was bournvita of elders and that we are not supposed to drink. Yet the classy aroma would remind me of early morning, fresh air while standing at the window, a happy surrounding, a relaxed dad and me chattering away happily. Trying coffee at a very young age was an achievement itself. And while my cousins were more used to coffee as we grew older, I associated myself with tea simply because coffee despite its flavour and rich taste led to headache.

It was a bit embarrassing since whenever we went to South Indian homes, all would say coffee and I would hate telling them to prepare something else lest they think that I am out with Nakras. Yet, unable to leave the sinful temptation, I would occasionally indulge in kaapi that had more milk and sugar and less coffee powder. It did not affect me much, until I consumed a lot which never happened. I was loyal to tea though most of the time. The only other place where I let down my hair was at coffee shops or workplace where you had machine coffee, since they did not affect me.

While going to US, mom packed some filter coffee for me saying that an occasional indulgence would do no harm. My better half gently revolted at the mention of coffee since he said that his bad habit of drinking coffee would upset his stomach. I added lots of sugar and milk but just a little coffee powder that would retain the flavour and it ceased to harm him. Saturdays and Sundays were filter coffee days and was associated with laziness and a relaxed day. The filter coffee powder was over but Saturdays and Sundays continued to come. So did our craving for coffee.

More than half of America lives on coffee, so would they be far from stocking innumerable brands? Right from beans that are neatly stacked to flavors with exotic names like French vanilla, Mocha, Caramel, even star bucks coffee, Dunkin doughnuts (these are joints which have their own coffee...interestingly, they sell their brands too) we were tempted. A whole rack was dedicated exclusively to coffee lovers. But I wanted no exotic flavour, just a nice coffee which smelt a bit like coffee (you see, its difficult to satisfy filter-coffee lovers). We had made up our mind to go for decaffeinated one. Amongst myriad options in front of us, we spotted a modest looking Folgers coffee which seemed to be very popular and economical. Most importantly, it was in a small bottle resembling the homely Bru (err., you can judge book by its cover, Jai Packaging!).

Saturday was far so decided to use it the very next day. Saw the instructions where they had mentioned th amount of boiling water to be used for 1 spoon coffee powder (hey, why is milk not mentioned here?) Black coffee seems to be most popular. Unable to believe, I searched on the net for the manner of preparing this coffee. There wasn't much written. Instead saw a few bad reviews. That frightened me and I decided to prepare the coffee using milk , sugar and no water. Once I opened the bottle, I was greeted by my favourite aroma in the world – c-o-f-f-e-e!!!!

One sip and I was transported to my workplace. It was very much like ther coffee at coffee machine. The sight of computer, sound of mouse clicking, telephone ringing, a joke shared with a colleague, mouth shut website (I was more active at MS then), boss calling me. All these visuals seemed to dance in front of me as I continued to sip and be drowned in my beautiful world. Indeed coffee reminds you of some beautiful things in life – a lazy Saturday, happiness around at home in the morning, busy and but lively workplace.

But this one tasted even better since it had a bit of filter coffee flavour. So, kinda best of both the worlds. Of course, the flavour and taste of filter coffee is unbeatable. But this one doesn't let you complain. It isn’t accompanied by any bittreness which you find in some coffee powder. And most importantly, no headaches and no acidity too. It is tailor-made for those who can't kick off the habit of drinking coffee but can't have much since it won't suit them very well. The granules dissolve quickly in milk leaving no scope for any residue too. So, overall, it created a favourable impression on me. And I am typing this review side by side while savouring this aromatic pleasure. Decaf doesn’t seem to give you too many disappointments. Atleast, no major studies have concluded anything negative about it. Of course, having anything in excess is not advisable.

An 8 oz (225gms) pack costs $5 which is pretty decent pricing. The packaging is in a delightful yellow and green combined bottle which as I mentioned above reminds of Bru. It is definitely easier than preparing filter coffee (this is first time I prepared instant coffee). It is said that decaffeinated coffee lacks "that" flavour. But, well, instant coffee lacks "that filter coffee flavour". This one can be used for making smoothies too.

Hope you found this review useful and did you read while sipping your morning cuppa coffee? ;)