May 28th, 2010

Granitos, Humacao, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rican Coffee

If you are from the eastern side of the island of Puerto Rico, specifically, from the town of Humacao you must have grown up eating granitos.  At that time we would go to the Plaza del Mercado, the local market and get them while they were still warm.  They would start selling them very early in the morning.  Always placed in a brown paper bag.

Nowadays, you can get them from different vendors around town.  But, people who know about this delicacy, yes, a delicay, come from all over the island because they are only made in Humacao, in the Patagonia neighborhood.  They are sold in boxes and very cheap, I may add.

It is a simple, pink house, where the granitos are made and there is no sign to tell you that you have arrived.  So, unless you know where you are going you will not find them.

They are made out of rice flour and shaped to look almost like flat canoe.  Then, a small piece of cheese is placed on top. 

The method of cooking?  Deep fried.  That’s it.  They turn a golden color and they are just delicious. 

This fritura, is the perfect companion to a good cup of Puerto Rican coffee. 

I went to check a few of them.  The big event to take place in September is the Puerto Rico Coffee Expo which will be on the 18th and 19th, at the Hotel La Concha in San Juan.  Please visit www.puertoricoescafe.com for more info.

The first coffee I got was 1739 Kfe Artesanal from Utuado, Puerto Rico.  Utuado is located in the mountains and they refer to their coffee as black gold.  It is a true Puertorican coffee with ecology in mind.  Please visit their website www.1739kfe.com.

The next two are from Hacienda Monte Alto in Adjuntas.  One is called Aroma del Cielo, which is a medium dark roast and the other one is called Cafe Monte Riqueno which is a superior grade.  Please visit their website www.haciendamontealto.com.   I have just been drinking the Aroma del Cielo and it is very good; bold and rich just as it should be.

Have a great day….and talk to you later….