Over 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed in the world every day. It is a universally popular beverage that is consumed for its characteristic flavour & stimulant effect. However, coffee traditions, recipes & flavour profiles tend to be quite varied. While we are quite familiar with European methods, there is a diverse coffee culture from many other parts of the world (view slideshow).
Coffee is often credited to have been discovered in Africa, but it was officially adapted by the Muslim community in Arabia, close to 1200. By the 15th century, coffee was widespread in Yemen & within the next 100 years, it spread to Egypt, Persia, Turkey and Syria. It was seen as a symbol of hospitality, sophistication, and generosity. Contracts, marriages, and feuds are settled over a cup of coffee. In certain areas, asking someone to get a cup of coffee is code for discussing mutual interests, a business agreement, or news together.
Arabic coffee (sometimes referred to as Turkish coffee) is made by first roasting coffee beans to varying degrees & then adding cardamom. This spice is added because it adds flavour complexity, the coffee becomes more fragrant & it removes some of the intrinsic bitterness from the roasted beans. It is also said that cardamom cancels the effect of caffeine & can help in reducing acid in coffee. While there are no substantial research papers proving this concept, many caffeine sensitive individuals would certainly tell you that this is a fact. Another reason why cardamom is used is because it pairs well with coffee, a symbiosis of flavours (similar to how certain foods can enhance the coffee drinking experience). In some regions, other spices, such as saffron, cinnamon, clove &/or nutmeg are added. The blend is boiled for a short period of time & served extremely hot into small drinking cups that rapidly cool the coffee.
For many Arabs, preparing, serving & drinking coffee is not only a morning ritual, it is a way to conjure distant memories & traditions through taste & smell. It is quite common to travel with a personalized blend of coffee or to simply give it as a gift.
At Novotaste, we can customize the specific type of Arabic coffee flavour profile you want for your applications. Bring the authentic taste of Arabic coffee to your clients or get inspired by it. Arabic coffee & cream or Arabic mocha? We can create it. Contact us for a sample today.
