Friday, January 26, 2024
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| Naples coffee traditions |
Nestled in the warmth of the Neapolitan sun, Naples is not only famed for its Maradona pizza and the majestic Vesuvio but also for a treasure that captivates the senses: Naples' black gold, coffee.
The Coffee Chronicles of Naples
Naples, unlike Vienna, Paris, or Venice, welcomed coffee later in its history. The credit for its swift integration goes to Maria Carolina of Edsburg and King Ferdinand III of Bourbon. In 1771, the Royal Palace of Gazetta witnessed a dance that marked the inception of coffee in the kingdom, thanks to Maria Carolina's influence. Interestingly, she also introduced the croissant to Neapolitan breakfasts, inspired by her sister, Marie Antoinette.
Overcoming Superstitions
Initially faced with skepticism due to superstitions surrounding the "evil eye," coffee struggled to gain popularity. Vincenzo Corrado, a cook, philosopher, and astronomer, played a pivotal role in dispelling these myths, transforming coffee into a cherished and healthy beverage by 1794.
The Cocumela Odyssey
The history of the Cocumela, the Neapolitan coffee maker, traces back to Paris in 1820, when Jean-Louis Maurice patented the copper flip coffee pot. Although it didn't gain traction in France, Naples embraced it triumphantly, replacing copper with aluminum and perfecting it as the first home coffee maker in Italy by 1819.
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| Cocumela |
Brewing Magic with the Cocumela
Every Neapolitan becomes a coffee alchemist with their unique recipe for brewing magic using the cocumela:
- Fill the tank with water and insert the hollow tank.
- Fill the capsule with ground coffee and screw it closed.
- Place the cocumela on the fire until the water boils.
- Turn off the heat and invert the cocumela, letting water filter through.
Serve the hot coffee
The Art of Neapolitan Espresso
Elevate your coffee experience by using the right blend, Naples' water, and "Copetiello" to seal the spout. Serve it in a warmed ceramic cup, preceded by a glass of water. For a touch of elegance, add a cream made of coffee and sugar.
Grand Cafe Gambrinus: A Historic Oasis
Among Naples' cafes, the Grand Cafe Gambrinus, founded in 1860, stands as a historic icon. Initially named the Grand Cafe of the Seven Doors, it quickly became a favored spot for nobles, politicians, and artists. Renowned for its Neapolitan espresso, it is considered the temple of this aromatic delight.
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| 1860 |
Gambrinus Legends and Altruism
Intriguing legends surround the Grand Cafe Gambrinus, from a ghostly little girl in 20th-century attire stealing sweets to the cafe originating the concept of leaving a suspended coffee for those in need.
The Essence of Neapolitan Espresso
What makes Neapolitan espresso exceptional? The intense blend of Arabica and Robusta, combined with Naples' high-mineral water, creates an inimitable flavor. The five rules of blending, grinding, coffee machine use, hand skill, and maintenance ensure a perfect espresso.
Beyond Espresso: Exploring Unique Blends
Naples' creativity extends to specialty coffees like Barbada, Brazilian, Hazelnut, and Scrambled coffees, each with a rich history and distinct flavor profile.
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| Coffee blends |
Gambrinus Legacy Unveiled
Founded in 1860, the Grand Cafe Gambrinus is synonymous with Neapolitan coffee excellence. Its restoration in the 1970s by the Sergio family revived its grandeur, allowing both locals and tourists to savor its historic charm.
Crafting the Perfect Neapolitan Espresso
The art of making Neapolitan espresso involves following five fundamental rules, ensuring a beverage that stands out for its intense blends and unique flavor profile.
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| Espresso |
In Naples, every cup of coffee is a celebration of history, tradition, and the spirit of sharing. Whether enjoying a classic espresso or exploring inventive blends, the vibrant coffee culture of Naples invites you to savor the city's unique flavors and rich heritage.
FQA
1. What historical events led to the introduction of coffee in Naples?
Coffee was introduced to Naples in 1771 through a dance at the Royal Palace of Gazetta, orchestrated by Maria Carolina of Edsburg and King Ferdinand III of Bourbon. This marked the beginning of the coffee culture in the region.
2. How did superstitions initially impact the popularity of coffee in Naples?
Superstitions surrounding the "evil eye" hindered coffee's acceptance initially. The belief that its black color brought bad luck created skepticism. Vincenzo Corrado, a cook and philosopher, played a crucial role in dispelling these myths and turning coffee into a cherished and healthy beverage.
3. Can you provide details on the historical significance and evolution of the Neapolitan coffee maker, Cocumela?
The Cocumela originated in Paris in 1820 as a copper flip coffee pot patented by Jean-Louis Maurice. Despite its lack of popularity in France, Naples has embraced it. By 1819, Neapolitan tinkers had replaced copper with aluminum, perfecting the Cocumela as the first home coffee maker in Italy.
4. How does one brew the perfect Neapolitan espresso using the cocumela?
To brew the perfect Neapolitan espresso, fill the tank with water and insert the hollow tank. Fill the capsule with ground coffee, screw it closed, and place the cocumela on fire until the water boils. Turn off the heat, invert the cocumela, allowing water to filter through, and serve the hot coffee.
5. What is the historical significance of the Grand Cafe Gambrinus in Naples' coffee culture?
Founded in 1860, the Grand Cafe Gambrinus is a historic icon in Naples, initially named the Grand Cafe of the Seven Doors. It quickly became a favored spot for nobles, politicians, and artists, renowned for its Neapolitan espresso.
6. Can you share some intriguing legends and tales associated with Gambrinus, the historic cafe in Naples?
Legends of a ghostly little girl stealing sweets and the cafe's altruistic tradition of leaving a suspended coffee for those in need add mystique to Gambrinus. Witnesses claim to spot the apparition during specific periods.
7. What are the five fundamental rules for crafting the perfect Neapolitan espresso?
The five rules include blending Arabica and Robusta coffee beans, achieving the right grind with the 25-second rule, using piston coffee machines, relying on the bartender's skill, and regular maintenance for optimal equipment condition.
8. How does the high mineral content of Naples' water contribute to the unique flavor profile of Neapolitan espresso?
The high mineral content of Naples' water, when combined with the intense blend of Arabica and Robusta, creates a unique flavor profile, setting Neapolitan espresso apart from its counterparts.
9. Tell us about the specialty coffee blends born out of Naples' culinary creativity?
Naples has birthed specialty coffee blends such as Barbada, Brazilian, Hazelnut, and Scrambled coffees. Each has a rich history and a distinct flavor profile, showcasing the city's culinary ingenuity.
10. How does the Grand Cafe Gambrinus continue to contribute to the rich heritage of Neapolitan coffee?
The Grand Cafe Gambrinus continues its legacy by preserving its historic charm and providing a space for both locals and tourists to savor Neapolitan coffee excellence. The restoration in the 1970s by the Sergio family revived its grandeur.