A complete guide to the history of Napoli style coffee and choosing the best brand
Napoli is renowned for its vibrant culture, culinary prowess, and deep-rooted coffee traditions. This guide dives into the history of Napoli coffee, from its bold characteristics to tips on enjoying an authentic Neapolitan coffee at home.
Whether you’re a seasoned coffee connoisseur or just dipping your toes into the world of Italian coffee, this is your ultimate guide to experiencing Napoli style coffee.
An exploration of the bold flavours and distinctive traditions that set Neapolitan coffee apart.
A look at the deep-rooted rituals, social traditions, and significance of coffee in Neapolitan life.
Tips for selecting beans with the right roast, origin, and flavour profile for an authentic Neapolitan brew.
Step-by-step instructions for brewing coffee the Neapolitan way, including using the iconic cuccuma pot.
A comparison of Neapolitan coffee with Rome’s espressos, Milan’s lighter brews, and other regional styles.
Answers to common queries about Neapolitan coffee, brewing methods, and Carluccio’s offerings.
What makes Napoli coffee unique?
Napoli style coffee stands apart from other regional Italian coffee styles for its intensity, depth, and cultural significance. Its defining features include:
Bold flavour profile
Napoli coffee is known for its dark roast, which creates a bold, robust flavour with a pronounced bitterness. The beans’ natural oils are drawn out during the roasting process, resulting in a rich, full-bodied cup with notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and a slightly smoky finish.
Exclusively dark roasts
Unlike the lighter roasts popular in Northern Italy, Napoli coffee relies on an intense dark roast to develop its iconic flavour. This roasting style enhances the beans' natural sweetness while introducing a pleasant, lingering bitterness that pairs beautifully with sugar—a Neapolitan staple when it comes to coffee.
Brewing with tradition
In Napoli, the brewing method is just as important as the coffee itself. Traditional techniques, like the cuccuma (Neapolitan flip coffee pot), create a uniquely rich brew that embodies the spirit of the city. Modern espresso machines are also widely used, ensuring a consistently intense shot of coffee.
The cultural importance of coffee in Naples
The act of making and drinking coffee is a sacred ritual in Napoli, steeped in history and tradition. Morning starts with an espresso, often accompanied by a sfogliatella or cornetto, while afternoons call for a quick coffee break at the nearest café.
Caffè Sospeso tradition
Naples is famous for the heartwarming tradition of caffè sospeso (suspended coffee). This involves paying for an extra coffee when ordering your own, leaving it "suspended" for someone in need to enjoy later. It’s a testament to the generosity and community spirit of the Neapolitan people.
Coffee bar culture in Naples
Naples is home to some of the most iconic coffee bars in Italy, like Gran Caffè Gambrinus, where locals and tourists alike come to sip expertly crafted espressos. These cafés serve as hubs of conversation, debate, and laughter, reflecting the city's vibrant character.
How to choose the best coffee beans for Napoli style coffee
Choosing the right coffee beans is essential to recreating an authentic Napoli coffee experience. Here’s what to look for:
1. Dark roast
Opt for beans that have undergone a dark roast. This level of roasting is vital to achieving the signature bold flavour of Neapolitan coffee.
2. Italian roasting expertise
Look for beans roasted in Italy or inspired by Italian techniques. Neapolitan roasters are known for their skill in achieving the perfect roast for espresso.
3. Freshness matters
For the best results, choose freshly roasted whole beans and grind them just before brewing. This preserves the rich aroma and flavour essential to Napoli coffee.
For the ultimate convenience and authenticity, Carluccio’s Napoli Coffee Beans offer a perfectly crafted blend that embodies these qualities.
Read our guide to choosing Napoli style coffee here.
How to brew a cup of authentic Napoli coffee
Whether you’re using a traditional cuccuma or a modern espresso machine, the brewing method plays a crucial role in capturing the essence of Napoli coffee.
Espresso machine
- Grind size: Use a fine grind to ensure optimal extraction.
- Tamping: Tamp the coffee grounds firmly but evenly to create a smooth, consistent shot.
- Brewing time: Aim for 25–30 seconds to extract a rich, balanced espresso with a thick crema.
Read how to make an authentic Italian espresso here.
Cuccuma
The cuccuma, or Neapolitan flip coffee pot, is a traditional brewing method unique to Naples. It creates a strong, aromatic coffee that’s slightly different from espresso but equally satisfying.
Steps:
- Add water to the bottom chamber.
- Fill the filter basket with finely ground coffee.
- Assemble the pot, heat it until steam emerges, and then flip it over to let the water drip through the grounds.
Moka pot
A moka pot is a popular alternative for brewing Napoli-style coffee at home.
Tips:
- Use a medium-fine grind and avoid overpacking the filter basket. Heat gently to prevent scorching the coffee.
Read about the history of the Moka pot here.
Enjoy a dark, exotic roast with Carluccio’s espresso di Napoli
Our Napoli espresso coffee has been blended and roasted in the traditional style of the master roasters of Naples, which is the darkest roast in all Italy using Arabica beans with a little kick of Robusta. This blend is rich, lively and well-rounded, presenting dark cocoa, smoky flavours and blackberry notes.
Our Napoli espresso beans can also be ground finely for use in an espresso machine. When ground coarse for use in a cafetiere, it can present flavours of cinnamon and cherry.
Napoli coffee vs. other Italian styles
Italian coffee varies widely by region, with each city boasting its own distinct style. Here’s how Napoli coffee compares to other famous varieties:
Napoli vs. Milano coffee
- Roast: Napoli coffee is darker and more robust, while Milano coffee features lighter roasts with delicate, floral notes.
- Flavour: Napoli coffee is intense and bold; Milano coffee is smooth and mild.
Napoli vs. Roma coffee
- Roast: Roma coffee sits between the lighter Milano and darker Napoli roasts.
- Flavour: Roma coffee is balanced and versatile, whereas Napoli coffee leans towards intense and full-bodied.
Napoli vs. Sicilian coffee
- Roast: Both favour dark roasts, but Sicilian coffee often incorporates local ingredients like almond milk for a unique twist.
- Flavour: Napoli coffee is purist in its approach, while Sicilian coffee offers a sweeter, more aromatic experience.
Read our guide to the history and culture of Italian coffee here.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Napoli coffee different from other Italian styles?
Napoli coffee stands out for its bold, robust flavour, achieved through dark roasting and traditional brewing methods.
Why is sugar often added to Neapolitan coffee?
The dark roast of Napoli coffee has a natural bitterness that pairs perfectly with a touch of sugar, enhancing its rich, complex flavours.
Where can I buy authentic Napoli coffee beans?
Carluccio’s Napoli Coffee Beans are the perfect choice for recreating the authentic Napoli coffee experience at home.
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