Turkish Coffee

What Is Turkish Coffee?

Turkish coffee is a type of coffee prepared by cooking very finely ground coffee beans (Coffea arabica) with water and, if desired, sugar over low heat in a cezve (small pot), poured into the cup unstrained.

The grounds settle at the bottom of the cup and, after the coffee is drunk, the cup is turned upside down for the tradition of fortune-telling. It was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2013.

Nutritional Values of Turkish Coffee

Plain (unsweetened) Turkish coffee is almost calorie-free; 100 ml provides about 2 kcal of energy. Because of its fine grind and boiling method, its caffeine density per small cup is generally more pronounced than filter coffee.

What Are the Benefits of Turkish Coffee?

With its caffeine content, Turkish coffee is traditionally among the stimulant beverages consumed daily. There are studies on caffeine's effects on attention and alertness.

This information is general; Turkish coffee is a beverage, not a substitute for medical treatment. People sensitive to caffeine, pregnant/breastfeeding people, and those with blood pressure issues should be careful about the amount consumed and consult a specialist if needed.

How to Choose Turkish Coffee?

Good-quality Turkish coffee is freshly ground, flour-fine, and has an intense scent.

• It should be as fine as powdered flour; coarsely ground coffee has trouble forming foam in the cezve.
• The packaging date should be fresh; coffee quickly loses its aroma after grinding.
• The scent should be intense and characteristic of freshly roasted coffee; a musty or flat smell is not preferred.

How to Store Turkish Coffee?

Ground Turkish coffee keeps its freshness for 2-3 months in a sealed container, in a cool, dark place. It is recommended to buy it in small packages to reduce air exposure and to keep the container tightly closed.

Using Turkish Coffee in the Kitchen

Turkish coffee is cooked in a cezve with water, coffee, and sugar as desired, over low heat, just before it boils, until foam forms. The sugar preference — plain, mild, medium, or sweet — is decided before cooking.

How Is Turkish Coffee Cooked?

Cold water, one dessertspoon of coffee per cup, and the desired sugar are added to the cezve and mixed. Without stirring, over low heat, as soon as foam starts to rise it is taken off the heat and the foam is distributed into the cups, after which the cezve is put back on the heat to finish cooking.

Which Recipes Use Turkish Coffee?

Plain Turkish coffee, dibek coffee, and mendil coffee are among the best-known ways of serving it. It is also used as an aroma addition in some dessert and ice cream recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Turkish coffee good for?

With its caffeine content, Turkish coffee is a beverage traditionally consumed for alertness and attention. It is a beverage; it does not claim to cure any disease.

Why is the foam of Turkish coffee important?

Foam is considered a sign that the coffee was cooked correctly and that it was freshly and well ground; it also helps preserve the aroma in the cup for longer.

Should Turkish coffee be boiled?

No, full boiling can disperse the foam and cause the coffee to turn bitter; it is recommended to take it off the heat just before it boils, as the foam rises.

What is the difference between Turkish coffee and filter coffee?

In Turkish coffee, very finely ground coffee is cooked unstrained and poured into the cup, with the grounds settling at the bottom; in filter coffee, water passes through a filter with coarsely ground coffee.

Why does Turkish coffee turn bitter?

A longer boiling time, too coarse a grind, or using stale coffee can increase bitterness; fresh, finely ground coffee and short cooking over low heat gives a more balanced taste.