GREEK COFFEE TALES

GREEK COFFEE TALES

There are multiple origin stories for coffee. One commonly repeated legend is of Kaldi, a 9th-century Ethiopian goatherd who supposedly discovered coffee when he noticed his goats becoming energetic after chewing on coffee plant berries. However, this story didn’t appear in written records until 1671 when Antoine Faustus Nairon, a Maronite professor, included it in one of the first printed treatises about coffee, suggesting its likely apocryphal nature. Another legend attributes the discovery of coffee to a Sheikh Omar, who, after being exiled from Mokha, found berries in the wilderness. After trying various methods, he boiled the berries to create a revitalising liquid.

The initial encounter of Greeks with coffee can be traced back to the period when Greece was under Ottoman rule. Much like in other regions within the Ottoman Empire, the traditional method of preparing coffee was in a kettle. This is now recognised as ‘Greek coffee’ and became widespread in Greece as early as the 19th century, and possibly earlier.

In Greece, the most popular coffee varieties are Greek coffee, freddo espresso and cappuccino and frappé. Greek coffee is traditionally prepared and served hot in a small cup, typically made using a special pot called a ‘briki’. Both freddo espresso and cappuccino as well as frappé are enjoyed cold and are particularly popular, especially during the summer months. They all provide a refreshing way to enjoy coffee in the heat.

Capture the essence of your treasured F ZEEN holiday memories by recreating the delightful experience of enjoying a freddo cappuccino in the comfort of your own home. The recipe is easy to follow and quick to make.

Directions to creating your own Freddo Cappuccino:

1. Place 100ml of fresh milk into the blender and shake until you see dense foam. Or place 100 ml milk and 2 ice cubs into the blender and shake until you see dense foam. Wait for cream to split from milk.
2. Prepare 1 or 2 shots of espresso, according to your preference.
3. Add sugar into the hot espresso mix and stir well.
4. Add 5 ice cubs in a tall glass. Add the hot espresso mix and stir right away until the coffee gets cold.
5. If needed add some more ice cubes.
6. Add the cream you have already prepared and to your cold espresso.
   Extra tip: Add some cinnamon or grated chocolate to compliment your coffee experience.

Enjoy!