What are the must-read coffee books? Are there any in-depth resources on espresso? How can someone become a true taster?
Even if it could seem like a trivial subject, discussing coffee has numerous elements that go beyond its aroma or the tastiest recipes.
Behind the espresso is a massive economic structure with significant social repercussions. Over fifty tropical nations, where many resources are consumed, depend on the product as their main economic driver.
One of the most popular drinks in the world, the black beverage contains traditions, manufacturing methods, and harvesting, drying, grinding, and roasting processes in every cup. There are therefore entire cultures that have their own distinctive ways of experiencing coffee in addition to the production system.
For instance, if you enjoy coffee, you may learn about the various ways it is served around the world by looking up Instagram profiles to follow.
Because of this, the topic has a true literature that includes amusing, in-depth, technical, or fictitious materials.
Since we at Pontevecchio have been making lever coffee machines for years and are intimately familiar with the coffee industry, we are aware of the extent to which production and traditions influence the way that a good espresso is made and tasted.
For people who adore espresso, those who want to understand the subtleties of the beverage’s flavour, and those who want to concentrate on the production processes, we have created a special list of the finest books on coffee.
Let’s investigate them now.
Best books about coffee
Some of the top coffee books on the market may be found in this section. Some people use the traditions and uses that the drink inspired to narrate the tale of the beverage. Others focus on the different ways that the most popular mix in the world may be used in cooking. However, everyone agrees that coffee is a topic that has many facets, from a social and economic perspective to the extraction techniques and countless recipes that are accessible.
Let’s explore the books about coffee that can be consumed in a single sitting, or more accurately, in a single sip.
1. Caffè sommelier
Caffè Sommelier is one of the best books about coffee; it is packed with stories, descriptions, and insights into the culture and background of coffee. It was written by Luigi Odello, president of the Centro Studi Assaggiatori and the Istituto Internazionale Assaggiatori Caffè, and it is jam-packed with stunning photos captured by still-life specialist Fabio Petroni.
For coffee lovers, each page has useful information. For example, the author discusses the history of coffee, where the first crops were grown, and the steps required to get coffee into homes and bars.
There is also no shortage of recipes and guidelines for serving espresso like a true aficionado.
We are, in essence, dealing with a true treatise written for individuals who view the aroma of espresso as an artistic creation, deserving of knowledge in all of its intricacies, including: flavour, origins, harvest, roasting, variants accessible, and organoleptic features.
2. Il mondo del caffè
Il mondo del caffè, a book by Slow Food, is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about any element of coffee, with a focus on the circumstances of its growth and harvest.
The ecological and social sustainability of the businesses that operate in the regions where coffee is produced is carefully considered by the author, James Hoffmann.
The book depicts a gruelling trip, from the woodlands where the Coffea plant is born to the tables of millions of consumers,
Every detail is taken into consideration, including geopolitical linkages and commercial dynamics that have an impact on the existence of whole populations and territory.
Therefore, what we receive in our cups is not just a basic beverage; rather, it is the outcome of historical, social, and economic changes, all of which must be considered throughout the selection and purchasing process.
3. Dalla parte del caffè. Storia, ricette ed emozioni
Among the books to consider as presents for coffee lovers, Manuel Terzi’s is undoubtedly one of the best. The most popular beverage in the world is the subject of an intriguing historical and emotional entwining that goes beyond a chronological reconstruction of the crucial events that brought the beans into our homes. Not at all. Coffee, according to the author, is a form of ritual that has changed over time without losing its significance.
Coffea plants originated in Africa and have since spread throughout the world, where innumerable cultivars with various smells have been created.
In addition to the description of the origins, “Dalla parte del caffè. Storia, ricette ed emozioni” also contains several practical tips to inspire the reader to purchase. There is also no shortage of knowledge regarding the best way to store coffee so that its organoleptic characteristics remain intact until consumption.
4. Manuale dell’amatore del caffè
The “Manuale dell’amatore del caffè”, which first appeared in Italy in 1836, is a book that recounts the strangest and most fascinating tales about the dark beverage that is so adored around the globe. It also contains useful instructions on how to serve coffee to visitors properly.
The book, which has French origins and is devoted to those with “delicate tastes”, provides a realistic and engrossing portrait of European life and culture in the nineteenth century.
It shows the route taken by coffee to get to Naples, which is both the origin and symbol of the renowned “tazzulella ‘e cafè”.
The author interjects humorous asides and offers anecdotes about the many prohibitions on drinking the beverage up until its official acceptance.
To serve and enjoy a drink, however, one must be able to choose a blend, recognise the various roasting levels, and grind the grains precisely in accordance with the preparation procedure. Without sacrificing politeness or the fundamental tenets of etiquette.
5. Conosco il caffè: Raccolta, miscelazione, torrefazione, preparazione, macinazione e degustazione del caffè
The book by Jessica Simms is a thorough practical guide covering every element of bean selection, preparation, and taste.
This book about coffee may undoubtedly be listed among the must-haves.
The variety of beans used in the preparation of the beverage is one element that must not be disregarded. Because of this, the author concentrates on seeds, plants, and cultivars while also providing a summary of the key coffee-producing nations in the globe.
The various harvesting, processing, and drying techniques, as well as roasting, are crucial for giving the beverage the proper sensory qualities.
The processes in which you have more freedom of choice are the selection of the blend and the grinding. You can directly contact expert roasters or select the blends on the market based on your preferences.
Even the preparation techniques are covered in this manual, including a description of the various scents that are produced by an Italian coffee maker, a French press, or an American coffee carafe.
6. Mondo caffè. Storia, consumo ed evoluzione di un’invenzione meravigliosa
In a book with a preface by Luciano De Crescenzo, authors Andrea Cuomo and Anna Muzio take readers on a global tour of the flavours and aromas of coffee.
After an interesting detour on coffee-producing nations and the expansion of the beverage worldwide, the essay then moves on to discuss espresso, which for Italians is the real Made in Italy coffee.
Numerous terminology that are relevant to the extraction of espresso have been developed, enabling us to better define the entire wonderful world of coffee extract.
Initially outlawed, today’s caffeine-based beverage is seen favourably even by science, which does not vilify a modest espresso intake.
From there, we continue by describing the various coffee-based recipes and ending with suggestions for where to find the best coffee in the world.
7. La tazzina del diavolo. Viaggio intorno al mondo sulle vie del caffè
A year on the trail of coffee, is what Stewart Lee Allen describes after devoting a time in his life to tracking the path of coffee culture.
In 1988, the author left Kenya, from where he reached Ethiopia and stopped in the city of Harar, where the story of the drink originates.
From there he moves to Jijiga, a place known for the ceremonial dedicated to the “devil’s mixture”.
Then he departs for Yemen and arrives in al-Makkah, where it appears the name of the Moka originates (al-Makkah was erroneously pronounced Moka).
After an engaging narrative, the protagonist travels from Yemen to Turkey and then on to Vienna, London, and Paris, where the first cafés were established. Later, he relocated to Normandy, where coffee starts its voyage to the New World, and established one of the most significant companies in history.
8. Caffè. Varietà e origini, tecniche di preparazione cocktail e ricette
Since practically everyone in the globe shares a passion for this beverage, black gold from the tropics produces a tremendous amount of commerce.
Despite being seen as an exclusively Italian custom, coffee brings people from all over the world together. This volume discusses varied consumption patterns, applications, and preparation techniques.
Additionally, the book includes more than 60 recipes using coffee to make delicious dishes or drinks for serious coffee lovers.
Two hundred pages of in-depth, thorough studies of the coffee industry are accompanied by intriguing, well-kept photos that highlight this delectable habit.
There must be explanations of the stages of harvesting and processing in such a comprehensive work, along with descriptions of the key bean kinds.
One of the coffee books dedicated to those who desire a feast of knowledge and more.
9. Tè, caffé, cioccolata. I mondi della caffeina tra storie e culture
One of the most often used stimulants worldwide is caffeine. This plant derivative is sold and used without any limitations or prejudices, unlike many other medications or spices that have been outlawed or stigmatised.
It is widely accepted and consumed without restrictions or prohibitions all throughout the world.
The book by Bennett A. Weinberg and Bonnie K. Bealer is fascinating research on the history of caffeine and how it dominated the economy and society.
The writers examine the history of the substance from its discovery to the present and show how it has swept aside all barriers of class and privilege.
It has been essential to medicine since ancient times, and over time it has developed into a substance valued for its healing and energising qualities. It is a component of numerous consumer goods that have intermittently been banned due to possible danger.
10. Il Caffè Espresso, la scienza della qualità
Buying the volume written by Andrea Illy is a sure-fire way to get a thorough and accurate book on coffee. The patron of the most popular Italian coffee brand, Illy, provides a straightforward text on the full quality chain that must be followed to produce a cup with the best possible qualities.
International studies on all aspect of the blend’s manufacture, from botany to cultivation, including the roasting and grinding procedures, are collected in this book.
When it comes to such a crucial commodity from an economic standpoint, nothing should be left to chance. But more importantly, when a beverage becomes so well-known that it becomes a mark of health and sociality.
It is a text for true professionals that must be studied in-depth to properly value the steps that lead to the tasting of authentic espresso
Now, we are certain that you are a true coffee lover. In reality, only a coffee fanatic would comb through all the books on the subject to determine where to focus his attention.
But if drinking coffee is genuinely your thing, why not indulge in your favourite beverage while reading a decent book about it?
With Pontevecchio’s made in Italy coffee machines, every aromatic note becomes a zap for the taste buds, and while reading your coffee book, it can only become the cherry on top.
Discover the models of Pontevecchio lever coffee machines and you will surely find the inspiration and energy to dive into reading.
MetaDescription: Do you enjoy drinking and preparing coffee? The best coffee table books may be found right here, so don’t miss them!