Top 5 coffee recommendations
EXPLORE ITALIA
During various visits to Italy, you will certainly notice that the color of espresso varies greatly within the country. This phenomenon can be quickly explained; for example, an espresso in northern Italy is roasted lighter than in southern Italy. We'll take you on a journey from northern to southern Italy and show you the differences in the roasting and taste of coffee in the different places and regions.
COFFEE IN ITALY
Italian cuisine is known for pizza, pasta & amore, but equally significant in the land of love is Italian caffè. Coffee plays a significant role in Italian culture. It is not just a drink, but an important part of daily social life. Italians:inside take their coffee tradition very seriously and combine their favorite drink with a certain elegance and style. In Italy, it is common to drink an espresso while standing at the bar or counter chatting with friends or simply enjoying the atmosphere. For many, visiting a café has become a regular ritual in everyday life and an important part of the Italian way of life; even at home, coffee is often offered as a sign of hospitality. Coffee in Europe has its origins in Italy, as the first coffee beans reached Venice as early as the 17th century. And although the consumption of this novel luxury food was initially reserved for the rich and beautiful, the aromatic hot drink spread rapidly. Coffee soon became available to the general population as well, and has been associated with Italy ever since. It is the variety of roasts in particular that make coffee so special in Italy.
A trip from the north to the south of Italy shows particularly well that there are regional differences in coffee. Whether from Lake Garda, Venice, Tuscany, Rome, Naples or Sicily - the different regional coffee roasts have small but subtle characteristics. On a coffee journey from northern to southern Italy, we look at the different tastes and roasts and introduce you to suitable products so that you can find your favorite among Italy's incredibly aromatic coffee beans - true to the motto "Explore Coffee - Explore Italia".
COFFEE ON LAGO DI GARDA: AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
Our coffee journey from North to South Italy starts from Lago di Garda. If you want to treat yourself to an unforgettable coffee break, then Lake Garda is the perfect choice. The picturesque lake offers breathtaking views and you can experience relaxed coffee enjoyment here all year round. The idyllic atmosphere invites you to spend a leisurely afternoon on the lakeshore, where you can simply unwind with some delicious coffee. Northern Italy is characterized by its light-colored coffee roasts. Blends are predominantly roasted and served here, usually consisting of a large proportion of Arabica coffee beans. Arabica and Robusta ratios of 80/20 or 90/10 are common. Due to the light roasting degree, the coffees in northern Italy are often rather mild, sweet and fruity and thus often reflect the lively flair of the Lake Garda region. Due to the fact that roasting is usually much lighter in the north than in the south of the country, you can often expect roasts and coffee blends with flavors of milk chocolate, marzipan, citrus fruits such as grapefruit, but also stone fruits such as mango, apricot or peach. In the cafes around Lago di Garda you will find everything from traditional Italian cuisine to the most modern coffee making methods. Here you can try different types of coffee as well as cappuccino and latte macchiato with milk foam, which are the preferred drinks here. Around Lago di Garda you will also find some long-established coffee roasting companies that have been practicing the art of roasting for generations. Here coffee is not yet a mass product, but is prepared in small quantities in the roasting houses - And this love for coffee you can taste!
COFFEE ENJOYMENT IN MILAN: THE ART OF ESPRESSO PREPARATION
Are you a real coffee fan? Then you should definitely plan a visit to Milan! Because making espresso is a true Italian tradition and in the metropolis of Milan, coffee culture is writ large. In bars or cafés, our favorite drink is prepared by baristi who have mastered their craft to perfection. Thus, Milan is definitely worth a visit not only for art and fashion enthusiasts, but especially for coffee lovers. The light roast, which is common in northern Italy, is often referred to as "Milan-style roast". Similar to the coffees from the region around Lake Garda, blends in Milan usually consist of a significantly higher percentage of Arabica coffee beans in relation to Robusta beans. The aroma of the blends is predominantly fine and medium-bodied, with little acidity and bitter notes. A delicate crema rounds out the mild and balanced coffee. We especially recommend a visit to Zucca Galleria, one of the most beautiful and traditional coffee houses in Europe. Here you can not only enjoy excellent coffee, but also experience an impressive atmosphere. But also in many other cafes and bars in Milan you will be spoiled with fantastic coffee specialties. All in all, Milan is a city with many facets - from art to fashion to a dreamy coffee city. A visit is definitely worthwhile and is one of the most famous tourist tips to experience all these impressions yourself and enjoy a traditional, brightly roasted espresso in a coffee bar!
THE BLEND OF NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN ITALY: WHAT MAKES TUSCAN COFFEE SO SPECIAL?
In Tuscany, coffee and art combine in a unique way. The region is known for its excellent coffee beans and its rich cultural history, which is reflected in numerous works of art. From Renaissance masters to contemporary artists, Tuscany has a long tradition of promoting art and culture. The harmonious combination of coffee and art allows us to experience and enjoy the beauty of Tuscany in a special way. After all, what could be better than drifting through the streets of Florence or Siena with a delicious espresso or cappuccino in hand, admiring the impressive works of art? When you drink a coffee from Tuscany, you will notice that it tastes different from the typical roasts from the north or south of Italy. The blend of floral and fruity aromas of the northern Italian roasts with the body and strong roasted flavors of the south results in a unique taste that is full-bodied and strong. The coffee has a strong crema and the beans are darker and slightly oilier than in the north. In general, the roasts are quite balanced and elegant - fine acidity combined with elegant strength. The smell is fragrant, the body strong. So if you want to try something new or are looking for a delicious Italian coffee, consider a café visit to Tuscany - a blend of both parts of Italy that offers incomparable flavors!
COFFEE IN ROME: EXQUISITE BLENDS AND GREAT PLEASURE
Rome is known for its hospitality, magnificent monuments and delicious cuisine - but one of the best things to enjoy in Rome is coffee. With the largest number of cafes in all of Italy, Rome offers a wide range of exquisite coffee blends to satisfy every taste and need. But what makes the coffee here so special? The answer lies in the almost southern Italian style of roasting. The closer we get to the south, the darker the roasts become. So the coffee in Rome is usually roasted rather dark, giving it a spicy flavor and an oilier, stronger body. Notes of chocolate, toast and clove are often found. In addition, Roman coffee is characterized by its variety and high quality. Particularly impressive is the exquisite selection of blends, which are often traditionally dark roasted. This type of roast gives the coffee a distinctive flavor with a pleasant spiciness in the finish. Overall, Rome offers a wide selection of cozy cafes and high-quality coffee with an impressive variety of aromas and flavors. Whether you prefer a strong espresso or a creamy cappuccino, the quality and variety of coffee in Rome will delight you!
NEAPOLITAN COFFEE: MORE ROBUSTA AND INTENSE ROAST
If you are heading to Naples, be prepared for a very special coffee culture. The coffee from Naples differs in particular by the proportion of Robusta beans, which is often somewhat higher than in the north of the country. The long roasting at high temperatures results in dark coffee beans with an intense and strong flavor. Due to the oil leaving the bean, the fruity component is often missing and there is little acidity in the taste. In Naples, mostly smaller roasters can be found that have been using drum roasting for generations, creating a special note in their coffees. The taste of Neapolitan espresso can be smoky and baked, but also contain nuances of nut or malt. So if you're looking for an intense and strong coffee experience, be sure to make a stop in Naples!
DISCOVER THE COFFEE CULTURE OF SICILY: DARK ROASTS WITH STRONG CHARACTER!
Sicily is known as a coffee El Dorado. Here you will find unique coffees and blends known for their strong character. Whether you like a strong espresso or a cappuccino with the typical crema - every coffee lover will find what he or she is looking for here. Dark roasts are particularly popular in Sicily. In contrast to the light roasts from northern Italy, strong beans are used here to obtain a strong, intense, and aromatic note in the cup. The taste is thick, dark and intense, as known from Arabic mocha. The crema is hazelnut colored thanks to the Robusta content and has a strong body. The taste impresses with more bitter substances than usual and shows, if at all, only very slight acid notes. In addition, there is an intense aroma with many roasted aromas and hints of chocolate, nut and malt. Overall, Sicilian coffee tastes very strong in character, possibly a bit smoky, and it has a darker roast than other regional varieties. Incidentally, in keeping with the high temperatures, Sicilians also like to drink cold brew coffees. So if you're looking for an espresso culture with a particularly dark roast for delicious coffee creations that are unique to Sicily, you've come to the right place. Try the dark roasts with strong character - it's worth it!
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