Neapolitan Coffee: history and traditions of a worldwide success

Neapolitan Coffee: the culture of coffee between ritual and traditions

Neapolitan Coffee is not simply a drink, but a real ritual that marks the days in the capital of Campania. Like an invisible thread that unites people, a cup of steaming espresso is an opportunity to share stories and moments of life and to recharge with energy. Refusing an invitation to have one is almost like declining a gesture of affection. And to savor it at its best, tradition dictates that it be served in a white ceramic cup, which enhances both the taste and the aroma.

Neapolitan coffee: history and traditions of the most popular drink in the city of Naples

Paradoxically, coffee arrived in Naples after being known in other European cities. There are many theories about how it arrived, but it seems that its diffusion can be traced back to Maria Carolina of Habsburg-Lorraine, wife of Ferdinand IV of Bourbon. Thanks to her Viennese origins, she brought with her the custom of Kaffeehaus (the refined Viennese coffee), thus introducing coffee into the Neapolitan tradition. From that moment, that new dark infusion became an integral part of Neapolitan culture.

As mentioned before, the arrival of coffee in Naples is surrounded by several legends. Another of these tells of Pietro della Valle, a Roman musicologist who, after a disappointment in love, undertook a journey to the Holy Land. From there, he sent letters to his friend Mario Schipano, describing a drink called kahve. Upon his return, he brought coffee with him, contributing to its spread in the city and enriching the Neapolitan tradition.

Why do they say that coffee is Neapolitan?

But why do they say that coffee is Neapolitan? Because Naples has been able to transform this drink into a cultural and social symbol. The city welcomed it with enthusiasm, elevating it to a daily ritual and making it an essential element of everyday life and a distinctive feature of Neapolitanness.

Cuccuma: the innovation of the Neapolitan Coffee Maker

A fundamental role in the spread of coffee in Naples was played by the cuccuma, the traditional Neapolitan moka invented in 1819 by the Frenchman Morize. This double-filter instrument revolutionized the preparation of coffee, allowing for a more aromatic and intense infusion compared to previous methods. The peculiarity of the Neapolitan cuccuma lies in its unique operation: after bringing the water to the boil, the coffee maker is turned upside down, allowing the hot water to slowly pass through the ground coffee, extracting the aromas and flavors to the fullest.

This slow process reflects the soul of the Neapolitan tradition, where every gesture has a meaning. The cuccumella soon became an icon in Neapolitan homes, a symbol of hospitality and conviviality, and still today represents a link between past and present in the culture of Neapolitan Coffee.

What is Neapolitan coffee like?

We can say that Neapolitan Coffees have a strong and decisive taste, the result of prolonged roasting that gives the beans a darker shade. The traditional blend combines Arabica quality with a percentage of Robusta blend, giving life to an espresso with an intense aroma and the characteristic coffee cream on the surface.

Why is coffee in Naples good?

The secret of its renowned goodness lies in the care of roasting and mastery in preparation. The Neapolitan blend, thanks to its darker color, enhances the aromas and offers an unmistakable taste. Furthermore, the art of Neapolitan baristas, the result of a tradition now rooted in the city, contributes to making each cup a unique experience.

What is the Coffee that is drunk in Naples and what are the most famous brands

In Naples, an intense and aromatic espresso is traditionally drunk, characterized by a blend of Arabica quality and Robusta blend. This balance gives the coffee its strong flavor, making it unmistakable and loved by all. From a city with such a deep-rooted coffee tradition, there could not be a lack of coffee brands with not only national but also global diffusion, among them we find brands such as Caffè Borbone, Lollo Caffè, Caffè Passalacqua, Kimbo, Caffè Moreno, Toraldo Caffè, Gran Caffè Vesuvius, Caffè Kenon, just to name a few.

What is the best Neapolitan coffee?

In addition to the most well-known brands such as the well-known Caffè Borbone and Lollo Caffè, Gran Caffè Vesuvius is establishing itself as an excellent choice for espresso lovers. The Halal and Kosher certifications recently obtained attest to the care and attention paid to the production processes, making it undoubtedly an emerging brand in the coffee scene.

Neapolitan coffee maker: find your compatible one and rediscover tradition

To rediscover the pleasure of coffee prepared according to tradition, nothing compares to the use of the Neapolitan moka pot. Today, models compatible with modern heat sources are available, allowing everyone to relive the ancient ritual of preparation with the Neapolitan cuccuma. A gesture that makes every cup a special moment and that takes us back to the roots of our culture.

And you? What do you think of Neapolitan espresso? Did you know about the Neapolitan Cuccumella?
We hope we have provided you with a comprehensive overview.
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