The most popular drink in the world, after water is coffee and it’s also the second most traded commodity across the globe with crude oil being first. Coffee is also one of the longest traded materials in the world and many cultures have developed specific preparation techniques and ceremonies to prepare this much loved drink.
Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
In Ethiopia, coffee is sacred and contributes to two-thirds of the country’s income. Up to three servings of coffee are crafted during the ceremony and it is viewed as impolite when a cup isn’t finished. It is an integral part of Ethiopian society as members will host these rituals in order to debate politics, discuss life, society and gossip. The ceremony is an approach to extend friendships and show respect to people invited to the home. In some parts of Ethiopia, the ritual can occur up to three times a day; morning, afternoon and evening. Preparation is ceremonious, a woman usually conducts the ritual, dressed in a traditional Ethiopian white dress, with colours woven at the bottom. Firstly, frankincense is burned before the coffee beans are ground using a pestle. The ground coffee is now added to water and stirred in a ‘jeneba’ (clay coffee pot), then brought to a boil. The mixture must then be strained. The coffee is taken black and sugar or salt. Sometimes it is further accompanied by complementary popcorn or peanuts.
Vietnamese ‘Dripping’ method
The Vietnamese have evolved the dripping ritual to prepare a strong, yet sweet tasting iced coffee. The equipment required is a Vietnamese dripper (as known in Vietnam as a Phin) and a Vietnamese metal filter. It is a simple process, however there is quite a long infusing time taking about 4 to 5 minutes to brew one cup. The method involves positioning the filter over glass that’s partly filled with condensed milk, dark roasted coffee grounds should then be added to the filter, followed by boiling hot water. The coffee should be given about 5 minutes to pass through the filter.
Scandinavian Egg Coffee
It is said that this egg coffee originated from Northern Minnesota’s Scandinavian immigrants to improve the tasteless weak coffee that was around at the time. It is further renowned around places like Sweden and Norway for carrying a smooth and rich taste; and as the name implies a full egg, including the shell is required. Egg whites remove the acridness of the poor-quality coffee while heightening the caffeine; providing the perfect non-bitter, smooth and rich brew.
Brazil Cafezinho
Brazil’s traditional coffee is called a ‘Cafezinho’ translating to ‘a little coffee’. It’s a very intensely sweet beverage and is served in small demitasse cups. This shot is perfect for get your caffeine fix. The brew is generally taken black; however, inserting hot milk is thought of as a morning tradition. Preparation involves adding water and sugar into a pan, once it’s boiled, swirl in the coffee grounds. Sieve the blend through a sock filter (known as a colador in Brazil).
South Indian Kaapi
Southern India has acquired a lot of eminence regarding their filter coffee and its preparation requires a lot of perseverance. Crafting the brew can take up to three hours and is best done the night before. Kaapi is a fine fusion of dark roasted coffee beans and the plant chicory. Chicory is an overall intensifier to the beverage, crafting a distinctive aroma and flavour. It further balances out the pungent taste and acts as a thickening agent. South Indian filters have two chambers within the vessel; the top compartment has a pierced bottom, allowing the coffee mixture to penetrate through. Once the coffee powder is added to the part with the perforated base, boiling water is then combined. The bottom piece then collects the filtered mixture.
Brewing methods differ around the globe, from ceremonies to coffee shots. However, coffee machines are now the modern method of crafting the perfect brew. It is a crucial piece of equipment for businesses as machines can specialise at assembling a range of different types of beverages. Some methods can take up to three hours to prepare a cup, but coffee machines can prepare a brew in minutes.
Our team are experts when it comes to all things coffee. From brewing to latte art and everything in between, we’ve got it covered. If you want to arrange a no-obligation consultation to provide the very best coffee machines for your establishment then please get in touch. We are always on hand to offer advice and support.
