FAQ About Turkish Coffee

Achieving the perfect foam on top of Turkish coffee, known as "köpük," requires attention to detail and some practice. The foam is an important and cherished aspect of Turkish coffee, and it adds both visual appeal and a distinct texture to the drink. Here are some tips to help you achieve the ideal foam when brewing Turkish coffee:

• Use Freshly Ground Coffee: Start with freshly ground coffee beans that are finely ground to a powder-like consistency. Fresh coffee grounds contribute to better foam formation.
• Choose the Right Cezve: Use a traditional cezve (ibrik) with a narrow neck and wide base. The design of the cezve plays a role in facilitating the formation of foam during brewing.
• Cold Water and Coffee: Begin with cold water and add the finely ground coffee to the cezve. Mixing the coffee and water before heating helps distribute the coffee evenly.
• Stirring Technique: Gently stir the coffee and water mixture in the cezve before heating. This ensures that the coffee is well incorporated into the water and helps with foam formation.
• Low Heat: Use low heat to gradually heat the coffee mixture. This slow heating process is key to achieving the foam without boiling over.
• Watch for Bubbles: As the coffee mixture heats up, you'll notice small bubbles forming on the surface. Be patient and attentive to the bubbles.
• Foam Formation Stage: As the bubbles continue to form and the coffee mixture gets close to boiling, the foam will start to rise. This is the critical stage for foam formation.
• Remove from Heat: Just before the coffee mixture comes to a full boil and the foam starts to overflow, remove the cezve from the heat source. This step is crucial to prevent the foam from spilling over.
• Foam Separation: Allow the cezve to sit for a moment so that the foam settles. Use a small spoon to carefully spoon the foam into the cups.
• Slow Pouring: When pouring the coffee into the cups, pour it slowly and gently. This helps to maintain the foam on top.
• Practice: Achieving the perfect foam might take some practice. Experiment with different heat levels, stirring techniques, and timing to find what works best with your specific equipment and environment.