Olive Oil's Role in Different Coffee Traditions
Learn more about coffee culture across different regions and uncover how olive oil enhances the coffee experience.
While olive oil may seem like an unlikely companion to coffee, it plays a fascinating role in certain coffee traditions. Learn more about coffee culture across different regions and uncover how olive oil enhances the coffee experience.
- Mediterranean Coffee:
Mediterranean countries like Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus have their distinct style of brewing coffee known as "Greek coffee" or "Turkish coffee." In this method, finely ground coffee is mixed with water and sugar in a small pot called a cezve or briki, and the mixture is heated slowly over low flame until it froths. Here, olive oil takes center stage in a unique pre-brewing step.
Before adding the coffee grounds to the water, a small amount of olive oil is sometimes added to the pot. The purpose of this is to enhance the texture, aroma, and richness of the coffee. The oil helps to create a smooth, velvety texture and adds a subtle flavor note to the brew. It also assists in preserving the frothy layer on top, known as the "kaimaki" or "kaymak," which is highly prized in Mediterranean coffee culture.
- Middle Eastern Coffee:
Similar to Mediterranean coffee, Middle Eastern coffee traditions incorporate olive oil to enrich the flavor and presentation of the brew. Coffee in countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Saudi Arabia is prepared in a small, long-handled pot called a dallah or ibrik. The finely ground coffee, water, and sometimes sugar are combined in the pot and brewed over a low flame.
In some Middle Eastern coffee traditions, a few drops of olive oil are added during the brewing process. This adds a subtle richness to the coffee. The oil also aids in trapping any sediment at the bottom of the pot, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable coffee-drinking experience.
- Olive Oil as a Complementary Pairing:
Olive oil can also be paired with coffee as a complementary ingredient. Olive oil, with its diverse flavor profiles, can be drizzled over a cup of coffee to add a unique twist.
For example, a high-quality extra virgin olive oil with fruity and grassy notes, like our Vitality extra virgin olive oil, can accentuate the flavors of a delicate pour-over coffee or a velvety espresso.
From the Mediterranean to the Middle East, olive oil enhances the texture, aroma, and flavor of coffee, creating a unique and cherished experience. Try our Joy and Vitality extra virgin olive oil in your coffee today!
