It started by accident when the chuck wagon hit a rut and the coffee spilled into the spice tin. Knowing that it was a long way into town and the cowboys were hungry, Cookie unapologetically used it to flavor the meat that night. Turns out Cookie made such bad coffee that the cowboys liked it better on the meat than they did in the cup. Soon it was not only the main seasoning on the cattle drive, but also every eating establishment along the trail from Amarillo to Ogallala. Something magical happens when the blend of aromatic spices, peppers, turbinado sugar, and coffee is rubbed into ribs, roasts, steaks, or chicken before grilling. The coffee enhances the natural meat flavors, leaving the grilled meat a beautiful coffee brown. Holen One Farms has revived this tried and true classic. It’s one of our family favorites, and we think you’ ll like it too.

The Holen One Rib + Roast Java Rub can be used as a dry rub for prime rib, pork loin roasts, country-style ribs, or baby back ribs. It is also excellent when applied to steaks, chops, and grilled chicken breasts. Apply the rub by working the spices into the meat by hand, and then letting it rest in the refrigerator for a few hours, or better yet, overnight. Many people also use the rub as a general spice on baked potatoes, omelets, and in casseroles!