Turns out that even on a desert planet where there are sandworms aplenty and water is scarce, folks still make time for coffee. Who knew? If you’re a big fan of the Dune novels and films (even the old one with Sting), you may be interested to know that Fremen-style coffee is a thing. And it’s darn good, too.
About Dune
Dune is a sprawling 1965 science fiction novel in which noble houses vie for control of the desert planet Arrakis, the only source of a priceless spice called melange. The story follows young Paul Atreides and his adventures confronting the treacherous political landscape of Arrakis. (Trying to avoid spoilers here.) As he navigates fuzzy alliances, giant sandworms, and the harsh environment, Paul grapples with his own destiny and the prophecies that mythologize it.
If this sounds like the typical hero’s journey, it’s anything but, which is part of what makes the novel so great. The book explores themes of power, religion, ecology, and the complex relationship between humanity and its heroes.
Spiced Fremen Coffee
Dune has been made into some admirable film adaptations, with maybe one notable exception. (Sorry David Lynch.)
A big fan of both the novels and films, I was in my favorite used book and DVD shop one day recently when I chanced upon an old book of Dune lore (non-canon). I flipped through the pages, and before long my imagination was skittering along the dunes of Arrakis. Then a gem in the book caught my eye—a recipe for making coffee in the style of the Fremen, the indigenous people of Arrakis.
Here’s how to make Spiced Fremen Coffee, according to the book:
- Use boiling (really!) water for each cup.
- Use Fremen-grind coffee. (Very fine.)
- Allow the water to drip as slowly as possible.
- Add honey.
- Top off with 5 ml of spice.
- If you’re short on melange (sorry, the Co-op doesn’t carry it), try cinnamon.
Final Impressions
Did I wrestle with the obvious questions, like how in the heck did they grow coffee beans on Arrakis? Nope. Did I follow the exact instructions above? Nope. But going about it my own way and sticking to the spirit of the recipe, I made it pretty darn close.
In short, use a fine ground, make it hot, make it strong, and add honey and cinnamon. I normally drink coffee black, but surprisingly, this was absolutely delicious. Try it and give your morning coffee routine a little spice. 😊
—Ken Davis, senior writer
