A trip to the past: Learn about the history of the moka coffee maker
Currently, we can find coffee machines of all models, sizes and colors. But there is one, which continues to preserve that special little corner in almost all kitchens in the world (if not all). Well yes, we talk about the mocha coffee maker of a lifetime, also known as an Italian coffee maker. One of the accessories that cannot be missing in the homes of those who love a strong cup in the morning.
In addition to preparing delicious coffee, this coffee maker is also an icon of vintage style and at the same time, it is a emblem of italian culture. Despite being known for both aspects, very few people know about its influence within the coffee world.
That is why, Incapto Coffee, invites you to continue reading to discover its origins, and how this simple coffee maker managed to revolutionize espresso, displacing home preparation.
Appearance of coffee in Italy
As is well known, the moka coffee maker has European nationality, specifically Italian. But before focusing directly on its origins, we would like to detail how coffee arrived in Italy, where it all really began.
Turns out, coffee surprised the Italians back in the 16th century, being presented as an exquisite, exotic and luxurious product. The latter was due to its high cost. So, only wealthy people had access to the drink, in the so-called commercial coffee houses. In these places they used to prepare and serve it, in their respective containers. As for the preparation, they used the hot infusion method. Which consists of pouring hot water to make drinks, in this case coffee or tea.
The appearance of this product caused such a stir that it motivated many to look for different ways to prepare coffee, without any complications. Experimenting with various methods led to extraction by steam. Thus welcoming the first espresso machines, which conquered the market in 1884. Thanks to this way of preparation, the extraction time of the drink improved significantly. Since, they could serve several cups of freshly brewed coffee in record time.
The first espresso machines
You're probably wondering, how did the first espresso machines work? The answer is that boiling water under pressure was used for this. With the purpose of forcing the steam and it will pass through a fine grinding of coffee. This resulted in a concentrated drink, with a strong flavor and available to reach the cup quickly.
These coffee makers were too large, so they were only used commercially. That is, in North American-style bars, where customers ordered and received their coffee at the bar. At that time, serving the drink directly to the table had not yet been implemented. Therefore, this fast service was a perfect fit for those workers who had little time during their rest hours. Strange as it may seem, this tradition continues more in force than ever.
How was the moka coffee maker born?
During the fifties, Italian houses had coffee as their main product. This incredible product became very popular, as it was able to accelerate consumerism, and increase comfort. Faced with this novelty, the long-awaited home espresso machine began to be reproduced.
The mocha coffee maker, which will never be overshadowed by single-serve coffee machines. It was created by the Italian Alfonso Bialetti in 1933 and was later patented by Luigi de Ponti in his name. But it is Bialetti, who was able to benefit from the economic growth of his country years later.
Regarding its design, at first it was inspired by a primitive washing machine called “lisciveuse”, which was a giant pot, where water was heated along with clothes and soap. But then this changed, it went from being a giant machine to the one we know today. That is, an octagonal model made of aluminum, which fits perfectly on the fire in our kitchens. In relation to the price, it has always turned out to be one of the most economical since its creation.
Its domestic use model is divided into three main parts. As with the espresso machine, the boiling water is pressurized by the steam, which passes through the grinder. Steam is created inside the boiler. Subsequently, the pressure increases until finally the water passes through the funnel and is ground, thus entering the upper chamber. Regarding its sound, it is quite familiar, because you hear that characteristic bubbling when the boiler is practically empty, and it warns that our coffee is ready.
Although the moka coffee maker does not produce cream, it is capable of giving us a shot of coffee very similar to espresso, becoming an important contribution to the growth of coffee culture.
Where does your name come from?
Although many call it an Italian coffee maker, its real name is mocha, and it is in honor of a city named the same, which was until the 18th century one of the most important ports, since it was where coffee from Yemen was exported to Europe.
In short, the mocha managed to break all the molds and became a commercial success. In fact in the book of Tristan Stephenson, titled 'The curious barista's guide to coffee', details that in less than ten years, the espresso surpassed its goals, after selling 20 million units, a figure that coincides with the increase in coffee consumption at home during the years 1955 and 1970. Currently, Bialetti assures that its moka coffee maker is in nine out of ten homes in Italy.
The Italian coffee maker conquers the world
As expected, the Italian Alfonso Bialetti had already established himself as the largest device manufacturer to prepare coffee, in the fifties. This opened the doors to the international market. To the surprise of many, at the end of the 20th century, sales reached close to 220 million.
His fame and fortune was due in large part to his influence in the introduction of coffee culture, in the world, even competing espresso machines also contributed. Which were influenced by the innovations of the manufacturing industry of the 20th century, where materials such as aluminum emerged, one of the most accessible on an industrial scale. Furthermore, the Italian community also played an important role in popularizing the drink.
It should be noted that, today, imports and exports have a demand for the robusta variety of grains. Because they meet all the requirements of the espresso guild, and the moka coffee maker contributed grain of sand for its consolidation.
According to a report issued by Netherlands Import Promotion Center, They detail that Italy is the second largest importer of green coffee in Europe. And the second exporter of roasted coffee on the entire continent. Deriving growth for those coffee growers in the world. Especially for those who can meet the demanding requirements of the industry.
In recent years, the coffee selected is of superior quality, the same as that used to make cappuccino, espresso or filtered, and which has had significant growth. However, the figures were not the same for instant coffee, which registered a decline in 2015.
Bet on natural grains!
There is no doubt that the moka coffee maker has positively influenced sales. At the same time, it has been responsible for expanding coffee culture in all corners of the world. That is why more and more people are buying natural beans to prepare a good espresso at home. If you fall into this group, we invite you to visit the product catalog of Incapto Coffee and select the one of your preference.
To enjoy a good cup, the ideal is to grind your own beans. That is why our team of experts recommends you use a manual grinder. Because they turn out to be quite economical and are capable of controlling the type of grinding we want. As if that were not enough, in addition to providing the necessary dose of coffee, we can also take them everywhere and enjoy our favorite drink anywhere.
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