⏱️ Preparation Time
- Prep: 5 minutes
- Cook: none
- Total: 5 minutes
- Equipment: dry bowl, spoon or whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp ground coffee
- 1 tbsp ground dark chocolate (or unsweetened cocoa)
- 1/3 cup fine salt
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp chili powder (authentic blend, not just hot chili)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp cumin
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a completely dry mixing bowl.
- Stir thoroughly with a spoon or whisk until evenly blended.
- Store in an airtight container, away from heat and humidity.
- This rub keeps well for several months without losing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This rub is perfect for grilled or smoked beef cuts, game meats, or lamb. It also works beautifully on grilled portobello mushrooms. Apply generously and let rest at least 1 hour before indirect cooking.
Dietary Variations
- Sugar-free: replace brown sugar with brown erythritol.
- Salt-free: cut the salt in half and substitute part with dried miso or roasted herbs.
- Spicier: add ground chipotle or long pepper along with the chili powder.
💪 Nutrition Facts (per ~10 g serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 26 kcal | 1.3% |
| Total Fat | 0.16 g | 0.2% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.06 g | 0.3% |
| Omega-3 | 0.00 g | — |
| Total Carbohydrates | 6.43 g | — |
| Sugars | 5.87 g | 6.5% |
| Fiber | 0.32 g | — |
| Protein | 0.14 g | — |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | — |
| Salt | 2.75 g | 45.8% |
| Calcium | 4.8 mg | — |
| Iron | 0.12 mg | — |
| Vitamin B12 | 0 µg | — |
*DV: Daily Values for an average adult (2000 kcal diet)
🧬 Health sheet – Cancer + Diabetes
This original rub is moderate in calories but rich in flavor. Thanks to garlic, cocoa, coffee, and spices such as cinnamon and cumin, it provides numerous antioxidant compounds. It contains no animal fat or artificial additives. However, it is high in both salt and sugar, which calls for moderate use.
🧬 Click to expand
🧬 Cancer: what to watch out for
Benefits: Cocoa and coffee are rich in antioxidant polyphenols. Cumin, cinnamon, and garlic are known for their protective anti-inflammatory effects.
To moderate: Brown sugar can promote excessive Maillard reactions at high temperatures. Excess salt is an aggravating factor for digestive cancers.
Advice: Use for slow, indirect cooking without charring, and avoid adding extra salt.
🍬 Diabetes: impact on blood sugar
Benefits: The overall glycemic index is moderate since the rub is applied in a thin layer. Coffee and cocoa may even improve insulin sensitivity.
Risks: Sugar remains predominant and can cause a glycemic spike if used excessively.
Recommendation: Limit to 10 g of rub per serving and pair with fiber (vegetables, salad).
🧠 Health summary
⚖️ Calories: moderate to low depending on use
✅ Positive points: coffee, cocoa, protective spices, no fat
❌ To limit: salt and sugar
💡 Health tip
For a more balanced version, you can cut the brown sugar in half and replace it with mild spices such as cardamom or a bit of dried orange zest to keep a rich flavor without excess sweetness.
Colombian Coffee: A National Treasure
Colombian coffee is world-renowned for its exceptional quality and refined flavors. The mountainous regions of Colombia provide ideal climatic conditions—high altitude and moderate temperatures—that favor the cultivation of premium coffee. Thanks to this reputation, Colombian coffee has become one of the country’s main exports, making a significant contribution to its economy.
Colombian Cocoa: A Culinary Treasure!
Cocoa is another Colombian spice of considerable importance. The warm, humid climate of Colombia’s Amazonian and coastal regions creates ideal conditions for cocoa cultivation. Colombian cocoa beans are renowned for their subtle, complex flavor, offering unique notes of fruit and nuts. Colombian cocoa is used in the production of fine chocolates and hot beverages, delivering an exceptional tasting experience.
Exquisite Aromas that Complement Each Other
Colombian coffee is prized for its rich, slightly bitter notes, while Colombian cocoa adds a touch of sweetness and complexity with fruity and nutty aromas. When these two spices are combined in a BBQ rub, they create the perfect synergy, adding unmatched depth of flavor. The coffee brings robustness and a hint of spice, while the cocoa smooths and balances the profile, resulting in a unique and harmonious taste experience.
The Benefits of a Bold Fusion
The union of coffee and cocoa in a Colombian BBQ rub isn’t only about flavor. These two ingredients are also packed with health benefits. Colombian coffee is well known for its antioxidant content, helping fight free radicals and reduce the risk of certain diseases. Meanwhile, Colombian cocoa is a natural source of magnesium, iron, and fiber, supporting the immune system and promoting healthy digestion.
An Explosion of Flavors on the Grill
When you use a Colombian BBQ rub made with coffee and cocoa, you’re guaranteed a sensational taste experience. The bold flavors of the coffee enhance meats with deep intensity and a smoky edge, while the cocoa contributes a subtle sweetness and aromatic complexity that surprises the palate. Whether applied to pork ribs, chicken, or even grilled vegetables, this unique Colombian rub awakens the senses and delights lovers of exotic flavors.
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