Unlocking the Full Potential of Coca Tea: A Comprehensive Preparation Method

After years of living without Coca tea, I made a vow: if I ever had the chance to enjoy it again, I would extract every bit of its potential, maximizing its ability to boost energy levels and sharpen mental clarity. While steeping one or two tea bags in hot water does work, I realized there’s a way to create a brew that packs an even more powerful punch. And considering the cost of Coca tea, it always seemed like a waste to toss the grounds still trapped in their filter bags after brewing. So, I thought, why not tear open those bags and unleash the full potential of this remarkable plant? With just a bit of basic organic chemistry and a stab mixer or $2 milk frother, you can craft a beverage that extracts the maximum amount of the good stuff—and trust me, it’s worth every drop.

Introduction to the Method

Creating a Coca tea beverage that truly delivers on its promise of enhanced energy and mental clarity requires more than just a simple steeping process. By combining a few easy techniques and some basic tools, you can extract the maximum benefits from this remarkable plant. This method goes beyond the typical tea preparation, incorporating a strategic activation process, the addition of MCT oil for enhanced absorption, and the use of an Aeropress to ensure every bit of goodness is captured. Whether you’re a seasoned Coca tea drinker or just starting out, this guide will walk you through each step to create a potent brew that makes the most of every leaf.

Step-by-Step Method for Activated Coca Tea with MCT Oil

1. Prepare and Activate:

• Choose Your Strength: Depending on your desired potency, use between 1 to 4 Coca tea bags. For those new to Coca tea, it’s advisable to start with 1 tea bag and gradually increase the amount as you become accustomed to its effects.
• Add Sodium Bicarbonate: Measure out 125-250 mg of sodium bicarbonate per tea bag and add it to the dry tea leaves. Sodium bicarbonate plays a crucial role in activating the alkaloids in the Coca leaves, making them more bioavailable.
• Mix Thoroughly: Stir the sodium bicarbonate into the tea leaves, ensuring an even distribution. This step sets the foundation for an effective extraction.

2. Initiate Activation:

• Create a Slurry: Add just enough warm water (about 1-2 tablespoons) to the mixture to form a slurry. You want to see only a small amount of water running clear, with most of it absorbed by the leaves.
• Listen for the Reaction: As you mix, listen for the bubbling sound—a sign that the activation process is working. If the bubbling slows or stops, add a touch more warm water and stir gently to see if it bubbles up again.
• Wait and Observe: Once the bubbling completely stops, let the mixture sit for an additional 1-2 minutes. This ensures the alkaloids are fully activated and ready for the next step.
• Add Some Tang: To elevate the flavour and enhance the extraction process, introduce a source of acidity to your slurry. You can use approximately 1/4 teaspoon of citric acid per tea bag (you can find citric acid in any supermarket) or the juice of half a lemon. This addition not only balances the alkalinity of the mixture but also creates a slight bubbling effect when it reacts with the sodium bicarbonate, signaling further activation. The acidity may also assist in the extraction of additional valuable alkaloids, ensuring no goodness is left behind. Stir gently to mix the acid with the slurry, and enjoy the lively fizz as it works its magic.

3. Incorporate MCT Oil (optional):

• Add the Oil: Introduce 1 teaspoon of MCT oil to the slurry. MCT oil enhances the extraction and absorption of the alkaloids, making the tea more effective.
• Top Up with Water: Pour in approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin out the mixture, making it easier to emulsify.
• Agitate with a Stab Mixer (recommended) or Milk Frother: Use the appliance to thoroughly mix the MCT oil into the liquid. Agitate for 20-30 seconds, ensuring that the oil is well-dispersed. Be cautious of spillover, especially if using a shallow container.

4. Add Hot Water and Steep:

• Pour in Hot Water: Top up the mixture with the remaining hot water, enough to fill your cup or Aeropress chamber. The water should be just below boiling, around 90°C (194°F), to avoid degrading the active compounds.
• Steep the Tea: Allow the tea to steep for 3-5 minutes. This gives the alkaloids and other beneficial compounds time to infuse into the water, creating a potent brew.

5. Pressurize and Filter (optional):

• Assemble the Aeropress: Set up your Aeropress with a filter, either paper or metal, depending on your preference.
• Transfer the Tea: Pour the tea mixture into the Aeropress chamber, ensuring all the liquid and plant material are included.
• Apply Pressure: Slowly press down to force the liquid through the filter. This step not only extracts the remaining alkaloids but also removes the plant material, leaving you with a smooth, potent beverage.

6. Serve and Finalize:

• • Collect and Serve: The filtered tea will collect in your cup, ready to drink. If you notice any oil separation, give the tea a gentle stir to redistribute the MCT oil.
  • Optional Sweetening: If desired, add a small amount of organic honey or sugar to taste. This can balance the flavor while preserving the tea’s potent effects.

• Clean the Aeropress: After use, be sure to thoroughly clean the Aeropress to remove any residual oil and tea particles, ensuring it’s ready for your next brew.

7. Reuse Leaf Mass (Optional):

• Don’t Discard the Leaf Mass: After pressing, don’t throw away the remaining leaf mass. Instead, place it back into a cup and add a bit more hot water.
• Swirl and Consume: Swirl the mixture and drink it down. This step not only extends the effects of the tea—prolonging energy and mental clarity—but also allows you to benefit from the nutritional value of the Coca leaf itself. After all, Coca leaf is a highly nutritious food source, and it’s too valuable to waste, both in terms of its health benefits and cost.

Concluding Remarks

By taking a few extra steps in your Coca tea preparation, you can unlock a brew that not only maximizes the energy-boosting and mind-clearing effects of this remarkable plant but also makes the most of every gram of tea. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just starting your journey with Coca tea, this method allows you to fully appreciate its benefits while ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Remember, this isn’t just about brewing a cup of tea—it’s about respecting and harnessing the full potential of a plant revered for centuries. So, the next time you reach for those tea bags, think beyond the ordinary steep and embrace the process that gives you the most potent, nutritious, and effective beverage possible. After all, when you invest in something as powerful and unique as Coca tea, it’s worth going the extra mile to experience all it has to offer.

Enjoy your brew, and let it fuel your day with clarity and energy that lasts.