It is stated that Turkish coffee, whose fame spread from the Anatolian geography to the world, entered our culture during the Ottoman period when Yemen Governor Özdemir Pasha brought coffee beans to Istanbul. This is why the question "Is it coming from Yemen?" is asked for late coffees. Famous Turkish coffee has been prepared by grinding the beans in pans and then pounding them in mortars, followed by boiling them in a cezve (Turkish coffee pot) since the early days.

"A cup of coffee has forty years of memories." The coffee mentioned in this loyal proverb is Turkish coffee! First brought from Yemen to Istanbul, and then quickly spread throughout Anatolia, Turkish coffee is a drink unique to this geography with its distinctive brewing techniques and taste. Turkish coffee has become so beloved worldwide that it is possible to find restaurants serving Turkish coffee almost everywhere on the planet. For this reason, our coffee was included in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2013. Because Turkish coffee has presentation and consumption rituals as much as its taste and preparation. In other words, Turkish coffee embodies a different culture at every stage!

1. WHAT IS TURKISH COFFEE?

The arrival date of Turkish coffee in this geography is stated as the 14th century by some circles. After coffee beans, which an Ottoman pasha admired after tasting, were brought to Istanbul, they became indispensable in palace kitchens. Then, the process of easier procurement of beans began. Subsequently, this delicious drink also found its place on the tables of the common people.

The main feature that distinguishes Turkish coffee from other varieties is that its beans are ground very finely. Also, boiling it in a cezve (Turkish coffee pot) sets it apart from other coffees. It is already well-known that Turkish coffee, served to the most esteemed guests in Turkey and around the world, is indispensable for special gatherings. Don't you feel special when you are offered coffee?

2. HOW IS TURKISH COFFEE MADE?

The making of Turkish coffee begins with roasting the beans. This medium roast level allows the coffee to be lighter. After this stage, it's time for grinding. Finely ground coffee beans using special techniques are now ready to be brewed directly. It is known that Turkish coffee is consumed in small cups. During brewing, two teaspoons of coffee per cup are considered ideal.

2.1. WHAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN MAKING TURKISH COFFEE?

• If you want to prepare a foamy and delicious Turkish coffee, the first thing to pay attention to is using fresh coffee.

• If you want your coffee to be strong, you should use hot water when brewing. If foam is important to you, you should prefer cold water.

• You absolutely must brew Turkish coffee on low heat. And we advise you not to leave it unattended. Because even though it is believed that overflowing coffee brings abundance, your serving may be delayed.

3. HOW IS TURKISH COFFEE SERVED?

Just as preparing Turkish coffee requires special care, its presentation also needs to be delicate. Because there is a certain etiquette for coffee in both brewing, presentation, and consumption. Among the indispensable items on your serving tray is water, first and foremost. Turkish coffee is usually served on small trays with Turkish delight, dragees, or sherbet. In addition, serving honey with coffee has become quite popular recently!

3.1. IN TWO-PERSON CONVERSATIONS

If you're drinking Turkish coffee with dear friends, you shouldn't forget the water and the sweet treat on the side. This drink, which draws you into deep conversations sip by sip, is especially indispensable for friendly gatherings. Not only in Turkey but also around the world, Turkish coffee is the subject and excuse for two-person meetings!

3.2. AT CROWDED GUEST INVITATIONS

Turkish coffee is undoubtedly the most dignified drink at crowded guest invitations. In fact, it can be considered a demonstration of the value you place on your guests. Especially if accompanied by traditional delicacies, a foamy cup of coffee can make you the star of the day.

3.3. AT BRIDAL CEREMONIES (KIZ İSTEME)

And now, to the proposal ceremonies! In these important moments, it's fair to say that Turkish coffee is as important as the couple to be married. The taste of coffee drunk after good deeds in the Anatolian geography is unique. Let us inform you of a changing ritual in proposal ceremonies. Salty coffee served to the groom has now been replaced by honeyed coffee, just so you know! Young ladies, the bride-to-be, now brew plain coffee for the groom and add plenty of honey so that the groom's taste is pleasant. This celebratory coffee, made for the young people to have a sweet taste in their mouths, is even more delicious with Balparmak's natural honey varieties!

4. WHERE IS TURKISH COFFEE GROWN?

Although its name is Turkish coffee, the golden beans that make this drink possible cannot be grown within Turkey's borders. While the Arab region attracts attention as the region where Turkish coffee beans are most produced in the world, South and Central America actually hold the top spot. In fact, Brazil, the colorful country of South America, is among the countries where you will most frequently encounter coffee beans.

5. WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF TURKISH COFFEE?

There are essentially four basic types of Turkish coffee: plain, medium, sweet, and strong (okkalı). Plain coffee means without sugar/honey. Medium coffee uses one teaspoon of sugar per cup, and sweet coffee uses a little more sugar or honey than this amount. "Okkalı" coffee refers to a stronger Turkish coffee with a higher concentration of coffee grounds.

Other types of Turkish coffee on the market can be exemplified as follows:

• Mastic-flavored Turkish coffee

• Menengiç coffee (Pistachio coffee)

• Mırra (Bitter coffee)

• Süvari coffee (Horseman's coffee)

• Dibek coffee (Mortar-ground coffee)

• Kül coffee (Ash coffee) etc.

6. HOW IS TURKISH COFFEE GROUND?

Although the grinding method of Turkish coffee resembles other coffees, there are significant differences in terms of particle size. Hand grinders, Turkish-style grinding attachments, and electric grinders are used to grind coffee. Electric grinders are large industrial devices typically seen in markets and coffee shops. It is possible to maximize the flavor by using these tools, which perform an extremely fine grind specific to Turkish coffee. You can already smell it, can't you?

7. HOW TO TELL THE FRESHEST TURKISH COFFEE?

To tell if Turkish coffee is fresh, you should first smell it. Fresh coffee has a refreshing and sharp aroma. If this wonderful smell draws you in even before you get close to it, then your coffee is fresh. Also, even if it is ground, the coffee should not stay in a block; it must immediately scatter.

8. HOW TO TELL IF TURKISH COFFEE IS STALE?

The easiest way to tell if Turkish coffee is stale is to look at its particles. Fresh coffee will try to spill as soon as you scoop it. Therefore, it is possible to say that coffee that pours in individual grains is fresh. In addition, to preserve the freshness of coffee, it is beneficial to keep it away from moisture, heat, and light. This detail is important for serving a frothy coffee to unexpected guests!

9. WHAT NUTRIENTS ARE IN TURKISH COFFEE?

Turkish coffee is quite rich in nutritional values. This places it among healthy beverages. Of course, like all foods, coffee should be consumed in moderation. Those curious about the nutritional values of coffee, please read on:

9.2. WHAT IS THE CALORIE CONTENT OF TURKISH COFFEE?

One small cup of coffee contains only about 7 calories. This value, of course, applies to plain coffee. The more sugar or honey you add to your coffee, the higher its calorie content will be. However, let's not forget that honey is a more ideal option than refined sugar due to its natural sugar components, which are more easily processed by the body.

9.3. AT WHAT TIMES OF DAY SHOULD TURKISH COFFEE BE DRUNK?

If you ask its aficionados, Turkish coffee can be drunk at any time of day. However, experts do not recommend drinking coffee during the period when the cortisol hormone is secreted. Scientists argue that those who want to benefit most from caffeine should consume this exquisite beverage at specific times. According to this, the ideal times to drink Turkish coffee are between 9:30-11:30, 14:00-15:00, and 16:30-18:00.

Enjoy your meal!

References:

• Ph.D. Naci Özgür, Turkish Coffee Standards and Technical Analysis of Brewing Equipment, Turkish Coffee Culture and Research Association

• Lingle, Ted R., The Coffee Brewing Handbook (First ed.), Specialty Coffee Association of America, 1995

• Turkish Coffee, Istanbul, National Food Composition Database, T.R. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

• Turkish Coffee: More Than a Drink, T.R. Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ankara, 2017