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Back in World War II, Filipinos used roasted corn kernels as a substitute for coffee when coffee bean farming was disrupted by the Japanese occupation. Today, corn coffee is served as a specialty drink in Filipino-themed cafes as a caffeine-free alternative to coffee. The first time I had corn coffee was at Rafa’s in Xavierville Ave, and if I didn’t know it was made of corn kernels I wouldn’t have guessed it wasn’t “real” coffee. It tasted just as sharp and strong as coffee made from coffee beans! I haven’t gotten around to drinking corn coffee since, not because I’m not fond of the flavor, but because it’s not exactly something you can buy off the supermarket shelves. Today, I found out that you can buy corn coffee on Multiply through Maayad Organic Corn Coffee.

Maayad Corn Coffee is made from organic, native, and yellow corn from Sumilao, Bukidnon. Every bag of coffee is made of carefully selected corn grains, roasted and ground to perfection. Because of the corn variety used, Maayad Corn Coffee is truly healthy and packed with nutrients and vitamins that can only be found from “untouched” corn. You’re assured that no harmful chemicals from fertilizers or gene enhancers can poison your body. After your first cup, you’ll feel refreshed and cleansed. Maayad Corn coffee has no preservatives, no additives, and is guaranteed 100% organic.

The best part about buying corn coffee through Maayad is that they make a real difference in the lives of women farmers and their families from Sumilao, Bukidnon. Two years ago, these farmers walked more than 2,000 km from Bukidnon to Manila to claim 144 hectares of land through the agrarian reform program. 50 from the 144 hectares had already been given to them; while government agencies are still processing the remaining 94 hectares (as of October 2009). Since April 2008, the farmers have been organically growing corn, cassava, and other vegetables in the 50-hectare farm lot. Maayad Corn Coffee is one of the products that they are able to offer from their harvest.

Go make your healthy corn coffee purchase at maayad.multiply.com. All photos used were from the Maayad website.