Two Leaves and a Bud Tea Co. is stepping out of the realm of tea to launch a coffee substitute made of barley.
The coffee substitute, called Café Orzo, is made of organic roasted barley. Although reminiscent of coffee, Café Orzo has a uniquely rich, nutty flavor that has been popular in Italy for centuries, said Naomi Havlen, a spokesperson for Two Leaves.
The company's founder Richard Rosenfeld first learned about “caffé d’orzo,” as it is known in Italy, one evening in an Italian café when he was craving an espresso but wanted to avoid caffeine.
Several years later, Rosenfeld approached a cooperative of small, organic farms along Italy’s Adriatic Coast about bringing this Italian mainstay to the United States. The heirloom variety of certified organic barley that these farmers grow is artisan roasted in Italy, imparting a unique, earthy taste.
“We love Café Orzo because it tastes great, with a great coffee texture, but has zero caffeine. It’s ubiquitous in Italy — it is in every café, every kid drinks it, and after dinner it’s a great caffeine-free alternative,” Rosenfeld said.
Two Leaves released Café Orzo in both a ground form like coffee and a liquid concentrate, much like popular versions of chai concentrate.
The drink is good for the health because it is high in antioxidants but low in sugar, sodium, cholesterol, carbohydrates and acid, Havlen said.
As a naturally caffeine-free product, Café Orzo can be served to children, seniors, pregnant or nursing mothers, and anyone who wants to avoid caffeine, she said.
“We think Café Orzo is going to do well in the U.S.,” Rosenfeld said. “It’s caffeine free, organic, Italian and it tastes great. We’re taking a traditional Italian product and making it familiar to American baristas and consumers.”
For more information on Café Orzo, visit www.cafeorzo.com.
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