Brewing Coffee on the Range:

A Historical Perspective on How Cowboys Made Coffee.

The American cowboy has long been romanticized as a rugged figure, roaming the open range and taming the wild frontier. Along with their iconic hats and spurs, cowboys were known for their love of coffee. In this essay, we will explore how cowboys made coffee, the tools they used, popular coffee recipes, and the types of coffee they preferred. Let us journey back in time and uncover the brewing traditions of these adventurous souls.

Tools and Equipment.

Cowboys in the Old West relied on a few essential tools to brew their coffee while out on the range. These tools included:

1. Coffee Pot or Cowboy Coffee Pot: Cowboys typically used a simple, rugged coffee pot that was often made of cast iron. This pot was designed to be placed directly over an open flame or hot coals to brew the coffee.
2. Coffee Grinder: To make their coffee, cowboys would use whole coffee beans, which they would grind using a manual coffee grinder. This ensured that the coffee was as fresh as possible.
3. Coffee Beans: Coffee beans were an essential ingredient, and cowboys would often carry green or roasted coffee beans with them on the trail.
4. Water: Fresh water was necessary to brew coffee, and cowboys would typically use water from rivers, streams, or other water sources they encountered during their travels.

As for the quality of cowboy coffee, it was known for being strong and robust. The brewing process involved boiling the coffee grounds directly in the pot, which could result in a potent brew. However, the taste and quality of cowboy coffee could vary widely depending on factors such as the beans used, the skill of the cowboy making it, and the water source. It was often described as quite bitter and strong, but it provided the much-needed caffeine kick those cowboys relied on during long rides and cattle drives.

Cowboys did typically drink their coffee black, as they didn’t have access to milk or cream while on the trail. They might have sweetened it with sugar if they had it available, but sugar was a precious commodity in those times, so it wasn’t always readily accessible. As a result, many cowboys learned to enjoy their coffee black and strong.

In summary, cowboy coffee was a practical and essential part of cowboy life, brewed with simple tools and typically consumed black and strong. The taste could vary, but it was an important source of caffeine and comfort for cowboys during their rugged journeys in the Old West.

The Brewing Process.

Cowboys’ coffee-making process was relatively simple but required careful attention. Here are the steps they followed:

1. Water: The first step involved filling the cowboy coffee pot with cold, fresh water. The amount of water added varied depending on the number of people being served.
2. Heating: The pot was placed over an open fire or a bed of hot coals. The water was heated until it reached a rolling boil.
3. Coffee Grounds: Once the water was boiling, the coffee grounds were added directly to the pot. The amount of coffee used depended on personal preference, but typically, cowboys added about one tablespoon of coffee grounds per cup of water.
4. Boiling: The coffee was allowed to boil for a few minutes to extract the flavors. This boiling process also helped settle the grounds to the bottom of the pot.
5. Settling: To help the coffee grounds settle, cowboys often added a handful of cold water or cracked eggshells to the boiling mixture. This sudden temperature change would cause the grounds to sink to the bottom of the pot.
6. Serving: Finally, the pot was carefully lifted off the fire, and the coffee was left to rest for a couple of minutes. The cowboy would then pour the coffee into tin cups or enamel mugs, making sure to avoid disturbing the settled grounds.

Popular Cowboy Coffee Recipe.

While the basic recipe for cowboy coffee remained relatively constant, variations in taste emerged over time. Here is a popular recipe from the cowboy era:

Ingredients.

• Cold, fresh water
• Coarse ground coffee
• Cold water or cracked eggshells (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill the cowboy coffee pot with cold, fresh water.
2. Place the pot over an open fire or a bed of hot coals until the water reaches a rolling boil.
3. Add one tablespoon of coarse ground coffee per cup of water.
4. Allow the coffee to boil for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Optional: To help settle the grounds, add a handful of cold water or cracked eggshells to the boiling mixture.
6. Remove the pot from the fire and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
7. Pour the coffee carefully into cups or mugs, taking care not to disturb the settled grounds.

Types of Coffee Preferred by Cowboys.

The type of coffee beans used by cowboys varied depending on availability and personal preference. However, two common types were prevalent during the cowboy era: Arbuckle’s Arioso Coffee and Green Coffee.

1. Arbuckle’s Arioso Coffee: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Arbuckle Brothers Coffee Company, based in New York City, became known for its Arioso coffee. Arbuckle’s packaged their coffee in distinctive yellow bags, which made them popular among cowboys. The beans were pre-roasted, ground, and ready for use. This convenience made Arbuckle’s Arioso Coffee a favoured choice among cowboys on the range.
2. Green Coffee: Another prevalent type of coffee among cowboys was green coffee. Green coffee beans are unroasted and have a longer shelf life compared to roasted beans. Cowboys often carried green coffee beans with them on long rides as they could roast and grind the beans fresh whenever needed.

Cowboys other uses for Coffee.

While cowboys primarily used coffee for drinking, there is one interesting historical use of coffee in cowboy culture: coffee was sometimes used as a seasoning or spice in cooking, particularly in making “Chuckwagon Coffee Gravy.” Here’s how it worked:

1. Coffee Gravy: Coffee grounds were occasionally used as a seasoning in a dish called coffee gravy. To make coffee gravy, cowboys would sprinkle used coffee grounds into the pan while cooking other foods, such as meat or beans. The coffee grounds would infuse the dish with a smoky, bitter flavour, adding depth to the meal. This was a way to make use of coffee grounds that had already been used to brew coffee.
2. Coffee in Stews: Coffee could also be added to stews or pot roasts to impart a unique flavour to the dish. The coffee would blend with the savoury flavours of the meat and other ingredients, creating a rich and aromatic stew.

Coffee Gravy Recipe – Yum Yum.

Coffee gravy, also known as cowboy coffee gravy, is a savoury dish that uses coffee grounds to season a gravy. It has a unique and robust flavour that can add depth to various meals. Here’s a basic recipe for making coffee gravy:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings or cooking oil
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of used coffee grounds (from freshly brewed coffee)
• 1 cup of beef or chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Coffee Grounds: Start by brewing a pot of coffee using your preferred method. You’ll need about 2 tablespoons of used coffee grounds for this recipe. Make sure the coffee is strong, as this will contribute to the flavor of the gravy.
2. Heat Bacon Drippings or Oil: In a skillet or saucepan, heat the bacon drippings or cooking oil over medium heat.
3. Add Flour: Once the bacon drippings or oil is hot, sprinkle the flour evenly into the pan. Use a whisk or wooden spoon to stir continuously to make a roux. Continue stirring until the roux turns a light brown color, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate Coffee Grounds: Add the used coffee grounds to the roux mixture and continue stirring for another minute or so. The coffee grounds will infuse the roux with their flavor.
5. Add Broth: Gradually pour in the beef or chicken broth while stirring constantly. Be careful to avoid lumps by adding the broth slowly and stirring vigorously.
6. Simmer and Season: Reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve: Once the gravy has thickened and is seasoned to your liking, remove it from the heat. Serve it over biscuits, mashed potatoes, chicken-fried steak, or any dish you prefer.

Taste: Coffee gravy has a rich, smoky, and slightly bitter flavour due to the coffee grounds. The bitterness of the coffee is balanced by the savoury elements of the gravy. It can be an acquired taste, and its unique flavour is what sets it apart from traditional gravies. Some people find it quite enjoyable, while others may prefer more conventional gravies. It’s definitely worth trying if you’re curious about cowboy cuisine or looking for a way to add a distinctive twist to your meals.

Coffee Stew – Home on the Range Flavour.

Coffee stew, sometimes referred to as cowboy coffee stew or campfire coffee stew, was a hearty and flavourful dish prepared by cowboys during their cattle drives and outdoor adventures. Here’s a basic recipe for making coffee stew:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of beef stew meat (cubed)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 cup of strong brewed coffee
• 1 cup of beef or vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 potatoes (cubed)
• 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup of green beans (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef stew meat and brown it on all sides, ensuring it gets a nice sear. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients: Return the browned meat to the pot. Add the brewed coffee, beef or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, corn kernels, and green beans.
4. Season and Simmer: Season the stew with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients evenly. If you prefer a spicier stew, you can add more chili powder.
5. Simmer and Cook: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally and check the seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve: Once the stew is done, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. It’s traditionally served hot, often with biscuits or cornbread.

Note: This coffee stew is known for its rich and slightly smoky flavour due to the addition of brewed coffee. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that was popular among cowboys because it provided sustenance and warmth during their long journeys. Feel free to customize the ingredients or seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your cowboy-style coffee stew!

Cowboys were known for their resourcefulness, and they often found creative ways to use the limited ingredients they had available. While these uses of coffee were not as common as drinking it, they added variety to their meals and made the most of the coffee they had on hand.

Cowboys use to Chew Coffee.

Cowboys did not commonly chew coffee as a method of consuming it. Chewing coffee was not a widespread practice among cowboys or in Western culture in general. Coffee was primarily brewed and consumed as a beverage.

However, there are some historical instances of people using coffee in unconventional ways, such as mixing it with tobacco for chewing or smoking, but these practices were not typical and were not specific to cowboys. Chewing coffee grounds or consuming coffee as a dry powder was not a standard or common method of enjoying coffee during the cowboy era.

Coffee was most commonly brewed in a coffee pot over an open flame or hot coals, and cowboys would drink it as a hot beverage. The taste of cowboy coffee was typically described as strong and bitter, as it was brewed by boiling coffee grounds directly in water. It was not commonly consumed in dry or powdered form, and there were no widespread traditions of chewing coffee among cowboys.

Conclusion:

Coffee played an integral role in the lives of cowboys, providing them with warmth, energy, and a comforting sense of routine amidst the challenges of the frontier. With their trusty cowboy coffee pots and simple ingredients, cowboys brewed coffee over open fires, bringing the rich aroma of this beloved beverage to the wild landscapes they called home. Today, their brewing methods and recipes serve as a testament to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of these legendary figures of American history.

Author.

Brendon McAliece is a multi-lingual-expat who brings over three decades of flight simulator/PC building experience as well as over two decades of real world jet fighter experience as a weapons/egress technician. He holds a sport pilot certificate giving him real world flying experience. Hi travels have taken him from Europe to the Middle East, Asia and his home of Australia. He has a passion for travel, languages, Flight simulation as well as Guitaring and Coffee. You can read more in his blogs below.

Learn more @ 

DreamingGuitar.com – DreamingCoffee.com – LetsFlyVFR.com

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