If you have ever sipped the Turkish coffee, you will identify there is nothing quite like it. However, did you know that the secret to its unique flavor stays in the grind process? And the Turkish coffee grind size is also a main element.
What is Turkish coffee?
Turkish coffee is one of the oldest methods of brewing coffee around the world (in the early 1400s). You might be astonished that Turkish coffee has 2 different stories of brewing for the first time. Additionally, no one is sure which story is correct.
The first story comes from the Ottoman governor of Yemen, who was fascinated with coffee and shared it with the Sultan, expanding the drink around the empire. The second story comes to two Syrian traders, who arrived in Istanbul with their brewing coffee by Turkish people. These two traders then opened café shops around the city and focused on Turkish coffee (Istanbul). The Sultan visited the shops and loved the drink.
Whichever story is accurate or not, the Ottoman Sultan was a big fan of the drink. After that, the Turkish coffee brewing method derived from the Arabian Peninsula, also known as Yemen.
In Istanbul, the first coffee houses appeared around the year 1470 and were modeled in Yemen. Turkish coffee is also standard to judge a woman’s marital potential by how well she can make the drink.
History of Turkish coffee
The coffee plant grew in Ethiopia, but the Suki monks of Yemen who made the first drink in the 15th century. The Suk monks had to stay awake all night while meditating, so they invented a caffeine drink that we call the coffee.
The first public serving of the drink in the world was founded in Istanbul and people called the café shop Kiva Han. Kiva Han translates to Turkish as coffee house. At that time, women were not allowed to enjoy the drink in the coffeehouses until 1926.
What is the Turkish coffee grind size?
Unlike other brewing drinks such as French Press, pour-over and Espresso; Turkish coffee requires extra fine grind that becomes almost powdery in surface. During the brewing process, you need to use a cezve (a special pot). If you do not use it, the Turkish coffee is not authentic. The drink does not require pressure like other kinds, but brewing is the consequence of the stable interaction between warming water and coffee.
The grind size plays an important role in the brewing process. The extra-fine grind might allow you to increase extraction of flavors and aromas. The more texture is reduced to the water; the more flavors you are going to enjoy.
The final results are strong coffee with a thick layer of foam, called “kaimaki”. Please bear in mind that you should not filter the coffee grounds out. This is because they remain in the cup, and then, they will move to the bottom in a minute.
Recognize the right grind by using a manual grinder
Plenty of Turkish coffee lovers usually utilize manual grinders and they do not like electric ones. This is because a manual grinder helps them control the amount of coffee during the grinding process. Furthermore, you ought to grind at different levels to obtain your desired consistency.
How could you check if your grind size is accurate or not? Firstly, take a look at the coffee ground. It possibly has the texture of flour or powdered sugar. The elements could be incredibly fine, almost like silky powders. If you find any big granule or unevenness in the grind, then you could continue to grind the coffee beans.
Secondly, rubbing some of the coffee grounds between your fingers. The coffee should be smooth and fluffy, without the gritty texture. If you feel any coarse or gritty in the surface, the grind could not be fine enough.
Ways to grind Turkish coffee
Speaking to grinding Turkish coffee, there are a couple approaches that could be applied to gain finely ground firmness. Here are three common options.
With a manual grinder: traditional touch
A manual grinder is an outstanding unit for those who appreciate the traditional aspect of coffee preparation. A lot of manual grinders provide a handle-operated crank along with the burr to crush coffee beans.
The slow and conscious grinding process makes sure that the coffee beans are fine enough, possibly becoming an ultra-fine powder. This is Turkish coffee. The drink ought to require a lot of pressure, the grinder can inherit a level of handle and satisfaction that is complex to reproduce.
With an electric grinder: adjustable settings
If you prefer a faster and more uncomplicated method, an electric grinder is the solution to attempt. With a push of a button, you probably get the desired consistency in a few seconds. An electric grinder is a great option for those who lack the time to grind coffee or relish the convenience of the latest technology. Ensure that the grinder provides adjustable settings to grind to the right Turkish coffee.
With a mortar and pestle: an alternative solution
A mortar and a pestle is a tremendous alternative if you need to get freshly coffee ground without using the grinder. In spite of requiring a little effort and patience, the set possibly helps you to control the coffee beans and reach the right grind. At the same time, the set increases a touch of authenticity to your coffee preparation.
Tips for making the best Turkish coffee’s grind
To make your best Turkish coffee’s ground, here are 3 necessary tips that will support you to attain the perfect result.
- Invest in a high-quality grinder: a high-quality grinder is the main factor of a good grind. Select a manual Turkish coffee grinder or a premium quality electric grinder. Quality devices have powerful differences in monitor and texture.
- Control the process: the coffee grinding process requires more time and patience. You do not consume Turkish coffee in a hurry, is that right? Well, you relish the drink every moment. In other words, it shows the preparation process and how the result is.
- Believe in your senses: though the guides and measurements are compasses, you should also trust your senses. Take a look at the coffee ground and feel the process between your fingers. The coffee consistency should be the texture of flour.
Tips for decreasing waste while grinding the coffee
To dwindle waste while grinding the coffee beans for your Turkish coffee experiences, here are a couple of tips.
- Measure the coffee: you should measure the coffee by using a scale or a spoon. It helps you to check the amount of coffee beans you need for your desired coffee. 7 grams of coffee for a cup is a good rule of thumb.
- Store your coffee beans in the accurate way: do not forget to keep your coffee beans in place. If not, the coffee beans will change their flavor and aroma. Store them in an airtight container with a dark place.
- Repurpose the used grounds: many of us will throw the coffee grounds as we think that these are not helpful. You can repurpose the used grounds for your plants or make them to be your facial masks.
FAQs
Could you buy pre-ground Turkish coffee?
Yes, you can. Make sure that you choose the high-quality brand of Turkish coffee.
Could you use any type of grind to make Turkish coffee?
No, you cannot. Using a coarse or medium grind size will give you different consequences. Coarser grinds do not allow plentiful extraction, resulting in a watery coffee cup.
What is the Ibrik or the Cezve?
A small pot to make Turkish coffee. You fill the pot with coffee grounds and water. Then, you open a heat source to start the brewing.
Do you have to use the Ibrik (Cezve) when brewing the coffee?
Yes, you have to do that if you would like to enjoy the authentic Turkish coffee.
Why do you need to grind the coffee?
This is because coffee grinding expands the surface area of the coffee beans, making it simpler for hot water to get to them and create true flavors.
Final words
For those who are truly passionate about their coffee cups, buying a Turkish coffee grinder will obviously be a wise investment. Mastering the grinding that Turkish coffee requires is both an art as well as a science. Focusing on the Turkish coffee grind size, spending your time, and believing in your senses are the keys to discover an amazing conventional brew.
