Situated between the continents of Asia and Europe, Turkey is on the cultural crossroads between East and West. The nations of Anatolia have lengthy transported items, concepts and other people from Asia to Europe and vice versa. One of the necessary items that crossed the Bosphorus was espresso. Espresso entered the Ottoman Empire through Syrian merchants from the sixteenth century and was dropped at Europe by the following invasion of Hungary, the place it shortly unfold all through the continent. This naturally led to the event of its personal distinctive espresso tradition and vocabulary.
On this article, we are going to elaborate on the Turkish espresso custom, as it’s assembly with increasingly curiosity in Specialty Espresso as properly.
In Turkish espresso tradition, individuals historically sit for a very long time over espresso. It is a tradition that is not a lot about coffee-to-go, preferring small sips over a protracted time period with the identical espresso. It is much less about espresso consumption and extra concerning the neighborhood that types round it. In Turkey, there’s a saying that goes, “One cup of espresso is remembered for 40 years.”
Essentially the most well-known and world-renowned is often often called Turkish espresso, however is definitely referred to as Kahve (which comes from the Arabic Qahwah), and there are three completely different varieties: menengiç, dibek and mirra.
Kahve all the time ready in a cezve. A cezve is a small pot with a protracted deal with specifically designed for getting ready kahve. It’s historically fabricated from copper or brass, typically gold or silver. In trendy instances, it’s also fabricated from chrome steel, aluminum or ceramic.
Menengiç espresso is definitely not created from espresso beans in any respect, however from the beans of the Pistacia terebinthus tree. Technically, this drink has no caffeine, however its fruity notes are loved by many.
Dibek espresso is espresso that has been floor with a stone pestle in a stone mortar. It’s not as darkish or heavy as the standard Turkish coffees. It’s thicker and has a creamier style, typically leading to a much less intense cup of kahve.
Mirra actually means “bitter.” It is a sturdy espresso with an intense taste. The beans used for this espresso are typically roasted twice and never floor as finely as the opposite varieties. This offers it a way more bitter style. Subsequently, cardamom and different spices are sometimes added to spherical out the espresso taste a bit.
Turkish espresso will not be ready the way in which we consider it within the West, which implies it is not likely made with a machine. The strategy of preparation most carefully resembles that of a mocha pot. Often, cezve is cooked in one in all 3 ways: on sand, on coals, or on ashes. Sand is essentially the most conventional, and most households prepare dinner it on the range.
Specialty Espresso will not be as fashionable in Turkey as the normal Kahve. The most important focus of specialty espresso retailers is in Istanbul, of which we wish to current our favorites right here.
Probador Collectiva
Based by Cagata Gulabioglu, the 2015-2017 SCA Turkey Roasting Champion, the café has a roastery, a coaching middle, and serves as a superb middle for specialty espresso in Istanbul. It additionally helps smaller roasters by giving them entry to high-quality equipment and fostering a collaborative atmosphere.
Montag Espresso
Montag Espresso is situated in Kadiköy, on the Asian aspect of Istanbul. Montag has been providing specialty espresso since 2015. They roast all of their very own coffees and have a number of places in Istanbul. They’re one of many extra thrilling specialty espresso retailers in Istanbul and have a superb number of espresso sources.
Petra Roasting Co.
Petra Roasting Co. was based in 2013. They provide a novel espresso expertise and work with native and international companions to domesticate a timeless espresso tradition. Their foremost purpose is to make high quality espresso accessible in all places. They work as suppliers for famend venues and intention to supply handcrafted espresso in eating places or at residence. Petra Roasting Co. conducts thorough analysis to supply seasonal inexperienced espresso with assured style and origin. With respect for the espresso’s pure qualities, they roast it utilizing dependable and progressive methods, placing style above model identify of their buying selections.
Specialty espresso in Turkey is admittedly not fairly on the stage of Germany but. However it’s a rising development, and the chances are infinite. We’re excited to see the way it develops, and might’t wait to revisit the scene sooner or later.
Within the meantime, if you cannot make it to Turkey, we suggest our Little Flower beans with an OTTO Turkish espresso brewer for a home made mirra. They don’t seem to be fairly as bitter, however stuffed with the nice and cozy, spicy notes which might be typical of Mirra.
