During the American Civil War, soldiers craved coffee so badly they began brewing acorns, corn, and even roasted sweet potatoes. For many troops, a hot cup of coffee was considered more vital than a meal. It was a critical part of their daily ration and a huge morale booster. But as the war dragged on, the Union blockade of Southern ports cut off the supply of imported coffee beans, especially for the Confederacy. Faced with a shortage, soldiers got resourceful. They foraged for anything that co