Introduction
Coffee is among the most popular drinks across France, consumed by people of all age groups. Many French people, especially city dwellers, start their day with a cup of coffee and drink it throughout the day to help stay awake and focused. French culture is deeply rooted in the appreciation of quality coffee, with coffee-drinking trends and preferences changing as time passes. French coffee is also informed by the availability of coffee brands and coffee machines in the market, with French coffee-lovers now more conscious of the process, quality and flavors of coffee. Apart from the usual coffee-drinking habits, French people have also embraced other forms of the beverage, like espresso, bulletproof coffee and more.
Types of French Coffee
The most popular type of French coffee is espresso, a concentrated form of coffee produced from beans of arabica species. Many cafes in France offer espresso either as a single or double shot, known as single or double express. A traditional espresso also comes with an additional crema layer on the surface, which is made of a frothy blend of air and oils from the coffee beans. French espresso is also served in its classic form, often referred to as pre filtre de la cafetiere. This type of coffee is a mixture of hot water and grounds of coffee, and is prepared using a cylindrical filter placed over the grounds in a special cafetiere.
Drinking Preferences
Apart from espresso, French people are also known to have a preference for other styles of coffee, like cappuccino, latte, and café au lait. The basic difference between these coffees is the temperature, thinness or texture of the coffee mixture. Cappuccino is usually a thicker, stronger beverage with an added shot of cocoa or cinnamon. Latte is a foamy-textured coffee with a single shot of espresso and a larger amount of hot milk. On the other hand, café au lait is a more traditional beverage that mixes both espresso and hot-milk in equal proportions.
Coffee Making Process
The process of making French coffee also involves some unique methods and techniques. For espresso, the beans used are usually finely ground and tightly compressed. French coffee makers also make sure to evenly distribute the heat to the beans during the extraction process. Care is taken to also maintain the temperature of the brewing process, as the optimal brewing temperature varies with the kind of beans being used. While French coffee makers do not use specific machines for brewing, they do prefer devices that control the temperature, water pressure and the amount of water used for making the coffee.
Coffee Trends
The consumption of coffee in France is currently undergoing a transition, with French coffee drinkers increasingly embracing the culture of specialty coffee. This involves using freshly roasted beans, higher-grade brewing appliances, pour-over techniques, as well as a variety of brewing techniques to get the optimal flavor from each bean. This has been made possible with the entry of international coffee brands in the French market, as well as the surge in popularity of cafes serving quality coffee.
Coffee As a Social Ritual
Coffee-drinking in France is more than just a way to get an energy boost; it is often used as an important part of French social rituals. Coffee-drinking is seen as a way to bond and catch up with friends and family while enjoying the beverage. Since French culture is all about enjoying small pleasures and moments of indulgence, coffee-drinking has become an important part of that.
Coffee Festivals
Apart from the popularity of coffee-drinking in France, many French towns also invite coffee-lovers to festivals that showcase some of the best in coffee-tasting from all over the world. Many of these events are organized in locations that are heavily-influenced by coffee-drinking culture, helping to generate an appreciation among people for the process of coffee-making. From the raw material to the form in which it is served, the playful events offer a unique insight into the intricacies of French coffee-drinking culture.
Coffee With Food
The French love to enjoy their coffee with some food, as the combination is said to bring out the full flavor of each. There are a number of traditional French coffee dishes, like croissants and pain au chocolat, that go perfectly with coffee. These delicacies are usually made with ingredients like milk, butter, and sugar, which enhance the taste of coffee. These and more dishes have been incorporated in the French café culture, helping to create a unique experience for coffee-drinkers.
Conclusion of the French Coffee Culture
The French coffee-drinking culture is a unique one, and both the traditional approach to coffee-making and the importance placed on the quality of coffee beans remains strong. Beyond just being a pick-me-up beverage, coffee-drinking has evolved into a social experience in France. With traditions like the festivals dedicated to coffee-tasting, the French have managed to generate a passionate appreciation towards the beverage across the country.
