Are coffee leaves safe to consume?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Coffee leaves are undoubtedly richly supplied with caffeine and antioxidants, yet few people consume them raw. While they are edible and won't make you sick, their fibrous and astringent nature makes them unappealing without processing. I've steeped dried coffee leaves into tea because that is an Ethiopian and Sumatra tradition, and I've observed that the leaves produce an earthy, slightly astringent flavor.
Caffeine Content
- 1.3% caffeine in dried leaves (vs 1.2% in beans)
- Theobromine present, similar to cacao but lower than tea
- Boiling reduces caffeine by 20-30% based on infusion time
Traditional Preparation
- Sun-dry young leaves for 48 hours to mellow bitterness
- Steep 5g dried leaves in boiling water for 5-7 minutes
- Often blended with ginger or honey for flavor balance
When harvesting coffee leaves, follow ethical guidelines to promote the healthiest, most vigorous leaves on the plant. My mentor, who is from Sumatra, suggested; that we should always just pick one or two leaves from a two-dimensional branch. Overharvest leaves place a burden on the plant and lower the yield of coffee beans. To improve quality and quantity, be mindful of leaf harvest versus coffee production.
Identification
- Confirm Coffea arabica/robusta species, avoid ornamental look-alikes
- Consult botanical guides or local experts
- Test small amounts first for allergic reactions
Moderation
- Limit to 1-2 cups daily due to caffeine content
- Avoid during pregnancy or heart conditions
- Steep no longer than 7 minutes to control potency
Bean production is still the priority for the majority of producers, but tapping into leaf uses for coffee connects you to coffee's cultural heritage. I have included my experimentation batches to be in tea blends for the seasons and to recognize the practices of our ancestors as the coffee craft embraces production that is often lost in the modern practices of growing.
Read the full article: How to Grow Coffee at Home: Expert Tips for Success
