Coffee from Portugal: varieties, characteristics and secrets of use

Being in Portugal, many travelers seek to bring their loved ones a gift of coffee. It is this drink that amazes with its wide variety of varieties, as well as its unusual taste properties.In this article we will look at the features of coffee from Portugal.

It is no secret that in Portugal coffee is consumed in large volumes (2 kg per year). This strong drink is notable for excellent taste and unique aroma. Interestingly, the Portuguese themselves at home rarely use coffee. Often prefer to enjoy them in cafes and restaurants.

The coffee market in Portugal is divided into two parts:

• home consumption;
• Horeca (in restaurants).

A large proportion is allocated to the latter (80%). The main suppliers of the drink are Brazil, Africa, Asia, whose coffee grains are of high quality.

The first to discover the unusual qualities of this drink is a monk from Ethiopia - Kaldim, who was feeding the goats in the mountains. In the distant 850 g of N e, the shepherd saw that the animals, eating the grains of an unknown plant, become agitated. The monk made them coffee. He was not very pleasant. All night Kaldim could not sleep. After this incident, the rest of the monks found out about the interesting properties of the drink. Coffee was used to stand for hours of prayer. Soon the whole world learned about the drink.

In order to fully enjoy the drink, the fruits are first harvested, then processed and fried. To make the grain more attractive, polishing is applied in special drums. Dried, processed grains are packed. Good coffee, like wine, requires aging.

A tourist who first came to Portugal and wanted to try Portuguese coffee may face some difficulties when ordering it. There is a large number of varieties of this drink.

• Bica or café. This 2/3 cup filled with a drink will resemble an espresso. If you say café, then the Portuguese can clarify the issue of choosing a coffee. If the download is more accurate - bica (with an emphasis on I), then your preference will be clear.
• Curto. This is a fairly strong version of the previous coffee. Literally one short sip will be enough to cheer up, recharge your energy and vivacity.
• Café cheio. Café cheio is a bica filled to the brim. This drink is similar to espresso, which is made in our country, but in Portugal it is much stronger.
• Pingado. Pingado is a bica with a small proportion of milk. It will appeal to those who appreciate the milder taste of coffee.
• In café com cheirinho some alcohol is added.
• Meia de leite differs from bica cup size in which the product is served. It will add half the milk.
• Abatanado is a familiar American. Connoisseurs of the drink will be able to taste its taste properties. Galão. This drink is served in an impressively sized glass. Here only ¼ coffee is used, and the rest is milk. The drink is similar to cappuccino, only foam is not present in it. There are several varieties of similar coffee: galão claro (only a little coffee, the rest is milk) and galão escuro (1/3 coffee, and the rest is milk).

You have chosen the drink you want to try in Portugal. Now it is important to know how it can be ordered while in a cafe or restaurant. Of course, you can learn different phrases in the local language, showing your skills and knowledge. It is worth remembering that if you are in a tourist area, you will be understood, even if you say “American” or “Cappuccino”. Therefore, you can not learn the "coffee" phrases in order to enjoy a delicious and healthy drink.

If you still decide to brag about your knowledge, then you can remember a few expressions. For example:

• uma bika (cafe);
• faj Favor (which means - “espresso cup, please”) - in the first part of the phrase you can substitute any drink you want to taste: ohm kurtu (“very strong espresso cup”), pingadou (“espresso cup with a drop of milk”) .

In Portugal, a strong drink is consumed 5 times a day (on average). It is impossible to refuse this fragrant and tasty "drug". That is why he accompanies all meals. But they drink coffee only in small portions.

The basic rule is measure.Tasty and healthy drink has a certain strength, which affects the nervous and cardiovascular systems of man.

In the article we reviewed the basic properties, features of Portuguese coffee. Now you can go to this country, order the aromatic drink you need, and also bring a high-quality tasty souvenir to your friends and relatives. Let every new journey brings joy.

For information on the types, characteristics and secrets of coffee consumption from Portugal, see the following video.