How to make coffee that closely resembles early 16-17th century coffees?

How to make coffee that closely resembles early 16-17th century coffees? - Smiling woman drinking coffee in morning

Making my coffee this morning, I found myself wondering what early coffee tasted like. I'm guessing quite different to modern coffee, both in how the beans were, and in how it was prepared or customarily expected to be drunk.

Foods and drinks change over time. I know that it's possible to find places and drinks that are said to more closely resemble historical "chocolatl" drinks. But I can't find the equivalent for early coffeehouse coffee of the 16-17th centuries, or how it was customarily prepared or expected to taste, in those days.

Also, perhaps early middle-eastern coffee from 16the century Turkey and Yemen were different again from the versions that gained popularity in Europe.

I also suspect that I'd have to use a specific type of bean, or prepare the beans a specific way, because the beans themselves have surely evolved and had some traits bred in or out, over time and with massive commercialisation.

Hence my question - if I wanted to experience these early coffees, what should I expect and how can I achieve it?

To be clear, I am excluding coffee that was so early it was basically chewed or bare berries - I'm thinking of early popularised coffees in both Islamic/Middle East areas, and in European areas, if that helps (they could have been quite different).

  • As an aside on this, if any "novelty" or "niche" source these days is actually claiming to make/sell something like this, it would be interesting to know for informational purposes or to perhaps try from them as well. I'm in the UK if relevant, for buying/availability purposes.


Best Answer

I can't answer for the 17th century, but Townsend's has a nice (but long) video on how they prepared coffee in 18th century America. That'll bring you closer to the year you're looking for.

Also, note that, in Europe at least, imitation coffee was quite common. Both deliberate imitation, and fraudlent sales of not-really-coffee.




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How to make coffee that closely resembles early 16-17th century coffees? - Top view of scattered coffee beans placed on wooden table before making coffee
How to make coffee that closely resembles early 16-17th century coffees? - From above of empty mug and coffee beans on wooden table prepared for making coffee
How to make coffee that closely resembles early 16-17th century coffees? - Creative female artisan drawing in workshop





The Perfect Campfire Coffee! - 18th Century Cooking from Townsends




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