What is Salento-style coffee?
Salento-style coffee is also known as “Caffè alla leccese” in Italian, which translates to “coffee from Lecce”. Lecce is a city located in the southern region of Italy, specifically in the Puglia region. Salento-style coffee is a blend of coffee and milk served in a small pot. It is served extremely hot, almost boiling, and the milk is frothed in a separate pot before the two are combined.
How is it made?
The key to making a good cup of Salento-style coffee is to use freshly roasted and ground coffee. The coffee should be ground very finely, as it is an essential element in creating the frothing effect. The coffee is brewed using the traditional Moka pot, which is an Italian coffee pot. The pot consists of three chambers, with the bottom chamber holding water, the middle one containing the coffee, and the top chamber where the brewed coffee accumulates.
The next step is to froth the milk. The milk is placed in a separate pot without coffee and heated until it starts to bubble. It is then removed from the heat and frothed using an electric or manual frother. The frothed milk is then added to the brewed coffee and served immediately.
What sets Salento-style coffee apart?
Salento-style coffee is unique due to its specific blend of coffee and milk. The coffee used is an Arabica blend, which is known for its rich and smooth taste. The use of freshly roasted and ground coffee also adds to the distinctiveness of the coffee. The frothed milk adds a creamy and frothy texture, making the coffee even smoother and more flavor-rich.
Moreover, the method of serving Salento-style coffee is also unique. It is served in a small pot made of copper or brass, which keeps the coffee hot for longer. In addition, it is usually served with a small glass of water to cleanse the palate between sips.
Conclusion
Salento-style coffee from Lecce is a unique and delicious coffee that should not be missed. Its rich and smooth taste, along with the frothy texture, makes it stand out from other types of coffee. The use of fresh and high-quality ingredients, along with the traditional brewing method, adds to its distinctiveness. Salento-style coffee is not just a beverage, it is a cultural symbol of the Puglia region and a testament to Italian coffee-making craftsmanship. If you ever get the chance to visit Lecce, make sure to try this delicious coffee and bring some Italian coffee-making tradition back home with you.