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Turkish coffee is a traditional method of preparing unfiltered coffee, originating from the Ottoman Empire and now a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is made by simmering very finely ground coffee beans with water (and often sugar) in a special pot called a cezve or ibrik, resulting in a thick, frothy, and aromatic brew served in small cups.
A typical serving is low in calories (around 5-15 calories for an unsweetened cup) and contains negligible fat, protein, or carbohydrates. Its key nutrients come from the coffee compounds themselves, such as antioxidants and a moderate amount of caffeine (about 50-65 mg per small cup).
The coffee grounds are left to settle at the bottom of the cup, and in Turkey, the leftover grounds are often used for fortune-telling (tasseography). This brewing method also allows for the full extraction of oils and compounds from the coffee, giving it a distinctively rich flavor and potential health benefits from higher levels of certain antioxidants.