The Problem With Cardamom Turkish Coffee
Merchandise, merchandise, merchandise. The good ol’ USA is flooded with products that purport to be Turkish when they aren’t so. Would you believe it? I know it sounds jaded, but I implore you to listen with my clasped psychic hands. From ice cream to cologne, “Turkish Coffee” has become an undeniable buzz-word.
But it is the eccentric spice — which bears no relation to Turkey at all — that is silently murdering the authentic image of Turkish coffee in front of the entire world.
I am talking about cardamom.
Forgive me If I am harsh, because would you believe it — I actually love cardamom. One of my best selling JuJu Turkish Delights utilized black cardamom pods infused with Turkish coffee for a uniquely smoky flavor. This was called Coffee + Cardamom. Very fitting.
This special Turkish Delight (a soft jelly like candy) was as an homage to my dear friend Varun — who is of Indian descent and the owner of Turk’s Inn restaurant in Brooklyn. Varun’s adoration of Turkish culture was the sole inspiration behind me creating these unique candies. A sweet homage to our unified cultures in the form of sweets. Yum!
But before you cry “hypocrisy”, let me elaborate by using two products as examples.
Firstly, the popular Brooklyn Ice Cream brand that produces a “Turkish Coffee” flavor. A cursory glance reveals cardamom as a main ingredient. In Turkey, we never put cardamom in Turkish coffee. So, shouldn’t the ice cream be labeled Turkish Coffee “with” cardamom?
Another is the popular French perfumery that has a scent called “Intoxicated”. The description delineates “Turkish Coffee” as one of the base notes. But, a quick waft reveals powerful notes of cardamom.
How peculiar?
Since cardamom is almost never used in our famous brew, one could argue that these products are altering public perception of what Turkish coffee is. Sacrilege!
Nobody expects falafel when they order a “Classic American Cheeseburger”. Where is the line between blending two distinctive flavors and simply lumping them into a single taste profile drawn?
No offense falafel.
But let me catch my breath, because I am beginning to sound patronizing here. So, let me clarify our matter with an amusing anecdote.
In freshman year of high school, I was sent to principal’s office for a minor offense. It wasn’t for drugs. But when inquired of what Turkey was like, I regaled of the beautiful camels that brought its citizens from the oasis airport into tiny huts. This was absolute bollocks, but it amused me to no end.
Being mischievous and altering susceptible public’s perception of what one’s own culture stands for — it may not be the right thing to do… but God damn. It is kind of fun.
In pursuit of purity, we may be lead astray from adventure — which is where magic resides. So perhaps, cardamom does belong in Turkish coffee even though we never drink it that way in Turkey.
What do you think?
You can write me your thoughts below in the comments to receive a 20% discount code for “Turkish Coffee Room”. Valid for any session until August 31st 2023. I am doing this in honor of my love for Varun who has a heart bigger than all mountains combined.
Oh yes, for reservation’s at Varun’s Turk’s Inn restaurant, you may click here.
When Turkish coffee is mixed with cardamom, we refer to it as “Syrian Coffee”. Sometimes, mastic can be added as an homage to our Greek brothers and sisters who we also love dearly. With the exception of this, Turkish coffee is always — and should be — served black espresso style. At least according to Dr. Honeybrew.
