The Catholic priest Leandro NaunHung, known in Santiago de Cuba for sharing various "tools" to cope with the economic crisis, showcased a new example of "creative resistance" on social media: sweetening coffee with sugarcane juice.
“Let's make guarapo to prepare coffee,” he wrote on Facebook alongside a video showing a man extracting the sweet juice using a unique technique.
NaunHung expressed his astonishment at seeing the man strike the center of a sugar cane with a thick stick.
Then, skillfully, he split the cane and twisted it, as if he were wringing out a sheet, and the nectar fell into a jar.
"I didn't know that technique," the priest remarked as he watched the man repeat the process on several segments of sugarcane: first hitting it, then bending it, and finally squeezing it to extract the juice.
Subsequently, the guarapo was added to the water used to prepare the coffee in a traditional strainer.
"It needs more powder," NaunHung finally said. "But it's good," he noted as he sipped the coffee in several gulps.
Amidst the scarcity of food and basic products in Santiago de Cuba, NaunHung recently shared a traditional coffee alternative known as "the coffee of the poor," made from platanillo seeds.
The parish priest, who is working to empower rural communities in Santiago de Cuba in response to the current economic crisis, shared a little-known tradition on Facebook that is common in the region due to the shortage of conventional coffee.
The video features a conversation with a local resident, who discusses how the plant known as "platanillo" is used as "coffee for the poor," a substitute that many residents have embraced during difficult times.
Frequently Asked Questions about Creativity and Resilience in Times of Crisis in Santiago de Cuba
How is coffee sweetened with cane juice in Santiago de Cuba?
To sweeten coffee with sugarcane juice, guarapo from sugarcane is used. The technique involves hitting the center of the cane with a thick stick, breaking it, and then twisting it to extract the sweet nectar. This guarapo is then added to the water used to prepare the coffee.
What is "the coffee of the poor" and how is it prepared?
The "coffee of the poor" is an alternative beverage made from plantain seeds. The fruit is harvested, dried, roasted, and then ground to produce a powder that is used as a substitute for conventional coffee. This tradition was adopted during times of scarcity in Santiago de Cuba.
What initiatives is Father Leandro NaunHung promoting in Santiago de Cuba?
Leandro NaunHung promotes various initiatives to address the crisis in Santiago de Cuba, such as sharing survival recipes and encouraging the recycling of cans to generate income. His goal is to empower rural communities by providing practical tools and spiritual support during difficult times.
What role does creativity play in adapting to the crisis in Cuba according to Father NaunHung?
Creativity is key to adapting to the crisis in Cuba, according to NaunHung. He emphasizes the need to find ingenious solutions, such as using local ingredients to prepare food and implementing community practices to enhance resilience in the face of shortages.
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