Double, single, sweet or plain, in an ember or coffee-pot, whether as bubbly foam or over-boiled. Whichever way you like it, Greek coffee is part of your identity. From your grandparents at the coffee-house to your parents enjoying it in the summer by the sea, you’ve grown up with its aroma. Still, the more you think you know about it, the more secrets are there to be revealed!
Let’s discover them!
Despite Greek coffee’s Arabic influences, it was also enjoyed in and by the waterfront of Istanbul which is why it’s inextricably linked to the mystery around such places. It might not be made of spells, though it was Greek coffee that was “read” by Smyrna’s witches!
10 things you probably don’t know about Greek coffee.
No 1: As years went by and more coffee was being imported from abroad, the consumption of Greek coffee dropped.Gone were the sailors of Piraeus who used to feel the taste of home the moment they disembarked by sipping on Greek coffee after a long time, as well as the families that once gathered at the village’s taverna with the only TV set around for miles to watch the games accompanied by a strong cup of “Greek”. Despite such changes, 50% of Greeks (imagine the old numbers!), still drink Greek coffee, hence its inextricable link to Greece’s cultural tradition!
No 2: The manufacturing process and roasting of Greek coffee, make it so unique, it’s now a cultural tradition protected by UNESCO.
No 3: We’re not the only ones who enjoy Greek coffee. In fact, in all places where they drink traditional Ibrik – as it’s officially known – coffee is always named after the area: Turkish, Armenian, Arabic, Middle-Eastern and Cypriot.
No 4: Greek coffee only contains 40mg of caffeine per cup! So, you can enjoy it more often throughout the day, as despite its strong taste it’s quite mild.
No 5: How is good Greek coffee made? With thick foam which lasts after serving. Haven’t you heard your grandpa asking for a bubbly one?
No 6: It has no calories! Except of course if you add sugar…then it does.
No 7: It pairs great with Turkish lokum. It’s one of the most traditional products along the Middle Eastern coastline, which is why it matches harmoniously with Greek coffee.
No 8: It’s good for you! It’s a source of antioxidants beneficial to our organisms.
No 9: Old coffee-makers, known today as coffee-roasters, deal primarily with importing, grinding and packaging Greek coffee, whereas in the past, Greek coffee played a crucial role in people’s daily routines.
No 10: Greek coffee is also known as “the connoisseur’s coffee”, which is why, to this day, we expect to be served a cup that’s exceptional!
And don’t forget…
If you want to discover more about Greek coffee, please come by one of our stores or go on coffeeisland.gr for delivery at home or the office.
