The difference between Arabic and Turkish coffee
Coffee is considered one of the most popular drinks among people around the world. It is not just a drink limited to stimulating the body and mind, but it also has a deep social and cultural character. Arabic and Turkish coffee occupy a special place in the world of coffee because of their long and heritage history. They both carry a long history dating back centuries, and have become part of Arab and Turkish heritage and culture. They are not just a way to prepare coffee, but rather they are an expression of heritage and art that go beyond just flavor and aroma. You will learn about this heritage from Atara Shop .
In this article, you will learn about the difference between Arabic coffee and Turkish coffee in terms of history, method of preparation, taste, and culture associated with them.
History of Arabic and Turkish coffee:
- Arabic coffee: It is believed that the origins of coffee preparation go back to Yemen in the fifteenth century AD. From there, it moved to North Africa, the Levant, the Hijaz region, and Saudi Arabia . Saudi coffee is one of the best types of Arabic coffee, and it later spread to the rest of the Arab regions. Arabic coffee consists of roasting and grinding coffee beans, then brewing them in hot water with the addition of sugar.
- Turkish coffee: Coffee was known in Turkey in the sixteenth century AD, when Ottoman diplomats brought it from Egypt. Turkish coffee has retained the depth of traditions and rituals, as its preparation and drinking is considered a high social art. Turkish coffee is characterized by very fine grinding of coffee.
How to prepare Arabic and Turkish coffee:
- Arabic coffee: Coffee beans are slowly roasted until they obtain the appropriate degree of acidity and flavour, then ground finely. Add the ground coffee to a jug containing water, and heat it slowly until it boils. Add coffee powder and sugar to taste and stir gently before serving.
- Turkish coffee: The coffee beans are roasted in a special way until they become firm, then ground very finely to become like powder. An appropriate amount of water and sugar is measured if the drink is desired, then the ground coffee is added to the “Sani” jug and heated over the fire. Stir the ground coffee in the boiling water until foam is formed on its surface.
Taste of Arabic and Turkish coffee:
- Arabic coffee: Arabic coffee is characterized by a strong and distinctive flavor, to which the flavor of cardamom or saffron is sometimes added. It is a less sweet drink compared to Turkish coffee. Arabica coffee lovers enjoy its ancient elegance and simplicity.
- Turkish coffee: Turkish coffee is considered sweeter than Arabic coffee due to the addition of sugar during the preparation process. It has a rich and distinctive flavour, with a more balanced taste between sweetness and strength.
The culture associated with Arabic and Turkish coffee:
- Arabic Coffee: Arabic coffee is considered part of the social tradition in many Arab countries. Arabic coffee is offered to guests as a welcome offering and is a manifestation of hospitality and generosity.
- Turkish coffee: Turkish coffee is considered a foundation in Turkish culture, and in the past it was considered an important social ritual, and this value is still maintained in some societies. Turkish coffee is offered to guests as a form of respect and appreciation.
In the end, it can be said that Arabic and Turkish coffee have their own appeal and share a long history. Both are very popular in their regions and around the world, and remain intertwined in Arab and Turkish heritage and culture throughout the ages.