Let's start by cracking open that daily kola nut that is the Morning Reboot.

In West Africa, the kola nut's native habitat, people have long chewed them as stimulants.

But the other half of the name represents another ingredient, less infamous, perhaps, but also strangely potent: the kola nut.

The pod of the kola nut, if you've never had the pleasure of seeing one yourself, is about two inches long, and green.

From Caravans to Coca Cola outlines a history of the prized kola nut from its West African origins, weaving together primary sources and travel.