Learning from Gao Qiqiang to Chew Coffee Powder? Better Learn from the Italian Mafia to Eat Lemon Slices with Coffee Powder

"Coffee doesn't need to be brewed - success will come eventually!"

Recently, in the hit TV drama "The Knockout," the scene where Gao Qiqiang eats Nestle black coffee powder dry left quite a few viewers stunned.

In the drama, Gao Qiqiang has been chewing black coffee powder dry for 6 years whenever a major event comes up, using the bitterness to jolt himself into alertness. Much like alcohol giving people courage, he builds a personal ritual around coffee, giving himself an "opportunity" to get things done.

Naturally, after watching the show, plenty of viewers rushed to imitate the "big boss" by grabbing the instant coffee powder sitting in their kitchen cabinets!

But without exception, the moment they swallowed the powder, they choked! The scene was slightly embarrassing (don't ask me how I know - if you must ask, I tried it myself...)

The thought that flashed through my mind right after swallowing was: Ah... so this is why I'll never be a big boss. In real life, anyone who can eat coffee powder dry without gagging is genuinely a tough character!

Take the Italian Mafia, for example. People who join that mysterious organization are particularly fond of a little treat called Lemon Slices (Mafia style).

Here's how it works: sprinkle white sugar over thinly sliced lemon pieces, grill them until the sugar caramelizes, then sprinkle coarsely ground dark roast coffee on top - or press in whole coffee beans - and eat the whole thing in one bite!

The idea behind this preparation is that every member, before or after handling something important, gets to experience the fusion of sweet, sour, fragrant, and bitter in a single bite. It instantly wakes up the senses - and reminds everyone never to let their guard down.

Eat coffee this way, and maybe you too will become a big boss!

Preparation Method

The recipe couldn't be simpler:

1 lemon
White sugar or coffee brown sugar (as needed)
Dark roast coffee beans or dark roast ground coffee (as needed)

1. Cut the lemon into thin slices, skin on.
2. Sprinkle sugar over the lemon slices and grill lightly until slightly caramelized (grilling is optional).
3. Grind the coffee beans into coarse particles.
4. Sprinkle the coffee particles over the sugared lemon slices and enjoy!

Don't dismiss it as too extreme! This way of eating coffee is genuinely addictive - once you try it, you'll keep coming back for more.

The bitterness of the coffee is mellowed by the lemon's acidity, creating layers of flavor that burst in your mouth. Add the chewiness of the lemon peel and the lingering sweetness on the finish, and it's absolutely fantastic!

So, today - have you become Gao Qiqiang yet?!

Image source: Internet

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

Of course, you don't need to chew instant powder to appreciate coffee. If the drama got you curious about real coffee flavor, start with FrontStreet Coffee's entry-level single origins: FrontStreet Ethiopia Sidamo Huakui, a traditional natural process with notes of berries, florals, jackfruit, sweet melon, and honey; and FrontStreet Brazil Cerrado Red Bourbon, a smooth, low-acid daily-drinker from Brazil's famous Cerrado region with typical cream, peanut, and cocoa notes - good-tasting and affordable.

For those who enjoy the intense, bitter-forward profile Gao Qiqiang seems to love, FrontStreet Indonesia Lintong Mandheling is the better match: wet-hulled and roasted medium-dark, it delivers herbal, spicy, dark chocolate character with a thick, low-acid body that suits anyone who dislikes sour coffee.