Types of coffee
There are many different coffee drinks available, we will list the three most
popular ones.
- Turkish Coffee: Derived from the Arabica bean, Turkish coffee is a very
fine, powder-like grind. An aromatic spice called cardamom is sometimes added to
the coffee while it is being ground. One can also boil whole seeds with the coffee
and let them float to the top when served. Turkish coffee has six levels of
sweetness ranging from very sweet to black. Since sugar is not added to the coffee
after it is served, spoons are not needed. As the coffee begins to heat, it begins
to foam. A rule of the Turkish coffee ceremony dictates that if the foam is absent
from the face of the coffee, the host loses face. Turkish coffee is served hot from
a special coffee pot called a cezve. Tradition states that after the guest has
consumed the coffee and the cup is turned upside down on the saucer and allowed to
cool, the hostess then performs a fortune reading from the coffee grounds remaining
in the cup. Rich in tradition and flavor, Turkish coffee remains a favorite
today.
- Cappuccino Coffee: Cappuccino is a strong coffee with frothy cream,
topped with a pinch of powdered chocolate. The pale brown color of the coffee is
reminiscent of the robes worn by Capuchin monks. A traditional cappuccino is served
in a special white cup, similar to a teacup. The correct proportions are: 1/3 of
just made espresso coffee, 2/3 of froth. The froth is prepared as follows: Fill a
small jug to 1/3 of its capacity with fresh milk. Immerse the frothing arm found on
all electric espresso machines to just below the surface of the milk. Turn on the
steam and gradually lower the jug, allowing the milk to froth up while still
keeping the froth arm just below the surface. Add a half of the froth into the
espresso coffee. Sprinkle a bit of unsweetened cocoa powder or dark grated
chocolate. Add the rest of the froth. Top off with a dash of cocoa or grated
chocolate.
- Espresso Coffee: Espresso is a black strong coffee prepared in Italian
way by forcing live steam through dark-roast coffee beans. Coffee is placed into an
espresso machine designed just for this purpose and hot water is forced through the
coffee at very high pressure - extracting all the flavor possible. Brewing espresso
has certainly been made easier, over the years, with the advancement of more
automated machines. Preparing, however, the "perfect" cup of espresso is still a
real art. A 1 to 1 1/2 ounce shot of espresso should brew in 19-23 seconds. The
espresso should flow out of the machine at a slow, but steady dribble. If your
espresso has been perfectly brewed, the surface will be covered with a thick,
foamy, golden brown crema. If the crema is good, then sugar in your espresso will
float on the surface for a couple seconds. Espresso coffee, despite being a sublime
experience on its own, is the foundation for a wide variety of specialty coffee
drinks such as the Cappuccino.
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