Why Do Turks Put Salt in Their Coffee?
Coffee from around the world can offer diverse flavours and experiences. From the bright, acidic taste of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe beans to the earthy undertones found in Brazilian coffee, there are numerous unique tasting notes to explore. Other regions have classic takes on coffee roasts, such as Jamaican Blue Mountain or Kona Hawaiian coffees. No matter where it is sourced, each cup of coffee has its own story. This article will look at what makes Turkish coffee so popular.
Coffee has been a part of Turkish life since the 15th century, and Turks have developed a unique way of preparing it. A distinct flavour is created when salt is added to Turkish-style coffee, creating an experience unlike any other. But why do Turks put salt in their coffee?
The traditional method of preparing Turkish coffee dates back centuries. Every cup is made with freshly ground beans boiled over an open flame with untreated tap water and sugar or spices like cardamom if desired. Salt was rarely added during this time, as it was considered a sign of poverty for someone unable to afford sugar for flavouring their coffee.
However, modern-day Turks still add salt to their coffee, even if they can use sugar, and this is likely because salt enhances the flavour of coffee and balances out some bitterness. The addition of salt also helps reduce any stomach acidity resulting from the mixture of hot water and ground beans, making Turkish-style coffee more palatable for sensitive stomachs.
The other reason Turks put salt in their coffee is a matter of tradition. For many people, adding a pinch of salt when preparing a Turkish-style coffee has become a habit passed down through generations. It’s also seen as good luck: according to superstition, including a pinch of salt will ensure your wishes come true.
How to Brew the Perfect Turkish Coffee?
Brewing the perfect Turkish coffee is about following the proper steps and ingredients. To begin, you’ll need a small pot with a narrow spout (known as a cezve) and freshly-ground beans. Start by pouring cold water into the cezve, adding one teaspoon of ground coffee for every cup of water you use and any desired sweetener or spices like cardamom.
Bring the coffee mixture to a boil over low heat, occasionally stirring with a spoon to ensure no lumps are left in the grounds. As soon as it starts boiling, please remove it from the heat and let it settle for 30 seconds. After that, please bring it back up to an almost boiling point and repeat this process four times before finally letting it come to a full boil.
When the foam has formed on top of the mixture, remove the pot from the heat and add two pinches of salt. Stir them gently until they dissolve into the brew before adding an optional sprinkle of cinnamon or any other topping you desire. Finally, pour your coffee into small demitasse cups and enjoy.
Knowing how many scoops of coffee per cup and how much salt to add is an integral part of preparing the perfect Turkish coffee. Generally, two pinches of salt should be added for every cup brewed and about one teaspoon of finely-ground beans for each cup. The amount of sugar or cinnamon used can be adjusted based on personal preference.
Brewing Turkish coffee may take some practice, but once you get good at it, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious cup anytime. Just remember to use good quality coffee beans and fresh cold water, follow these simple instructions carefully, and add those two pinches of salt for flavour and luck.
Which Coffee Beans Are Used in Turkish Coffee?
The type of beans used in Turkish coffee is essential for creating the best flavour. Lightly roasted Arabica beans are typically preferred as they’re less acidic and create a more rounded and balanced cup. The grind should be extremely fine, almost like a powder, to ensure everything mixes evenly with the water.
Sometimes, darker roasted robusta beans may also be used if desired. Robusta beans create bolder flavours with higher caffeine content and more robust bitter notes, which can be complemented by adding salt. Whichever type you choose, however, it’s essential to use fresh-ground beans for each brew, as pre-ground varieties tend to produce different quality cups.
Conclusion
Adding salt to Turkish coffee has become popular over time due to its ability to enhance flavour and reduce stomach acidity. It’s also seen as good luck in some circles, making it an essential part of the brewing process. Remember that quality ingredients like freshly-ground Arabica beans are vital to creating a delicious cup every time. With these great tips in mind, you’ll be able to craft a cup of perfect Turkish coffee
