When I went to Greece and saw ‘Greek coffee’ on the menu in cafes I pretty much thought it would just be regular coffee that is grown in Greece but I was wrong. Of course real greek coffee should have been grown in Greece but that’s not the point. There are many differences between ordering a coffee or cappuccino and having a greek coffee, let’s discover those now.
Trying Traditional Greek Coffee - Review
Aroma
When you walk into a coffee shop or make your morning drink, the coffee aroma fills the room but as greek coffee is ground into a powder it has a stronger aroma and taste. When you sip it you will get a huge array of flavours that will taste different to everyone, kind of like when doing a wine tasting. Without milk added, the flavours I got were acidic dark chocolate with a slight nuttiness.
How its made
Typically normal coffee is brewed whereas greek coffee is boiled, if you’r confused, don’t worry because I was too. Let me explain; regular coffee is brewed by adding boiling hot water to coffee grounds and then it is strained. Whereas with Greek coffee, water is added to a briki coffee pot, the sugar and coffee is added to the water where it is heated and then poured into a cup ready to drink.
Texture
Usually to make an instant coffee you use instant granules, but to make a fresh coffee you need the arabica coffee beans. The coffee beans are blitzed in a Coffee grinder and then they can be used in a French press (for French coffee), in a percolator or coffee machine. The difference with texture of greek coffee is that it is ground a lot more, in fact by its look and texture it doesn’t resemble coffee, it resembles a powder.
Because the coffee is not strained, the beverage can have a sandy like texture from the spent coffee. This forms a thick layer on the bottom which is why this type of coffee is not for everyone.
Health
In terms of health both ways of having coffee are similar, although the greek coffee has a slight edge as it is boiled instead of brewed giving it more nutrients, antioxidants and health boosting compounds.
Where To Buy A Briki Pot
Arabic briki pots are traditional coffee brewing vessels, often made from copper or brass with a long handle and a narrow neck. They are designed for making Arabic coffee. The pots shape helps in creating a frothy layer on top while simmering finely ground coffee over low heat.
Greek Coffee - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Greek coffee and regular coffee?
Greek coffee is made from finely ground coffee beans that resemble a powder, while regular coffee uses coarser grounds. Greek coffee is brewed by boiling the coffee with water and sugar in a briki, resulting in a thicker texture and stronger aroma compared to regular coffee.
Why does Greek coffee have a stronger aroma and taste than regular coffee?
Greek coffee is ground into a much finer powder compared to regular coffee, which leads to a more concentrated aroma and a more intense flavor when brewed. The finer grind helps release more oils and compounds, giving it a richer taste.
How is Greek coffee made differently from regular coffee?
Greek coffee is made by boiling water, sugar, and finely ground coffee in a special pot called a briki. Regular coffee is brewed by adding boiling water to coarser coffee grounds and straining it. The Greek method of boiling gives the coffee a thicker, sandy-like texture with a strong taste.
Is Greek coffee healthier than regular coffee?
Greek coffee may offer slightly more health benefits due to its brewing method, which retains more antioxidants and nutrients. The boiling process helps preserve more compounds that could potentially be lost in the brewing method used for regular coffee.
What is the difference between Turkish coffee and Greek coffee?
Turkish coffee and Greek coffee are prepared in a similar way, with finely ground coffee boiled in water, but the primary difference lies in the origin of the beans. Turkish coffee is typically made with beans grown in Turkey, while Greek coffee is made from beans grown in Greece.
Why is Greek coffee sometimes described as having a sandy texture?
Greek coffee is not strained, so it has a thick layer of coffee grounds at the bottom of the cup, which can give it a sandy texture. This unique texture is part of its traditional preparation, although it may not be to everyone's taste.
