Greek coffee has a very distinctive taste. It is much sweeter than regular coffee, using a lot of sugar. There are many ways that this flavor can be achieved. However, much of it will rely on getting the right type of coffee bean. But sourcing this specialist product can be difficult. Here are some of the places to look for Greek coffee.
What Makes Greek Coffee So Special?
There are a few things that help set Greek coffee apart. First, it is made from Arabica beans. They will need to be ground down to a very fine consistency. It should be similar to flour. As a result, you’ll need to get a high-quality grinder. A basic one won’t be able to produce the ultra-fine consistency, and it will impact the taste of the coffee.
Specialty Shops
The first place that you might want to look is in specialty stores. These will often contain products that major supermarket chains consider too niche. There are a few brands that you should be looking for. These include Loumidis, Bravo, and Venizelos. This website has more information on these brands and what makes them so popular. When you are shopping, you’ll be able to ask the store owner for assistance. They will be able to point out where these products are. If they don’t stock Greek coffee, they’ll usually be able to point you towards who does.
Local Markets
Sometimes you might be able to source Greek coffee from your local markets, especially if you have a large Greek population in your area. When purchasing from these vendors, you will be assured that you are getting a relatively fresh product. However, because this is a niche product, so there is no guarantee that it will be available.
Looking Online
Your best option is usually to purchase the coffee online. You can use retailers like Amazon and eBay. This will give you plenty of options to choose from. You should have no problem choosing the right size and brand. It’s always a good idea to check the reviews, though. This ensures that you are using a trusted seller.
Preparing and Serving Greek Coffee
Once you have found your beans, it’s time to prepare the Greek coffee. To do this, you will often need to get a briki. This is a tall, thin pot that is used to prepare the brew. You’ll need to put it over medium heat and add the water. Once it is hot, add the coffee and the sugar. When the foam starts to form and the pot is on the verge of overflowing, take the pot off the heat. This website goes into more detail about this process. If you prefer, you can also get a home espresso machine to make the brew.
Once you have made your Greek coffee, it’s time to serve it. Traditionally, it will be accompanied by a glass of cold water. It might also come with something sweet, often a biscuit. Usually, this coffee is served black, as adding milk won’t add to the taste. Traditionally, it will be drunk in sips. These will be spaced out over half an hour to an hour. Often, the grounds aren’t filtered out. Sipping the coffee gives them some time to settle back at the bottom of the cup.
Conclusion
Greek coffee is a unique experience. It is sweeter than ordinary varieties and is best suited to drinking at a more leisurely pace. Once you’ve got the right beans and have prepared the drink, there’s only one thing left to do. Sit back and enjoy the traditional Greek flavors.
