Italian coffee rating. The best coffee bean brands
Currently, the word "coffee" refers to a drink, most often hot, obtained by brewing ground coffee beans tree. In literal translation from Arabic, the name coffee sounds like an exciting drink..
Indeed, after drinking the drink, a strong stimulating and exciting effect is felt, due to the content of caffeine in it.
Today, the real magic of this drink with a charming aroma can be found by visiting Italy. After all, it was there that coffee turned into a part of national cuisine, inseparable from, and. Arriving in Italy, you can try at least one of the many varieties of coffee served in Italian bars. And after tasting this rich, strong drink in pure form or with additions of milk foam, ice cream, liqueur or lemon rediscover all facets of its taste.
Origin
No one will probably undertake to say for sure when and by whom coffee was discovered. One version of the origin of coffee throws us back to 900 BC.
It was then, according to legend, that one of the Ethiopian shepherds drew attention to the very active behavior of goats after eating red berries on one of the trees. Having tasted these berries, the shepherd felt how his body was filled with strength and energy. 
Since then, the fruits of the coffee tree have tried to process the most different ways. The grains were dried, boiled, crushed, made a tincture. And all this for the tonic effect of coffee beans. Over time, the Ethiopian lands were occupied by the Arabs, and the habit of using a tonic product took root among the new inhabitants. They were grinding raw grains, mixed them with fat and made balls that were very convenient to take on the road. Raw coffee beans are small nuts that contain caffeine. Therefore, the resulting ground product could both feed and invigorate travelers during long journeys.
Only after many centuries experiments with coffee beans came to the initial purification, subsequent roasting and grinding in order to further brew the resulting powder. 
Received flavored drink could not compare with the initial attempts to consume coffee beans. Historians say that the first coffee tree seeds were roasted in Yemen in the 11th century AD. In addition, the Arabs began to add cinnamon, ginger and other spices to the coffee drink when brewing.
By the middle of the 15th century, coffee reached the territory of Turkey. He liked it so much easterners that the ministers of the church had to curse the coffee in the name of the prophet. After all, they saw that believers began to spend much more time in coffee houses than in prayer. Over time, however, the Church's dislike of coffee faded.
Along with the widespread use of coffee, the art of making this drink appeared. Places where coffee was prepared in public began to appear everywhere. Coffee houses became a meeting place, and coffee served as an occasion for pleasant friendly communication. The image of coffee houses gradually moved to Europe over time. And their inner world is reflected in modern cafes.
Coffee came to us from Turkey. However, the bitter drink could not take root in the Middle Ages in Rus'. However, in the 18th century, Peter I began to insist on drinking coffee, believing that it contributes to the agility of the mind. And after 1812, drinking coffee in Russia began to be considered a sign of good taste.
History of espresso
IN Lately it became fashionable to go to cafes and drink coffee, and such a way of life appeared. Invite friends not to your home, but to a cafe for a cup of coffee. When ordering a classic espresso, we don’t even think that this brewing method was invented in Italy, and then spread widely around the world. And today, residents of America and Europe, as well as the Middle East and Asia, prefer just such coffee.
The first espresso machine was introduced in Italy in 1905. The principle of its operation was based on passing water condensed from steam under pressure through ground coffee. The taste of the resulting coffee was radically different from modern drink. Due to the strong overheating, the coffee acquired a burnt aftertaste. The bourgeoisie became the main consumers of such coffee, and a little later the method of preparation spread to Germany and France.
In the middle of the 20th century, there was a strong change in the approach to making coffee. Steam has been expelled from the espresso machine. Instead, the water was heated to no more than 92 degrees and passed under great pressure through the coffee. It was then that the taste of espresso that we know today was born. Gradually, the devices improved, and now espresso is made very quickly and with precise temperature observance.
Types of coffee trees
In total, there are about 200 varieties in the world. coffee trees. Of these, only 20% is used by humans. And only 2 main ones are of interest to coffee connoisseurs. Arabica coffee (Coffea Arabica), called Arabian, and Robusta coffee (Coffea Canephora), called Congolese. 90% of the coffee consumed comes from the fruit of these tree species. 
Arabica
The Arabian coffee tree is considered the most popular type of coffee tree. 70% of the world's coffee is produced from its fruit.
The natural height of this tree reaches 6-8 meters, however, for the convenience of harvesting, it is not allowed to grow more than 4 meters. 
Arabica fruits are red in color and turn purple at the end of ripening. The length of the fruit can reach 15 mm. The plant is very capricious to climatic conditions and sensitive to diseases and pests. During the year, one tree produces about 5 kg of fruit, from which up to 1 kg of finished coffee beans is obtained.
The fruits of Arabica contain 18% aromatic oils and about 1.5% caffeine. The taste of Arabica in the finished drink is sweetish with a slight sourness. The best varieties of Arabica are Bourbon, Maragogype and Typica.
Robusta
The height of the Kanefora coffee tree or simply Robusta in nature can reach 10 meters. But with mass cultivation, it is pruned and arranged in the form of small trees. Robusta flowers are pale pink in color, and the fruits are greenish or brownish-grayish.
This tree was first discovered in the Congo Basin in Africa. Today, Robusta trees are grown both in Africa and Asia, mainly on lowland plantations. The plant is quite unpretentious in care. It tolerates temperature changes well, resistant to diseases and pests. In a year, up to 15 crops can be harvested from a Robusta coffee plantation. It is because of the unpretentiousness and high yield that it is very profitable to grow Robusta.
Robusta fruits contain 8% aromatic oils and up to 3.5% caffeine. The taste of this type of coffee is very specific and quite strong. Because of this, it is most often used to add strength to coffee blends. The taste of Robusta also improves during the production of instant coffee. Despite the lower palatability compared to Arabica, Robusta makes up 30% of all coffee produced.
Arabica and Robusta, in turn, are divided into many varieties depending on the region of origin. All varieties differ from each other both in taste and aromatic properties.
In addition to varieties, there is also a coffee classification according to the quality of the grains obtained. For example, SHG - coffee from the mountainous regions, HG - coffee from the foothills, MG or CS - coffee from the lowland plantations; HB - coffee with hard grains; A - best quality coffee, B - average quality coffee, C - poor quality coffee, AA - best, AB - good, BA - average, BB - low quality.
Culture of preparation and consumption
In Italy, they love coffee so much and drink it so much that they have come up with many ways to prepare it. Italians prepare coffee for breakfast, together or instead of smoke breaks and, of course, after a meal, along with dessert.
The classic type of coffee, also called “normale” (from “normale” - ordinary), is considered espresso. What is served in Russia and the countries of the former Soviet Union, like espresso, is most often very different from its Italian counterpart.
Italian espresso is a velvety dense foam with a golden sheen that covers the entire surface of the coffee in the cup, a soft aroma that fills the whole room and makes you forget about everything. The perfect, balanced, pronounced taste of real Italian espresso cannot be described in words.
According to the rules of coffee etiquette, espresso is served in a thick-walled porcelain cup shaped like a truncated ellipse. The standard volume of such a cup is 75 ml, but the contents, depending on the type of coffee, should take from 25 to 50 ml. This serving maximizes the taste and aroma of coffee. In bars, a special master, called a barista, is engaged in brewing coffee.
Kinds
The most popular type of coffee is, of course, espresso . Its smaller version is ristretto represents standard portion ground coffee, but in the amount of 1 sip, i.e. 20 ml. This coffee contains more flavor and less caffeine than its classic counterpart.
lungo
lungo is espresso, diluted hot water up to double volume. Such coffee contains more caffeine, due to the longer passage of water through the ground coffee.
Cappuccino
Cappuccino - espresso with big amount milk foam up to the rim of the cup. From above, airy foam is sprinkled with cocoa powder or grated chocolate. Professional baristas use milk and chocolate to make a drawing on its surface. In Italy, it is customary to drink coffee with milk before lunchtime, i. until 11 o'clock. For example, a cup of fragrant cappuccino, a croissant and freshly squeezed orange juice is considered a typical first breakfast. Cappuccino is served in a preheated porcelain cup.
Americano
Americano is a full teapot of coffee (up to 470 ml) prepared with one serving of ground coffee. The Italians call this coffee aqua sporka, which means dirty water. The true American way of brewing uses a filter coffee maker. In Europe, the brewing of the Americano has changed, and the classic espresso is simply diluted with hot water to a volume of 120 ml.
latte
latte - one of the options for coffee with milk. Practically, this is milk with the addition of milk foam, diluted a small amount coffee. Moreover, coffee is poured into the heated milk in a very thin stream, and not vice versa. Served in a tall transparent glass of 200 ml.
Mocha or Mochachino
Mocha or Mochachino This is a type of coffee latte. In this case, one-third of the drink is espresso, and the remaining two-thirds hot chocolate, milk and whipped cream. Delicious.
Macchiato
Macchiato – espresso with a small amount of milk added. It is also called marbled or soiled coffee.
Coretto
Coretto - coffee for those who do not have enough coffee strength, and then a portion of alcohol is added to the espresso. It could be whiskey or liquor. Moreover, depending on the type of alcoholic beverage, you can determine the possible homeland of the recipe.
- Yes, whiskey coffee is coffee. in Irish;
- with vodka - coffee in Russian;
- with gin - coffee in English;
- with schnapps - coffee in German.
Classically Italian is coffee with the addition of amaretto.
Glace
Glace is a shot of espresso topped with ice cream. Coffee before adding ice cream is cooled to approximately 10 degrees Celsius. Ice cream makes up a quarter of the total. As an addition, chocolate, cinnamon and caramel can be used.
Romano
Romano - Espresso with a little lemon juice.
What is the best coffee
Despite the myth that is very popular all over the world that Italy produces the most best coffee forced to disappoint you. Coffee is not produced in Italy. Due to climatic conditions, coffee trees are not grown in this country. 
It's just that the Italians are very fond of this stimulating drink. For them, coffee is essential. That is why Italy produces the best coffee blends that have won the love of both simple coffee lovers and avid coffee lovers all over the world.
There are many coffee roasting companies in the country. Almost every one of them produces grain good quality suitable for further use in both espresso machines and home coffee machines. Italians believe that coffee, in addition to good quality, should also be affordable. Therefore, coffee, including for export, is prepared in such a way that the espresso obtained from it is above average in quality.
Each region of Italy has its favorite supplier of coffee beans.. Next to the signs of bars, there is usually a logo with the type of coffee served in this institution. Large retail chains are also trying to sell roasted coffee beans under their own brand.
The best brands of Italian coffee are deservedly considered Lavazza, Illy, Cartapani and Trombetta. The Illy brand is owned by the Illy family of Triete and Lavazza was founded in 1895 as a small family business Luigi Lavazza. In the 18th century, no one could have imagined that in two hundred years the family business would become the leader in sales in dozens of countries around the world. Today, the offices of this company are located in the capitals of many countries around the world.
Despite such a resounding success and wide distribution, the Lavazza family still continues to carefully preserve the recipes and knowledge bequeathed to them by the great-grandfather of the founder. The company controls the process of creating coffee, from harvesting the fruit to roasting and grinding.
Dessert for coffee
It is considered traditional for coffee. And although today this delicious dessert is prepared all over the world, it was born in Italy. The associations that arise in the head with the word tiramisu are tender cheese, air cookies, dark chocolate and, of course, coffee ... real, hot, thick, fragrant with a slight bitterness.
To prepare this culinary miracle use soft italian cheese mascarpone. By appearance it looks like very thick cream, but it tastes like not at all sour curd. The second integral element of tiramisu is considered biscuit cookies savoiardi glazed with sugar crumbs.
Biscuit fingers are soaked in a mixture of strong black coffee and alcohol. Alcohol can be cognac, brandy or a liqueur, such as coffee. Soaked cookies are layered with delicious cheese, and topped with grated black chocolate. If the cake will be served on children's table, That strong alcohol should be excluded from the recipe.
The only drawback of this marvelous dessert is its high calorie content. Therefore, those who are prone to overweight should probably not get carried away with such a tempting tiramisu. But to try a small piece is simply necessary.
How to prepare coffee correctly?
Coffee lovers should remember that high-quality coffee beans, proper roasting and optimal grinding are only half the way to a magical flavored drink. You also need to know how to make coffee properly. A portion classic coffee almost 99% consists of water. Accordingly, the quality of this component affects the quality of the drink no less than the coffee beans themselves. Coffee tastes best when cold, not hard, fresh, oxygenated water is used. Practice has shown that if you prepare two servings of coffee on boiled warm water and fresh cold, the difference will be obvious even to a non-taster.
The recipe for making coffee at home from the site
There are incredibly many ways to make coffee at home, someone cooks in a Turk, someone equipped their kitchen with an espresso machine, someone uses a good old geyser coffee maker. By the way, it is the geyser coffee maker (or as it is also called the cafetiere) that is based on the principle of the first espresso machine, which we mentioned at the beginning of the article.
So let's get straight to the recipe.
We will cook in Turkey. First we add freshly ground coffee at the rate of 1 spoon per serving. 
Strong coffee lovers can add a little more, but I do not advise you to cross the line of two spoons per serving, it turns out too much caffeine, and the taste completely changes. If you prefer coffee with sugar, we recommend adding it directly at the beginning of preparation, and not after the drink has already been served. I don't know what the secret is, but the difference is palpable. Finally, fill everything with water and put on medium fire. A soft golden foam will begin to form on the surface. When it begins to rise, remove the Turk from the fire. In no case do not bring the drink to a boil!
It is best to serve a Turk on the table, and let everyone pour coffee for himself. So he will not have time to cool down, because you cannot heat up the brewed coffee.
In conclusion, I would like to say that the taste of real coffee is influenced by many factors, ranging from the weather in which the fruits of the coffee tree ripened, storage conditions, the degree of roasting and grinding to the art of brewing the drink. To feel the fullness of the taste and aroma of truly Italian coffee, go to the southern part of Europe, to a country washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and warmed by the gentle southern sun.
Italian coffee books
- Coffee - what you need to know so that the coffee beans fully reveal their taste and aroma in your cup, and how to make the drink truly beautiful.
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Italy is a country with special traditions of coffee consumption. Here they love it and know how to cook really tasty. When planning a trip, it is better to find out in advance where and how coffee is drunk in Italy in order to rediscover the enchanting aroma invigorating drink.
The birth of Italian coffee culture
Surprisingly, coffee did not immediately become popular in Italy. It was first brought to Venice from Istanbul in the 16th century and received an extremely negative response from the church. It was considered a diabolical invention for several reasons.
The clergy were confused by the origin of the drink from Muslim countries, as well as the powerful stimulating effect that it has on the human body. All of this was seen as evidence of the tricks of Satan.
Only after magic drink tried and approved by Pope Clement VIII, coffee in Italy began to gain incredible popularity. In 1640, the first coffee house was opened in (now it is called "Florian"), and by 1768 there were already 218 of them. For comparison, in England the first such institution appeared in 1652, and in - only in 1683.
Italian coffee drinks
Real Italian coffee is prepared in several versions, which differ in the degree of strength, as well as individual components. Traveling around the cities of Italy, you should definitely try:
- caffè - regular espresso served in tiny cups;
- cappuccino - consists of 1/3 of espresso, 1/3 of milk and 1/3 of the most delicate foam;
- macchiato - espresso, in which a drop of milk is added to obtain a more delicate taste;
- caffè lungo - "long" espresso with double the amount of water;
- espresso romano - strong espresso with lemon juice, served in a warmed cup;
- caffè latte - coffee with milk in a ratio of 1: 1;
- latte macchiato - made from foamed hot milk with the addition of a small portion of espresso;
- ristretto - very strong coffee with a little water, literally "a sip".
Italian traditions: what tourists need to know
Italians drink coffee many times a day, but in small portions. They often run into the bar to drink a cup of espresso. Interestingly, what kind of coffee is drunk in Italy directly depends on the time of day.
For example, coffee with milk is served only until 11 am. This rule is strictly observed. According to Italians, milk after eating causes indigestion. A tourist who orders a cappuccino or latte in the second half of the day will have it prepared, but they will be surprised at the strange choice.
Also in Italy it is not customary to stay in a cafe for a cup of coffee. They drink at the bar, not lingering for a long time. Seats at the table can be 2 times more expensive in value. Also, Italians don't drink too hot espresso. It is served at a certain temperature so as not to burn yourself.
Italian stamps
The country has a large number of well-known coffee brands. Therefore, tourists often wonder if coffee grows in Italy. Despite the fact that the country occupies a leading position in its production, the local climate is not suitable for cultivation.
Italian manufacturers have developed unique technologies for roasting coffee beans, which are rightfully considered the best in the world. They perfectly mastered the technique of blending, skillfully combine grains different varieties, surprisingly achieving a drink balanced in taste and aroma.
Consider the most famous brands for the production of coffee in Italy, and which one is better to buy is up to you.
Illy caffe
It is a family business founded by Francesco Illi. In 1933, he opened a bean roasting company. On next year the company patented packaging for coffee using an inert gas, thanks to which the unique coffee aroma was preserved.
Today, Illy is the leading Italian coffee brand. Arabica beans are supplied from Ethiopia, India, Brazil, Colombia. Illy products are distinguished by floral and fruity notes in taste and chocolate aroma, which literally drives you crazy when you open the package.
In Italian stores, Illy can cost around €5.3 (Illy Moka Tostatura Media, 200g can) or €7.20 (Illy Espresso Tostatura Media, 250g can).
Lavazza
One of the largest Italian coffee companies. Its founder is Luigi Lavazza. The company produces many different types of coffee, which differ different ratio two main components: Arabica and Robusta. They produce both coffee beans and ground coffee.
All types differ in taste and aroma, from floral-spicy to chocolate flavor with bitterness. Among the many Lavazza everyone will find a drink to their liking. And Italians buy more often: Lavazza Qualità Rossa Grani (1000 g package - 14.50-15 €) and Lavazza Crema e Gusto Classico (250 g package - 3 €).
Pellini
An advanced factory in Verona for the processing of coffee beans, the owner of many certificates and awards at the international level. Pellini coffee - absolutely pure italian product, without the use of impurities and flavorings.
The constant love of buyers enjoys Pellini Top 100% Arabica. It has a multifaceted taste with notes of flowers, fruits, honey and chocolate. The cost of a can of 250 g in Italian supermarkets is 5.78-6 €.
Kimbo
Starting from a small factory opened in the middle of the last century, Kimbo has grown to number two in the production of packaged coffee. Different kinds roast beans in the best Italian traditions and mastery of blending allow you to create drinks with a rich taste and deep aroma of different shades - from fruity-citrus to wine notes.
When choosing which coffee to bring from Italy, pay attention to ground Kimbo Espresso Napoletano, the cost of a 250 g package is about 4 €.
Molinari
The company began its activities with the sale of spices and delicacies. At the beginning of the 20th century, a coffee shop was opened, after which they decided to focus on coffee business. Today, the brand produces a huge line of natural Italian coffee - grain, ground, in capsules.
One of the company's new blends, which is based on cutting-edge coffee bean roasting, is The Molinari Platino Roasted Coffee. exquisite drink for gourmets, with low acidity, rich aroma and velvety texture.
TOP 5 best coffee houses in Rome
To visit Rome and not try real Italian coffee means not to learn anything about Italy. In coffee houses, which are called bars here, Italians spend a lot of time. The best coffee in Rome can be enjoyed in places such as:
Antico Caffè Greco (Via dei Condotti, 86)
An excellent choice for those who want to touch the Italian history. Just think, because famous poets, philosophers, composers gathered for intellectual conversations in this cafe! It was visited by Hans Christian Andersen, Mark Twain, Wilhelm Richard Wagner when they were in Rome.
The atmosphere of Antico Caffè Greco is a world of old world luxury with gilded decorations, marble tables, works of art on the walls. The prices here are quite high. A cup of espresso, drunk at the table of this cafe, will cost 7 €. Not cheap, but the pleasure is worth it.
Sant Eustachio Il Caffe (Piazza di San Eustachio, 82)
The cafe is located in the very center of Rome, not far from the Pantheon. Coffee is brewed here special recipe which is kept in the strictest confidence. The usual espresso in Sant Eustachio Il Caffe has a completely unimaginable aroma, a special thick foam and aftertaste of bitter chocolate. Be sure to also try Caffè d'Elite - 3.9 € and branded Gran Caffè - 5.4 €.
The cafe has a shop where you can buy grain or ground coffee to treat yourself to the unique taste of the drink at home. A can of 250 g of one of the branded coffee beans costs 7.9 €, in a soft package - 6.3 €.
D'Angelo - Gastronomia Caffe (Venti Settembre, 25)
The best place in Rome for inexpensive. Amazingly delicious fresh pastries and cappuccino costing only 1.2 € will not leave anyone indifferent. A typical Italian atmosphere and a smiling bartender will help you feel the true spirit of Italy.
Tazza D'Oro (Via Marche, 52)
Tazza D'Oro is the name of a coffee shop in Italy, which is associated with a black beauty who sows coffee beans around the world. It is this logo that greets visitors at the entrance to the cafe. Here is an exceptionally delicious latte - 1.1 €, cappuccino - 2.2 € and espresso for 0.9 €.
You can also buy branded coffee with the cafe logo to go: a 250 g package costs €10.87, 1 kg costs €43.45, a 250 g can costs €13.17.
Sciascia Caffe (Via Fabio Massimo, 80/A)
This place is recommended by locals. There are few tourists here, a quiet calm atmosphere. From the gentle smell of freshly baked and invigorating coffee aroma, the head begins to spin already on the threshold of the cafe. You will be served a cappuccino, masterfully decorated with a foam pattern, at a price of 1.3 € per cup. I want to come back here again and again!
Italy and coffee are inseparable concepts, here they truly know how to infect with their love for this drink. And having tasted real Italian coffee, you will certainly become a fan of it.
Good day, readers of our site! In Italy, coffee has become a real national drink. It is very loved there and appreciated for its invigorating properties. However, it is worth noting that coffee trees do not grow there, as the climate is not suitable for their growth. Raw materials are brought from warm countries that are engaged in the cultivation of this product. This does not prevent Italians from loving real Italian coffee, which can be tasted in many bars.
Here you can be served strong rich coffee or a drink with more mild taste with milk foam, with a variety of additives, such as liquor, ice cream and even lemon.
Historical reference
It is difficult to say when we first tried this invigorating rich drink. In ancient times, in order to obtain a beneficial effect from coffee beans, they were crushed, dried, made tinctures, and brewed. One of the stories of the origin of the drink takes us back to 900 in Ethiopia.
After a while, Ethiopia was captured by the Arabs, who appreciated the coffee delicacy and began to drink part of it. They began to grind raw grains and mix with special fat. They rolled this mass into balls and took it with them on the road.
Many years later, coffee beans learned to be cleaned and processed in the way we are used to, that is, they were cleaned, sorted, roasted and then ground. Obtained from such raw materials, the drink was much tastier and more palatable. Coffee beans were first processed in this way in Yemen in the 11th century.
Only in the 15th century did the drink come to Turkey, where they fell in love with it and developed their own method of preparation. Coffee houses began to appear in which it became possible to enjoy a cup of invigorating delicacies.
In Italy, coffee beans first appeared in 1500 when they were brought to Milan from Africa.
However, they began to massively acquire raw materials after 125 years from Yemen. At this time, the first coffee houses appeared in Venice, where you could relax and feel the taste of a fragrant drink. In just a few decades, the number of coffee houses increased to 200. At that time, only the elite gathered in them, the cream of society: artists, poets, politicians and privileged youth.
The Italians have developed their own Italian coffee roasting
The Italians developed the Italian roasted coffee, which is familiar to us under the name "dark". Thanks to the exceptional taste of Italians, they select excellent blends from different varieties Arabica and Robusta, which are combined in a drink and allow us to enjoy an amazing taste and aroma.
In Italy, Italian ground coffee and Italian coffee beans are especially popular. Instant product it is not very popular here, so it is produced a little for especially busy people.
Variety of coffee types
In Italy there are many various variations and types of coffee, each of which has its own taste and aroma. Every consumer who can taste at least half of the variety of drinks will be able to choose the best Italian coffee for himself.
Among the Italian coffee, the following varieties can be distinguished:
- Espresso Romano. This type of delicacy is served only with lemon, which is not usual for the Russian consumer;
- Sumato. Milk for this variety is whipped into foam and added to espresso;
- Macchiato. A very strong espresso, into which a little hot milk, previously whipped into foam, is necessarily poured;
- Americano or lungo. In other words, this is espresso, which is diluted with hot water and brought to the desired volume;
- Ristretto. This type of drink is served in a small serving cup. Its volume should not exceed 30 ml. This is a very strong concentrated coffee that will allow you to wake up instantly. Cold water is served to him to drink before drinking coffee;
- Nocholla. This type can be attributed to dessert, because whipped cream and a special cream with nuts are added to it;
- Corretto. This is espresso, which is customary to add a little variety of alcohol. The choice of alcohol depends on the area where the drink is prepared, it can be whiskey, liquor, grappa, and also wine;
- Bicherin. It consists of brewed coffee, liquor, chocolate, and cream;
- Frappuccino. This type of drink is usually drunk cold. It contains such popular ingredients as coffee, caramel syrup and whipped cream;
- Cappuccino. famous drink with milk.
- Mokachino. In other words, it is a cappuccino with chocolate served as a dessert;
- Latte. This is espresso that is made softer by adding milk;
- Glase. This drink is served with ice cream.
In fact, there are many coffee options and many consumers find it difficult to decide which one is their favorite.
Italian coffee - famous brands
In Italy there are entire coffee productions. And it is not for nothing that coffee trees are not grown here. The Italians have found a way out and are importing coffee beans from other countries into the country. In Italy, they are engaged in processing, roasting and packaging of the product.
Illy coffee brand is the most popular Italian coffee brand
Italian coffee, whose brands are known all over the world, is produced under the following names:
- Illy. Italian coffee, the brand of which is very popular in Europe, is made from the best varieties Arabica coffee brought from all over the world. The product of this brand has unique taste and aroma. The caffeine content in the product is average. You can buy grain, ground and portioned types of drink. It was the Illy brand that developed the first coffee machine;
- Lavazza. This brand is widely distributed throughout Europe. There are quite a few blends that use different degrees of roasting. The brand can offer its consumers both ground and grain products, as well as in pods and capsules. Many Italians consider this coffee to be the best;
- Kimbo. The company's products are sold in more than 60 countries around the world. It exists in grain and ground form. The brand has developed a special roasting, which is carried out under hot air, and thus the grains are enriched with a unique aroma and taste;
- Trombetto. In Russia, he is practically unknown. In Italy, he produces grain and ground products, in mono doses, as well as all kinds of accessories for coffee.
There are other brands of coffee drinks, but the above are the most popular and high quality.
Making authentic Italian coffee at home
Real coffee lovers know that buying a high-quality product is only half the battle, it also needs to be prepared correctly. Sometimes even the best coffee beans can be spoiled during the brewing stage.
There are some subtleties on which the final taste of the drink will depend:
- For treats, you need to choose right coffee excellent quality. The degree of roasting is also worth paying attention to. If it is possible to feel the aroma of coffee beans, then this must be done before buying, as burnt grains can sometimes be caught;
- It is recommended to use coffee beans, which must be ground just before preparation;
- Store open packaging in a tightly closed container;
- Water should be of good quality, enriched with oxygen. By the way, the taste of the treat will also depend on the temperature of the water. It is recommended to brew a drink from cold water. If you pour boiling water over ground coffee, then it will taste much worse and this will be clear even to a beginner in the coffee business;
- It is necessary to cook a delicacy with gradual heating so that it slowly acquires desired temperature. The mixture should not boil, and if the foam starts to rise, the Turk must be removed from the heat and returned after a few seconds to the stove;
- The cup where the drink will be poured must be preheated. Baristas will never pour a treat into a cold cup, as this will spoil the taste;
- Cane sugar enhances the taste of coffee.
Italian coffee for Turks should have the following qualities:
- Fine grinding and high-quality roasting of the desired degree;
- The grains are whole and have a smooth surface;
- Pleasant stimulating aroma;
- Vacuum packed;
- Correct storage conditions.
Before buying, be sure to pay attention to the expiration date, since it is not uncommon to purchase an expired product, and it will no longer give the taste that is expected from it.
Coffee prepared according to Italian recipe will not leave indifferent the most true coffee lovers
Coffee in Italian, the recipe is as follows. It will require the following ingredients:
- Ground coffee - 1 tbsp;
- Milk - 200 ml;
- Sugar to taste.
Nothing special is required for cooking. You need to take a Turk, add ground coffee to it and pour cold milk.
Put on the stove and bring to a boil. Remove from heat as soon as foam begins to rise. Return to the stove again and repeat the procedure up to 6 times.
Let it settle thicker and pour into glasses. Add sugar to taste to the finished drink and enjoy.
This is the easiest drink. There are many others that take quite a long time to cook. However, if you are a real coffee lover, then you should try other variations of the treat.
Italian coffee, reviews of which are extremely positive, has its own characteristics. If you take them into account during cooking, you will get a very tasty treat.
Italian coffee is real traditional drink Italy, which you need to be able to cook in order to get the very taste and aroma that drives you crazy. To enjoy a real Italian delicacy, you need to try it at least once in Italy, where they know how to cook it. See you soon!
Italy is a country of true coffee lovers, which is why a record number of world coffee brands are concentrated on its territory. How does the national drink of Italy differ from others, which brands offer the best and why do they offer real espresso here?
History of Italian coffee
Coffee does not grow in Italy, there are no favorable conditions for this shrub, but the process of conquering Europe with an invigorating drink began precisely from this country, or rather, from its independent republic - Venice. Italian - this product was one of the goods that the wealthy Venetians traded, buying it from the Turks and reselling it to Europeans. But this happened much later.
The first coffee beans were brought to Milan from Africa as a material for study in 1500, and the mass purchase of coffee began 125 years later, the supplier was Yemen. In Venice, coffee houses began to appear for the first time from European regions, the number of which in several decades reached 2 hundred. Here it was possible not only to taste a delicious and fragrant drink, but also to chat, as if at a social event. Coffeehouses were a favorite gathering place for intellectual youth, the elite, famous artists and politicians.
Florian is the oldest and famous coffee house Venice
The Italians are the developers of several roasting technologies, the strongest of which is called dark or Italian. They are able to organically blend varieties of coffee beans, carefully select raw materials, surprisingly feel the most subtle facets of taste and aroma, which is why they are considered the best in the field of beverage production and preparation.
Types of Italian coffee
When talking about Italian coffee, everyone will imagine a tiny portion of strong and aromatic espresso and will not be mistaken. This drink is at the top of the list. national drinks. But there is no limit to perfection. In this country, there is a double and triple espresso, which are respectively called Doppio and Trippio espresso.
This is part of the most famous Italian species coffee drinks
- Macchiato is a classic strong espresso with a small amount of warm frothed milk.
- Espresso Romano - Roman coffee lemon zest.
- Ristretto is the strongest of all types, its volume is only 25 ml.
- Frappuccino is a drink that is served chilled, the list of ingredients includes milk, whipped cream and caramel syrup.
- Cappuccino - espresso with milk and milk foam.
- Bicherin - delicious drink from coffee, cream and chocolate.
- Moreta Fanez - coffee with a mixture alcoholic beverages: rum, anise liqueur and brandy. Warms up great.
- Glace - a drink with creamy ice cream.
Italian coffee sometimes strikes with a combination of ingredients, but it cannot be tasteless and non-aromatic. This country even has special rules ordering this drink.
So, morning is the best time for espresso, latte and macchiato. Moreover, if you ask to add a little liquor, syrup or other ingredients to the cup, the barista will immediately understand that he has a guest from another country in front of him.
The most famous brands
In Italy, a large number of enterprises involved in roasting and packaging coffee are concentrated. Most famous brands Italian coffee is Lavazza, Kimbo, Trombetta, Illy.
Illy is a brand operating in the premium segment of the market. Offers the best blends of high quality Arabica from around the world. The brand is well known in Europe, but in Russia it is just beginning to gain popularity. The brand's products always have a deep and rich aroma, medium caffeine content and a unique aftertaste. Illy offers ground, grain and portioned coffee. It is the brand's technologists who are credited with developing the first coffee machine.
Lavazza is the largest and most popular Italian brand, well established in Europe. Works with different varieties of coffee beans from all over the world - from Brazil and Colombia to Vietnam and Indonesia. This brand offers a variety of coffee blends of different roasts. The range of the brand includes ground and grain coffee, as well as the product in capsules and pods.
If you ask 4 Italians what kind of coffee they prefer, then 3 out of 4 will point to Lavazza as the best and real. The photo above shows the range of the brand, available in all European countries.
Kimbo (Kimbo) - a brand that operates at an average price of the market segment, sells its products in 60 countries around the world. Offers blends from different varieties of Arabica and Robusta. Kimbo coffee can be bought in beans and ground. A distinctive feature of the production technology at the factories of the brand is roasting with hot air, thanks to which the maximum aroma is preserved in the grains and an invariable constancy of taste is achieved.
Whether coffee grows in Africa, America or Asia, it can be Italian. The country, which does not grow beans, is famous all over the world for its coffee production. Italian coffee has become synonymous with excellent quality, inimitable taste and luxurious aroma.
Venice was one of the first countries in Europe where coffee beans were brought from Asia along the Mediterranean Sea in the 16th century. The famous botanist Prospero Alpini brought from Egypt a recipe for a wonderful invigorating drink. Initially, it was positioned as a medicine and was sold exclusively in pharmacies. Soon the Genoese merchants arranged the supply of coffee beans, along with tobacco and exotic spices.
The growing popularity of coffee caused an unprecedented stir among the inhabitants of Italy. Church officials suspected satanic machinations in this. But Pope Clement VIII blessed the noble drink, marking the beginning of the "golden age" of coffee.
In 1647, the first coffee house was opened in Venice, and soon establishments began to appear throughout the country and the world.
Features of Italian roasting
Italian coffee is recognizable all over the world thanks to its unique roasting methods. Heat treatment carried out at t 245°C. For Italian style characterized by a high degree of roasting, a pronounced bitter-sweet aftertaste with minimal sourness.
The longer the duration of processing, the less sour taste is felt, saturation is revealed, but bitterness increases. The main skill is to maintain the right balance.
There are three main types of roasting coffee beans by region of Italy:
- Northern Italian - the color of the beans comes out red-brown or chocolate. Grains without oil on the surface. Inside the fried fruits, all the subtle shades of taste inherent in nature are preserved. Bitterness is almost absent.
- Central Italian - medium roast. Coffee color is dark brown. Droplets of oil appear on the surface. The drink is characterized by a slightly burnt aftertaste, sweetish smoky notes are felt.
- South Italian - the highest degree of roasting. The grains acquire an almost black tint, pleasant burnt smell, due to active caramelization. But under the influence of high temperature, they evaporate essential oils and the taste palette is lost. There is a significant bitterness, low caffeine content.
Another feature of Italian coffee is that only high-quality raw materials are selected for the preparation of blends or single varieties. Before roasting, the grains undergo a thorough selection and quality control, and then, using special technologies, they are sorted into groups. Berries of different varieties should be processed separately, which will preserve their flavor and aroma.
See also: - why Switzerland is called coffee country and her famous brands.
Varieties of drinks
Italy has its own culture of coffee consumption. The inhabitants of the country gave the whole world many variations of a coffee drink: strong or light, pure, with milk, with cream, ice cream, cognac, lemon, with spices.
Starting the morning with a cup of latte (emphasis on the first syllable, translated from Italian - milk) or cappuccino is a traditional feature of Italians. There is more milk in a latte than coffee. Cappuccino is traditionally served warm (60°C) in a heated cup. Adding chocolate makes a mocha.
Throughout the day - just caffè, espresso (Italian - urgently, quickly). The drink is poured into small cups, thimbles, in which its aroma is best revealed. The taste depends not only on the variety, but also on the sustained proportions of water, processing temperature. Served immediately, in the first minute after preparation, always with a glass of water. It can be a strong concentration - double or weak - long, diluted with boiling water.
Drink instant coffee Italians do not accept, only natural, freshly ground, brewed according to all the rules in a coffee machine or a Turk.
Popular coffee brands in Italy
Italian coffee producers have gained prestige in the world market due to high quality and impeccable taste product. Companies value their reputation and keep each technology strictly secret. The nuances of roasting, grinding and blending are passed down from generation to generation.
- The age-old dynasty gave the name to the brand. The company was the first to sell roasted coffee berries in formulated coffee blends. Raw materials in grains of selected varieties are delivered to factories from Central and South America, Colombia, Brazil, and India. Qualified specialists work on exquisite blends of coffee. The optimal balance of softness and moderate strength is ideal basis for making drinks.
- It is believed that the famous trademark Illy (Illy) produces the best coffee in the country. The first factory was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy. By the way, it is he who is the inventor of the espresso coffee machine. Arabica beans come from plantations in Brazil, India, Colombia, Ethiopia. Organoleptic characteristics surprise with their versatility. The drink is characterized by the presence of floral and fruity notes in taste and chocolate flavor. Illy coffee is suitable for brewing latte, espresso or cappuccino, both in a coffee machine and a Turk.
- Coffee Turati (Turati) represents the premium segment of the coffee market. Unique combinations of Arabica and Robusta are popular with coffee lovers. There is a wide range to choose from, in which notes of cocoa, citrus and vanilla motifs are felt. Reliable packaging in the form of stylish cans or foil packs for a long period of time preserves the flavor bouquet of the product.
- Corporation Kimbo (Kimbo) receives natural grains from Asia, Africa, South America, India, Ethiopia, Brazil, Kenya. Compliance with the best Neapolitan traditions of roasting guarantees the drink a rich taste and aroma with fruity and citrus notes. Available in vacuum foil bags.
- Trademark Musetti (Musetti) known for multi-faceted blends, bouquets of only Arabica and decaffeinated product. Excellent fruit quality from the largest coffee producers in Guatemala, Costa Rica, Brazil, Kenya, Ethiopia and other countries. Modern equipment and many years of experience work in tandem.
- Flavor properties of the brand Caffe Italia (Coffee Italy) easily recognizable. Medium roast, strong rich aroma with chocolate-spicy notes and a long aftertaste do not go unnoticed by coffee gourmets. Thanks to several hoods that differ percentage natural Arabica and high-quality Robusta, every connoisseur noble drink will find a taste according to personal preferences.
- One of the leading companies in the middle price segment - Italica. The drink is not inferior in its properties to expensive brands, combining a bright rich taste, aroma with a slight bitterness and subtle sourness. Produced in hermetically sealed bags of multilayer foil, which retains all the enchanting aroma of coffee beans.
This is far from complete list famous Italian coffee brands. Brands are also very popular: Gimoka (Gimok), Danesi (Danezi), Italo, Boasi (Boasi), Bristot (Bristot) and others. Blends and monosorts surprise with an intense smell and a velvety aftertaste.
You can taste the real one not only in his homeland. It is quite possible to cook it in your own kitchen, pamper yourself and loved ones with a fragrant cup of rich nectar.
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