Coffee is a unique drink that is loved for its taste and aroma, and its preparation is a whole art.
There are several ways to make coffee. Household appliances stores offer a wide assortment of coffee makers and coffee machines that will prepare a cup of your favorite drink without much effort, but its taste will differ from that which you make yourself. Therefore, the traditional way to get taste and aroma is to cook in a special vessel, which is a thick-walled metal bucket with a long handle, which we all know as a coffee Turk. How to choose it and what to look for when buying - our article will tell.
Something Turkish is heard in the name of the coffee brewing vessel. And this is no coincidence, because it was in this country that he was invented. For a long time, a fragrant oriental drink was distributed among the people of this country. During the Ottoman Empire, it was even forbidden to drink coffee, because it had an exciting effect, but, despite this, the population continued to drink a fragrant invigorating drink.
Most often it is cooked in a turk, where ground coffee beans are brewed. Many generations of connoisseurs use this method of creating aromatic coffee, proven by their ancestors, and will not exchange it for another, even the most technologically advanced and modern. A classic drink is created by dissolving the enzymes of coffee beans in water. This process has several features. Given them, you will get the opportunity to enjoy the real taste and aroma.
Shape matters
We have already found out that for the preparation of an invigorating drink you need a special cezve, or as it is otherwise called - a coffee Turk. How to choose the right one? It should be of a special shape - have a wide bottom and a narrow neck.
Such a device is a classic, it appeared a long time ago and remains unchanged for a long time. The generally accepted norms of culinary art dictate the use of the Turks precisely in a conical shape. What is the reason for this choice? In the process of preparation, a foam is formed, which accumulates in a narrow place and does not allow coffee enzymes to evaporate, acting as a kind of cork. Thus, the saturation of the taste and aroma of the drink with a delicious bouquet of coffee beans is preserved. Therefore, the narrower the neck, the better the taste of coffee will be.
The walls of the vessel can be steep, it looks beautiful and aesthetically pleasing, but if they are gentle, then the thicker will quickly sink to the bottom and better settle down there. Ground coffee beans rise up under the influence of heat and, meeting with the inclined inner surface of the walls, sink to the bottom. Choose a Turk with a wide bottom - a large heating area will ensure uniform preparation of the drink.
If the neck of a Turk looks like a funnel (first - wide, then - narrows), then you will have a couple of moments in order to save the "escaping" coffee. It seems to be small differences in terms of form, and so many subtleties and nuances in the preparation!
Less Turk - richer taste
Usually a Turk is small in size. Any coffee gourmet knows that the smaller the size, the tastier the drink. It is considered optimal to make one cup of coffee per 100 grams. Therefore, such a small volume (up to 150 ml) has a classic coffee Turk. Feedback from connoisseurs suggests that the smaller the dishes, the better the taste.
What are the Turks made of?
Before buying utensils for making coffee, determine what material the coffee Turk is made of. How to choose the one that allows you to use for a long time and maintain the best taste of the drink?
Currently, the following materials are used in production:
- copper;
- ceramics;
- brass;
- steel;
- clay;
- aluminum.
The properties of the materials are different, and each has advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of metal vessels are obvious - they will not break, if you accidentally drop them, such products are easier to clean and wash. But the taste of coffee brewed in a clay or ceramic Turk is much higher. Therefore, a person will choose for himself what is right for him.
The secret of traditional coffee: fire, water and ... copper Turk
Especially good is the copper turk for coffee. What is its difference from others? Why do gourmets so often acquire accessories from this particular metal? In the manufacture of a special conical shape, the manufacturer chooses copper because of its ductile properties, since it is easy to give it the desired shape. Copper heats up quickly and well, a turk from this metal evenly transfers its heat to the beverage prepared in it, while preserving its taste. Modern manufacturers cover the inner surface with a thin layer of edible tin so that the chemical compounds contained in copper do not get into the drink.
The strength of nature will preserve aromas and saturate with oxygen
Clay is a natural material that can transmit oxygen. A cezve made from it will allow you to enjoy the unique taste of coffee. Another special property of clay is that it absorbs and stores odors. Therefore, it is better to cook one kind of coffee in such a Turk , but this aroma will be fully revealed to you. Clay products are more expensive and must be handled with particular care, as they are fragile and can easily break.
Ceramics protect heat and give great taste
Ceramic coffee Turk appeared not so long ago, so it still has not won such wide distribution in the consumer environment. Such a Turk has a higher price than products from other materials. This is offset by the excellent taste and aroma of the drink prepared in it.
It is convenient to use ceramic dishes, it is well washed, does not absorb odors, due to thick walls it retains heat for a long time, which means that the drink in it will be hot for a long time. It boils for some time even after removal from the stove. Its main drawback is a fragile structure, it can break if dropped or hit.
Good as a gift for yourself
A great gift idea for a gourmet is a coffee Turk. Which is better - decide for yourself. Even if a person already has it, trying new things is always interesting. Coffee lovers are happy to compare the servings of a drink prepared in different vessels or with different technology, so do not hesitate - the gift will please a coffee lover. The manufacturers also produce expensive silver Turks, they play a more decorative role, such a souvenir will be a wonderful decoration of the kitchen, and occasionally the drink prepared in it will seem much tastier.
Convenient and safe
When buying, pay attention to whether the coffee Turk is conveniently located in the hand. How to choose the right pen? Is it comfortable to hold it? Does it heat up during cooking? Is it firmly secured to the case?
The most common option is a long wooden handle - it almost does not heat up, and this will save you from a burn. It is good if the handle is located horizontally, and its end is directed slightly upward. With this arrangement, you will not burn your fingers with steam. Turks are also produced with a vertically located handle. They are suitable for cases when coffee is prepared on hot sand, and heating occurs on all sides.
On some models, the handle can be removed, it is very convenient for washing and storage. If it cannot be removed, it is fastened with a bolt or by welding. The bolt connection is less reliable, it will gradually loosen, and the bolt may also rust.
Modern technology and centuries-old traditions
The types of Turks described above are suitable for both gas and electric burners. If the stove in your kitchen is induction, the coffee Turk must be special.
It should be made of materials containing special inclusions that trap the eddy currents emitted by the stove.
Such Turks are not yet very often on sale. In order not to make a mistake and not confuse the induction Turk with the usual one, you need to put it on the stove. It should be magnetized.
If it is not possible to buy such a Turk, the modern industry offers a simple solution - special metal cavities for induction cookers. They can put any dishes, including ordinary ceramic or metal Turk.
We hope that the features we have reviewed will help you get a coffee Turk that is right for you!