They are a very interesting and unique type of tree – a rare species…
The Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus Dioicus) is a remarkable specimen. We have a number of them on our farm and this year they really grew a lot of the leathery pods, just maturing now with the onset of fall. The pods resemble peas, but a lot larger. They contain about 5 big seeds that some native cultures used for roasting and making a type of tea. Early settlers in the United States were known to drink this beverage as having a real cup of java was for the more affluent and those in cities close to ports where expensive coffee beans were imported by ships. Travellers who were out on the frontier were able to make a less flavorful but far cheaper substitute for a real cup of joe from this tree’s seed pods, thus came the name: the Kentucky Coffee Tree… Thought we would share this with our fellow tree-huggers out there!
