Copper Turks: features, application and care

Copper turk is a rather popular type of tableware that is used to make natural coffee. This is a very ancient version of kitchen utensils. Its homeland is the Arabian Peninsula, although later it began to be actively used in Turkey, where it got its modern name. In our article, we will take a closer look at the features of the Turks made of copper, its pros and cons, the nuances of use, choice and subtleties of caring for it.

The copper Turk came to us from ancient times. Among the Arabs, it received another name - cezva. The turka was made precisely of copper, which was no coincidence, since this metal is characterized by excellent thermal conductivity. It was enough to put coffee and water in a copper Turk and sprinkle it with hot sand to get a fragrant and tasty drink. The modern copper turk has a number of features.

• Thermal conductivity. As already noted, it was this feature that made copper Turks in demand. If we compare this indicator with aluminum products, then in copper dishes it is 9 times higher. Thanks to the rapid heating and cooling, the coffee does not spill onto the stove during preparation. In such a dish, coffee can reveal its aroma to the maximum.
• Reliability. Copper Turks do not break under mechanical stress. They perfectly tolerate temperature changes. For example, they can be washed in cold water immediately after boiling, they are not afraid of falling or being hit.
• Narrow neck of the container. Copper coffee Turks have the narrowest neck, which is one of the undeniable advantages.The narrow neck quickly closes up with the froth of the coffee, which keeps all the essential oils from evaporating.
• Price. Cezves made of copper are generally cheaper than the same products, but made of different materials. Usually, a copper Turk can be purchased for 500 rubles, while a ceramic version will cost from 1300 rubles.
• Durability. Copper Turks are already time-tested, since they originated in the Copper Age, and since that time have remained unchanged in shape.
• Harmfulness. As you know, copper is dangerous to humans because it creates harmful soluble compounds. To avoid its negative effects, copper dishes were coated with food-grade tin or silver from the inside. It is clear that the second option is used exclusively for expensive dishes.
• Special care. Copper turk requires special care. In order to preserve the tin layer inside the dish, it is necessary to wash the product without using abrasive and acidic substances; metal sponges should be abandoned. The inner surface should be rubbed with special compounds that will prevent scratches and metal oxidation.

Today, you can find several varieties of copper turkey on sale. It is worth considering their features in more detail.

• Fine copper. This option can be viewed as a simple "tin". It is suitable as a souvenir, as it is usually decorated with stylish patterns. The wall thickness is rather thin and the edges of the cookware usually go untreated.

• Made of thick copper. This option is optimal for making real coffee. The thickness of the metal affects the evenness of the heating of the drink. The thicker the better. The thick-bottomed versions will help you unleash the flavor of this amazing drink.

• Stamped. This option is rather rough, since it is usually made of thick copper, it is characterized by the presence of processed edges, as well as a thickened bottom. The neck is usually narrower than the bottom. These options are fairly common.

• With chasing. This option attracts attention with its exquisite appearance, and is also ideal for preparing delicious coffee.

Today, the concept of "whole" Turk is often encountered. Of course, it is difficult to imagine something else, but thanks to low-quality manufacturers, it is recommended to buy exactly one-piece models. Some manufacturers make the Turk in two parts, while the weld seam is visible, which runs vertically. It is customary to hide it with decorative elements.

Usually, for this purpose, uneven notches are used to imitate scales. Be careful, you should avoid such options, because the seam can oxidize or leak. When falling, such a Turk can be scattered into 2 parts.

The turka should be solid-rolled, that is, made from one workpiece, there should be no seams. Of course, all models for ease of use are presented with handles, so only the only attachment on the Turk is possible - the handles to the container. The most popular option is a 100 ml Turk, since it allows you to make coffee for two, but few people buy large containers (500 ml).

Handles are made of wood. Some models are available with removable handle, which contributes to more comfortable storage.

Today, the copper turkey is quite popular with coffee drinkers, so it is worth considering its strengths and weaknesses. The advantages of copper Turks include the following:

• good heat transfer - the walls of the vessel heat up quite quickly and evenly, which has a positive effect on the preparation of coffee, since the coffee powder completely gives off its taste;
• excellent durability - a copper product is capable of withstanding impacts, it is not afraid of direct contact with fire;
• rich history - the Turks appeared many centuries ago, so we can say for sure that their design has stood the test of time;
• clever design - the traditional shape has a narrow neck, which contributes to the best preparation of an exquisite drink.

A copper turka also has some disadvantages.

• Preservation of taste and smell. Copper is able to be impregnated with the aroma of a coffee drink. If you prepare one type of coffee for a long time, and then switch to another, then the aroma of the original version will be felt for some time.
• High price. If we compare the cost of a good copper turk with dishes made of some modern materials, then copper is always more expensive.
• Special care. You should use special means for cleaning Turks both outside and inside. It is necessary to prevent contact of dishes with acids. It is strictly forbidden to use abrasive products, as well as metal meshes.

Copper Turk is in high demand among coffee connoisseurs, as it is able to reveal the taste of this amazing drink. With its help, you can quickly prepare a fragrant drink that will maintain its temperature for a long time. The ideal shape and comfortable handle, reliability and durability, ease of cleaning and attractive appearance are the indisputable advantages that make such a Turk a favorite among coffee lovers.

If we consider a ceramic cezve, then it is worth noting that this container is perfect for preparing various types of coffee, since it does not absorb foreign odors and essential oils. If we talk about what is better, then it is worth giving preference to ceramics, since it is a more environmentally friendly product: does not create harmful compounds and does not come into contact with other substances.

Although it is known that ceramic dishes are fragile and cost more than copper. If you use the dishes carefully and the issue of cost does not play a big role, it is better to purchase a ceramic cezve. If it happens that the dishes slip out of your hands, then preference should be given to copper models.

When choosing a Turkish for personal use, you should not blindly believe all the words of the seller, it is better to prepare in advance by considering the basic requirements for these products. A copper turka should not only be of high quality, but also have an attractive appearance. You should be careful not to buy a fake. Today, many Russian manufacturers offer high-quality cezves. For example, products from a domestic company are in great demand. "Stanitsa" from Pyatigorsk.

So, when choosing a copper turkey, you should pay attention to several factors.

• The form. It should be tapered, with the neck usually 2-3 times narrower than the bottom. This shape warms up the liquid quickly and also minimizes the possibility of evaporation of coffee oils. The narrow neck in tandem with the foam of the drink helps to preserve the aroma and taste of the coffee.
• The size. Cezve doesn't have to be big. The best choice would be a container of 100 ml. It is usually said that the smaller the size of the Turks, the more aromatic the coffee turns out. It is worth choosing the volume of the container depending on the number of people who will drink coffee.
• Wall thickness. The best option is a metal thickness of 1.5 mm.This option allows you to heat the coffee not very quickly, but evenly. The thick-bottomed models are ideal for making coffee on the sand.

But it is better to refuse thin-walled containers, because they belong to low quality products. The inner coating plays a significant role. It must be presented in an even layer, without damage.

• A pen. If the Turk will be used for making coffee on sand or on a stove, then the handle should be long and attached at a certain angle, which will minimize the possibility of burns. The handle should be non-hot, so it is better to choose models with a wooden handle, although metal options are also possible, but with low thermal conductivity. You should immediately abandon plastic, since it emits an unpleasant odor when heated.

Every coffee connoisseur will confirm that if the drink boils, then it has lost all value - exquisite aroma and taste. For this reason, coffee should be brewed, not brewed. It goes like this:

• pour ground coffee into a container;
• add sugar to taste;
• pour cold water;
• put the Turk on a stove or sand and wait for the liquid to heat up;
• mix thoroughly even before foam forms;
• when the first bubbles appear and the foam darkens, the Turk should be removed from the stove or sand.

Do not put a copper pot on a glass-ceramic hob. It is imperative to use an adapter that will prevent direct contact between the copper and the plate surface.

A copper turka needs special care to stay beautiful and clean. It is worth adhering to the following rules when caring for and storing copper cezve:

• coffee should not be left in the turk after preparation, because then copper oxidizes;
• to clean the outside of copper, do not use abrasive or hard objects, as well as products with particles that can scratch the surface;
• you cannot wash the Turk in the dishwasher, since copper darkens, and the product may lose its shape;
• it is worth washing the Turk immediately after use, as well as wiping it dry;
• you should take care of the appearance - from time to time rub the Turk with a soft piece of cloth;
• to get rid of scale, you can use various natural remedies that every housewife has at hand, for example, citric acid;
• in order to cleanse the Turk from adhesion of fat, oxidation and other types of pollution at home, you can use ammonia, ketchup, milk whey, vinegar with salt or brine - each option will give the product beauty and shine.

For information on how to properly brew coffee in a copper turk, see the next video.