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French coffee has its own reputation. Whilst not as infamous as Italian coffee, drinking coffee in France is still very much an important part of the daily routine. French coffee is a culture in its own right, and as such there are certain etiquettes and traditions that should be followed.
From its beginnings in Paris to the common coffee drinking etiquette in present day France, there’s much to discover about the French coffee culture. Keep reading to find out all you need to know and satisfy the French coffee connoisseur in you.
The history of the French café
French coffee culture actually dates back centuries, primarily in Paris, where cafés would be a place of gathering for men to discuss news, gossip and business. Then, they would later become a place for revolutionists to discuss politics, to the Restoration period, which brought the more relaxed coffee drinking experience that we see today, meeting friends and leisurely catching up.
Sit back and enjoy the coffee
Cafés in France are places to indulge and enjoy coffee. Sitting in the main dining area or outside on the terrace on a hot summers’ day means that you plan on staying for a while and will be waited on. It is all about the coffee experience in France, where you can relax and watch passers-by. Whereas the bar area is for quick stops and no waiting service.
French coffee roast
French roast coffee is a regional coffee roasting style. In the 19th century, dark roast coffee was exceptionally popular. French coffee was one of the darkest roasts, and still remains so. For French coffee, the coffee beans do not need to be from any specific place, as it’s all in the process of roasting.
French roast coffee is intense, smoky and bold in flavour. During the roasting process, the internal temperature of the coffee beans reaches a very high temperature of 240 degrees Celsius. As the colour of the coffee beans begins to darken, more coffee oils appear on the surface. That is why French roast coffee beans are a darker brown and covered with oil.
During the roasting process, French roast coffee beans reach a "second crack". This means the beans make two cracking noises: one from the release of steam and the other when the cell walls of the beans break down and release oils. In most roasts, coffee beans only crack once. The darker the roast, the less caffeine content there is too.
Types of French coffee
When visiting an authentic French café, it’s important to remember that you are unlikely to see a coffee menu. For that reason, it’s good to have an understanding of the most common French coffee drinks available:
Café
If you order "un Café" in France, you will be served with a shot ofespresso, which is the most standard and popular coffee drink you will find in France. It is typically served in ashort, small cup.
Café au Lait
What is it?
“Café au Lait” translates to “coffee with milk". Often, it is made with French pressed coffee and steamed milk is added. This coffee drink is very similar to a latte, but with even more milk. A Café au Lait is typically a breakfast drink.
Café Crème
Very similar to a Cappuccino, a Café Crème is an Espresso-based drink topped with a substantial amount of milky foam. This is again considered a breakfast drink and would not be typically drunk after 11am.
Café NoisetteCafé
Noisette is very similar to the Italian macchiato. It is made with a shot of espresso with a splash of hot, foamy milk. "Noisette" translates to hazelnut, and made correctly, this will be the colour of your Café Noisette coffee drink.
Café Americain
Essentially, the Café Américain is a black Espresso coffee drink, served in a regular mug with added hot water. It is usually served without milk, which can be requested.
Typically, milky French coffees are consumed only in the morning, usually with breakfast – such as a tartine or croissant – and served in a larger, bowl cup. Espresso is not commonly consumed alongside food and instead is drunk after a meal, or on its own in the afternoon.
Now you know all there is about French coffee and the culture, discover all about Spanish coffee.
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As a coffee enthusiast with a deep understanding of various coffee cultures, including French coffee, I can provide valuable insights into the concepts mentioned in the article. My expertise extends to the history, roasting processes, and types of coffee associated with French coffee culture. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts mentioned:
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French Coffee Culture:
- Historical Significance: The article highlights the historical significance of French coffee culture, dating back centuries, primarily in Paris. Cafés served as gathering places for discussions ranging from news and gossip to politics.
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French Coffee Roast:
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Dark Roast Tradition: French coffee is known for its dark roast tradition. In the 19th century, dark roast coffee was particularly popular. French roast remains one of the darkest roasts available, characterized by an intense, smoky, and bold flavor.
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Roasting Process: The roasting process involves reaching high temperatures, up to 240 degrees Celsius. French roast coffee beans undergo a "second crack," resulting in a dark brown color and the appearance of coffee oils on the surface. The article notes that the darker the roast, the lower the caffeine content.
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Types of French Coffee:
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Café (Espresso): Ordering "un Café" in France will get you a standard shot of espresso served in a short, small cup.
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Café au Lait: Translating to "coffee with milk," this drink is made with French pressed coffee and features steamed milk. It is similar to a latte but with a higher milk-to-coffee ratio.
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Café Crème: Similar to a cappuccino, this espresso-based drink is topped with a generous amount of milky foam. It is considered a breakfast drink and is typically consumed before 11 am.
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Café Noisette: Resembling the Italian macchiato, this drink consists of a shot of espresso with a splash of hot, foamy milk. The term "Noisette" translates to hazelnut.
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Café Americain: Essentially a black espresso coffee, the Café Américain is served in a regular mug with added hot water. It is usually consumed without milk.
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French Coffee Drinking Etiquette:
- Café Experience: Cafés in France are places for indulging in and enjoying coffee. The article emphasizes the distinction between sitting in the main dining area or outside for a leisurely experience and opting for the bar area for quick stops with no waiting service.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of French coffee culture, its history, roast preferences, and popular coffee types allows me to provide comprehensive insights into the concepts presented in the article. If you have any specific questions or would like to delve deeper into any aspect of French coffee, feel free to ask.
