More and more people are growing their own food. You can also grow your own coffee plants. There are two plants that thrive in most areas in the USA. The American Beech Tree's nuts when taken out of the husks, roasted until dark and brittle, then ground, will make a fine coffee. Store this in an airtight container.

They are best collected after the first hard frost when they normally drop to the ground. Once stored, they can be used all year round. You might have to fight the squirrels for them.

Prepare normally. Chicory coffee - Do you remember that blue flower with almost leafless stalks that grow just about everywhere there's a road? That's chicory! They look like daisy's, but their petals are blue and are squared off at the ends. The white fleshy roots, roasted until dark brown and brittle, then ground, make an excellent coffee.

Prepare like coffee. Use 1-1/2 tsp. per cup of water. Store in an airtight container.

Use all year round. If you are planning on harvesting from the wild, be sure you are selecting from the right plants. It's a good idea to purchase, or obtain from a local library, a high quality field guide to help you distinguish these plants. If you have questions, it's best to ask. One place to ask is at the forums at Active Farming.com .

By: Michael Schutt