Every coffee lover knows that it is not enough to choose quality beans, it is also important to prepare them correctly. And for this you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of different types of coffee Turks.
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The history of the appearance of the Turk (cezve)
Today, hardly anyone can name the exact date of the birth of this amazing object - the Turks. The first to truly appreciate the divine taste of the drink were African tribes. Interesting fact: this drink was considered illegal and was drunk secretly. The first coffee pots looked like ordinary pots. In general, no one really thought about the correct shape of the vessel for brewing coffee, and the process of preparation. Sometimes, for lack of other utensils, small water jugs were used for brewing. It is worth noting that the Bedouins still make coffee in such jugs, calling them "dalle".
After some time, the Africans reached the Arabian Peninsula (probably accompanied by eastern merchants). Most likely, as a token of gratitude, they revealed the secret of making coffee to their companions. And over time, the sultan learned about the wonderful drink. The head of state fell in love with coffee, and in the palace the drink was prepared in a special golden saucepan with a long handle and a lid.
By the way, coffee was always prepared only in the presence of the Sultan himself. The reason for this order was the special tart taste of the drink, which could hide the taste of poison. And since in those days any methods were good for the struggle for power, the Sultan's fears were quite justified.
However, in gold vessels the drink heated up very quickly and often burned. Therefore, it was ordered to find a more suitable metal. Over time, preference was given to copper - it heated up more slowly. And the shape of the vessel was changed: they made a wide bottom and a narrow neck. And the long handle was left from the previous "model".
The original name of this invention was "rakva" - after the name of the person who made and sold them. And only over time "rakva" was forgotten, and a new name appeared - "cezve". The more familiar to us definition "Turk" appeared for quite understandable reasons, because coffee was brought to Russia from Turkey.
Shape and volume
The shape of the Turk affects the quality of the drink prepared in it. The golden rule is: the diameter of the bottom should be twice as large as the diameter of the neck. A larger difference is welcome, and a smaller one is unacceptable for preparing the right coffee.
If the coffee "runs away" during brewing, it means that you will not be able to try a real aromatic drink this time. The thing is that it is the foam that forms on the surface that acts as a kind of plug that holds the aroma and essential oils. Only the presence of a full bouquet of different components will allow you to enjoy a truly magical drink. At the moment of boiling, the "plug" approaches the very top, and when cooling, it gradually slides down the inclined walls to the bottom.
It is also worth paying attention to the volume of the Turk. The standard size is from 100 to 600 milliliters. As a rule, the number of servings is indicated on the bottom. On average, 1 serving is 100 ml, but the volume of the Turk should be one and a half times larger to have enough space for the rising foam.
Important! There is no point in preparing one portion in a large Turk. This will affect the taste and aroma of the finished coffee.
Another aspect worth paying attention to is the shape and size of the handle, as well as the material it is made of. For convenience, the handle is made long, raised upwards, and made of a material with low thermal conductivity.
Fastening the handle with bolts or rivets is more reliable than solder. When heated, low-quality solder softens, and the handle can break off at the most inopportune moment.
Material for the Turk
And yet, the most important aspect in choosing a Turk for making coffee is considered to be the material. It is worth noting that the range offered today is more diverse than ever. Let's try to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each model.
Copper
Copper or brass Turks with a coating of food tin or silver are considered the most correct. They are usually distinguished by the correct ratio of the diameter of the bottom and the neck. Their bottom is thickened, due to which the coffee is heated gradually and evenly. Such Turks are durable and reliable, aesthetically pleasing in appearance and affordable.
The disadvantages are quite relative. First of all, copper and brass require a certain amount of care. Not often, but they should be cleaned. Over time, the material begins to absorb foreign odors, which negatively affects the taste of the finished coffee. But, as they say, nothing lasts forever, the Turk can simply be replaced after some time.
Stainless steel
The advantages are obvious:
- Does not require special care;
- Light;
- Shockproof and reliable;
- It has a low cost.
Flaws:
- Usually, stainless steel Turks are produced with a wide neck, and this does not allow you to brew coffee according to the classic rules;
- There is no thickening at the bottom, the water heats up too quickly;
- The finished drink acquires a characteristic metallic taste;
- Such Turks are often made in larger sizes – from 500 ml.
Bronze
If there is a model without flaws, it is this one – the bronze Turk. There is only one “minus”: it is easy to make a mistake and buy a fake. But there are plenty of advantages:
- Durable;
- Very beautiful in appearance;
- The heating process is not fast, and the coffee has time to fully reveal its palette of taste and aroma.
Silver
Due to the high price, not everyone can afford such luxury. But this is not the only "disadvantage". Silver needs to be cleaned constantly. In addition, the Turk heats up very quickly and the coffee does not have time to "give" all its valuable aromatic properties.
But there are also advantages:
- Correct form;
- Decent "appearance";
- Reliability.
Aluminum
The only advantages of such a Turk are considered to be its low price and unpretentiousness in maintenance. The Turk heats up very quickly, and the metal “rewards” the coffee with an unpleasant metallic taste. Alas, it will not allow you to enjoy the magical taste and aroma of this drink.
Ceramics
Having appeared relatively recently, ceramic Turks have already managed to win a sufficient army of fans. And this is not surprising, because they are valued for the variety of design, for thick walls, thanks to which the drink appears "in all its glory", giving away its rich taste and aroma without a trace. In addition, it is a generally recognized fact that ceramics is one of the safest materials for health.
The disadvantages of ceramics include fragility, high price (even when compared with copper or aluminum Turks). Finally, if the clay is not covered with a layer of special glaze, it absorbs foreign odors, and this will negatively affect the taste of the finished drink.
Clay
Interesting fact: clay is a porous material, and when coffee is prepared in it, the drink is actively supplied with oxygen, which affects its taste and aroma. They become more saturated and bright. And this is an indisputable plus.
Clay is very sensitive to various odors, so it is recommended to brew a specific type of coffee in a Turk, otherwise the taste will be mixed and not very pleasant.
Glass
Turks of unique beauty and elegance are made from this fragile material. Thanks to the transparency, you have the opportunity to observe the process of preparing this amazing drink. The Turk does not require special care. Such vessels are universal and are ideal not only for brewing coffee, but also, for example, for boiling milk. And contrary to popular belief, the cost of a glass Turk is more than affordable.
But this fragile vessel also has its weaknesses. First of all, it is short-lived. Even a slight impact will cause a crack or chip. Large-volume Turks (from 500 ml) are most often available for sale. In addition, glass cezves have a wide neck, which will not allow you to make the perfect drink. Finally, glass heats up very quickly and deprives you of the opportunity to enjoy the full range of taste and aroma.
Electric and geyser
Recently, electric Turks and so-called geyser coffee makers have become increasingly popular. Although, according to gourmets, real coffee can only be made in a classic Turk. But periodically a dilemma arises: what to choose: a geyser or a Turk? Or should you opt for a modern electric Turk?
Let's try to understand the advantages and disadvantages of these newfangled kitchen "inhabitants".
Electric Turk
The advantages are obvious:
- Minimum preparation time (at maximum power, coffee will be ready in just 40 seconds);
- Mobility (such a Turk is an indispensable assistant during frequent trips);
- Reliability;
- Easy to use. You won't even have to worry about the coffee "running away", as many models are equipped with an automatic shut-off function.
Flaws:
- The taste of the coffee is not as rich, since the water boils very quickly, and the ground beans do not have time to give everything they are capable of;
- Typically, such Turks are produced in standard volumes: 250 – 350 ml;
- Most electric models are made of ceramics, and because of this they are expensive, and over time the material begins to absorb foreign odors;
- This kind of Turk is a “capricious” thing and requires special care and constant removal of the formed scale.
Geyser coffee maker
"Pros":
- Ease of operation;
- High quality of finished coffee;
- Modest dimensions;
- Mobility;
- No sediment in the cups.
"Cons":
- Mandatory full filling (in such a coffee maker it will not be possible to brew half the volume);
- It can please you with only one type of coffee – espresso;
- Insufficient strength, but this disadvantage is still very relative. Someone prefers a softer taste, which means that for him, the geyser will be the right choice.
One thing is clear: when answering the question of which Turk is better for making coffee, you should take into account not only the technical characteristics of each model, but also personal preferences. And according to true gourmets, the most delicious drink is obtained only when it is prepared with love, and it does not matter which Turk you used for this.
