The creativity of Cubans knows no bounds, especially during times of scarcity. This is particularly true when it comes to one of the most consumed beverages in the Caribbean nation after water: coffee.
Activist Irma Broek shared a video on Facebook showing a man brewing coffee using a blowtorch. "Here we are trying to make coffee because we don’t have electricity, we don’t have gas, we don’t have anything," said the man.
The video features an elderly man sitting at a table, holding a lit blowtorch to heat the base of a moka pot. "You have to drink coffee," he remarked, expressing gratitude to his daughter for bringing him a cup.
The passion for steaming, dark coffee is so intense that in the face of shortages, people are resorting to ingenious methods to enjoy a sip.
Ingenious Coffee Brewing Amid Scarcity
Last January, a Cuban man managed to get his old coffee maker to brew by employing a clever invention. He stressed that his goal in making the video was not to receive a new coffee maker, but to showcase the resourcefulness of a Cuban with limited means.
The coffee maker was worn out and deformed from extensive use and possible accidents. The inventor attached a hose to the spout where the coffee should come out, allowing him to collect the "nectar of the gods" in a small cup.
During the endless power outages in Cuba, a young caffeine addict had no choice but to attempt making coffee with the flame of a candle. "This happens when the coffee addiction hits and you don’t have electricity, water, or gas. The heat goes up, and I go for the heat... this is coffee with a candle," said internet user Dian Awo Orumila Osa Eure on his Facebook wall.
Resourcefulness in Brewing Coffee During Cuban Shortages
In light of the ongoing shortages in Cuba, many are finding creative ways to brew their beloved coffee. Below are some commonly asked questions and answers on this topic.
How are Cubans managing to brew coffee without electricity or gas?
Cubans are using inventive methods, such as blowtorches and candles, to heat their coffee makers and brew coffee during power and gas shortages.
Why is coffee so important to Cubans?
Coffee is a staple beverage in Cuba, second only to water, and holds cultural significance. Its consumption is a deeply ingrained tradition among Cubans.
What do these inventive methods say about Cuban resilience?
These methods illustrate the resilience and creativity of Cubans in the face of adversity, showcasing their ability to adapt and find solutions despite limited resources.