DECODING DELICIOUS DELICACIES: FILTER COFFEE

When it comes to food, the name of a dish holds meaning beyond just identification. The name of a dish can give insight into the history behind it, the ingredients used, or even the cultural significance it holds. In this series of blogs, we will explore the history behind famous Indian dishes.

Coffee, the aromatic elixir that kick-starts the day for millions around the world, transcends cultural boundaries. From the bustling cafes to the serene hills of Colombia, coffee is not just a beverage; it’s a ritual, a moment of solace, and a catalyst for conversation.

To pay homage to this delicious drink, Taste Atlas, a popular food guide, recently released a list of the ’10 Best Rated Coffees’ in the world. While the list was topped by ‘Café Cubano’ — a sweetened espresso shot which is prepared using dark roast coffee and sugar — The Indian ‘Indian filter coffee’ was ranked in the second position.

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The exact origin story of filter coffee remains shrouded in the mists of time. Legends suggest early coffee consumption in the Middle East relied on methods like the ibrik pot, which doesn't involve filtration. However, the 18th century in Europe witnessed the emergence of filtering techniques.

Coffee beans themselves reached India much earlier. Coffee is believed to have been introduced to India by the Sufi saint Baba Budan in the 17th century. Legend has it that Baba Budan smuggled seven coffee beans from Yemen, where coffee cultivation was thriving. He planted these beans in the hills of Chikmagalur, Karnataka, laying the foundation for coffee cultivation in India.

From Chikmagalur, coffee cultivation spread to other regions of southern India, including Coorg, Wayanad, and Nilgiris. The favourable climate and soil conditions in these regions proved conducive to coffee cultivation, leading to the establishment of coffee plantations and a flourishing coffee industry.

As per another legend, Filter coffee is believed to have emerged from a shortage during World War II when chicory, a roasted root vegetable, was added to coffee to extend supplies. This addition of chicory, with its slightly bitter notes, became a defining characteristic of South Indian filter coffee.

The first coffee house in India opened in Calcutta in 1780, followed by establishments in Madras (Chennai) that further popularized the beverage.

Indian filter coffee is crafted using traditional stainless steel filter equipment, comprising two chambers: the upper chamber holds ground coffee, and the lower chamber collects the slowly filtered brew.

The Birth of Filter Coffee:

Filter coffee, known locally as "Kaapi," emerged as a popular way of preparing coffee in southern India during the early 20th century. Its roots can be traced back to the traditional brewing methods prevalent in the region.

The term "filter coffee" itself speaks volumes about its preparation method. The use of a filter to brew coffee distinguishes it from other brewing techniques like espresso or French press. However, the local name "Kaapi" simply means "coffee" in several South Indian languages, including Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Telugu. It is a colloquial term widely used in South India, especially in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, to refer to the traditional South Indian filter coffee and reflects its Indian roots and pronunciation, indicating its deep-seated cultural connection.

What sets?Indian filter coffee?apart is its distinctive blend of coffee beans, typically a combination of Arabica and Robusta varieties sourced from the lush plantations of?South India. These beans undergo a meticulous roasting process and are dark-roasted, often with a touch of chicory, to enhance the depth of flavour and impart a subtle bitterness to the brew. The ratio of coffee to chicory varies based on personal preference (commonly 80:20 or 70:30).

The?brewing process?itself is an art form, with skilled artisans mastering the technique over generations. Traditional South Indian filter coffee is brewed in a percolator which has a specific stainless steel filter. The slow drip method ensures that the coffee grounds are fully saturated, extracting maximum flavour and aroma without compromising on the smoothness of the final cup. Often left to filter overnight, the resulting freshly brewed mixture is known as ‘decoction’.

The addition of hot milk and sugar further enhances the richness and creaminess of the coffee, creating a sensory experience that captivates the palate. Served in a small steel or brass tumbler called a dabarah?the coffee is traditionally frothed by pouring it to & fro into the?dabarah from an elevation before serving. This causes air to mix with the coffee which results in a dense froth.

In comparison to regular coffee, Indian filter coffee has more caffeine. However, Indian filter coffee is also considered to be rich in antioxidants and high in fibre, which may help prevent heart disease,?cancer, and other ailments. Regular coffee tastes a little bit lighter than filter coffee, which is renowned for having a deeper flavour. While normal instant coffee utilizes processed and refined coffee beans; freshly ground coffee beans are used to prepare filter coffee. Making filter coffee takes longer than making standard coffee drinks like cappuccino and espresso because filter coffee is prepared by brewing slowly.

Furthermore, filter coffee has become an integral part of social gatherings, whether it's catching up with friends at a local "tiffin" shop or celebrating festivals and auspicious occasions. It is often served alongside traditional snacks like "idli," "vada," or "dosas," enhancing the culinary experience.

Coffee & IP:

Coffee has come a long way since its discovery.?However, there are interesting instances of IP rights surrounding filter coffee:

Early Inventions: Coffee was usually brewed by pouring fine coffee powder into hot water and waiting for the powder to settle at the bottom of the pot. Melitta Bentz, a German housewife, was frustrated she had to drink her coffee this way and decided to invent something to prevent the grounds from being mixed in with the water. That led to the creation of the first coffee filter. Bentz’s filter was placed in a cone-shaped cup, and the grounds were placed in the filter.? Hot water was then poured over the grounds, and the coffee dripped through the filter while the grounds remained trapped. The Berlin Patent Office granted Bentz the patent registration for her invention titled?“Filter Top Device Lined with Filter Paper”?(U.S. Patent No. US2234397A) on July 8, 1908. Shortly after that, Bentz went into business with her husband and opened Melitta?, a coffee filter company which is still in operation today.

Unique Filter Designs: A recent innovation in the coffee industry is the invention of single brew filters by Keurig?.? Keurig has changed the way cups of coffee are brewed with the Beverage Filter Cartridge (U.S. Patent No. 5,325,765) which Keurig refers to as a “K-Cup.”

Coffee Blends & Brands: In addition to advances in coffee brewing technology, there has been significant growth in coffee branding worldwide. Starbucks is one of the most popular and widely recognized coffee brands in the world. Their signature mermaid enclosed within a green circle was?protected as a trademark in 1971 and is still used today (Registration No.?1417602).?Starbucks is also the holder of multiple patents, including a design patent for a unique hourglass-shaped COFFEE BREWER (U.S. Patent No.?D606,805) and a patent for their famous drink sleeve that keeps your hands cool while holding the cup, INSULATOR SLEEVE FOR A BEVERAGE CONTAINER (U.S. Patent No.?7,922,031).

So, the next time you indulge in a cup of filter coffee, take a moment to appreciate its journey steeped in history, culture, and how far coffee has come with the help of inventors and intellectual property.