Attention coffee aficionados! Ever stumbled upon a unique antique coffee brewer and just had to take it home? That’s exactly how I discovered the fascinating Neapolitan Flip, also known as a Napoletana or cuccumella in its native Italy.
This charming little brewer, with its simple design and gravity-powered brewing process, instantly captured my imagination. I couldn’t resist bringing it home and trying it out. Even though I’ve tinkered with the process to achieve the perfect cup, the Neapolitan Flip remains a source of endless fascination, especially its captivating name that sounds like a delightful cocktail!
A Journey Through Time: The Neapolitan Flip’s History
The Neapolitan Flip traces its roots back to the 17th century in the vibrant city of Naples. It’s believed to have been inspired by an earlier coffee pot invented by the French Archbishop Jean-Baptiste de Belloy. This elegant little pot quickly gained popularity throughout Naples and Southern Italy, becoming a staple in many homes. While it bears a striking resemblance to the modern moka pot, the Neapolitan Flip relies on gravity instead of pressure to brew your coffee. Its small size makes it ideal for a single serving, and the durable aluminum construction ensures long-lasting enjoyment.
A Tweak for Better Taste: My Neapolitan Flip Hack
The traditional method calls for brewing the coffee directly on the stovetop. However, I found that exposing the coffee grounds to the intense heat of the stove often led to a bitter brew. So, I decided to experiment. Instead of brewing on the stovetop, I pre-boil the water in a separate pot, avoiding the intense heat and potential for bitterness. This simple adjustment has made a noticeable difference in the taste of my coffee.
Brewing with Caution: Mastering the Neapolitan Flip
The Neapolitan Flip offers a truly hands-off brewing experience, but it’s crucial to be mindful of a few key points. Since you can’t see the coffee brewing, it’s impossible to gauge the exact drip-through time. However, aiming for less than 4 minutes is a good starting point. Remember that the pot gets extremely hot, so always handle it with care, especially when pulling the parts apart to check the brewing progress.
A Simple Guide to Perfect Neapolitan Flip Coffee
Follow these simple steps to craft a delicious cup of coffee using your Neapolitan Flip:
- Ratio: Use 18 grams of coffee to 280 grams of water (approximately 3 level tablespoons of coffee to 10 ounces of water). Adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Grind: Grind your coffee medium-coarse, similar to the texture you’d use for a paper filter. Aim for a consistency roughly equivalent to Sugar in the Raw.
- Boil Water: Boil water in a separate kettle or pot. You can either measure out 280 grams of water or place the water chamber on a scale and pour 280 grams after the water boils. Never fill the water chamber higher than the tiny hole, whether boiling water directly in the pot or adding it later.
- Prepare the Filter: While the water boils, add your ground coffee to the filter fitting and screw the filter cap on tightly.
- Assemble the Brewer: Once the water boils, pour it into the water chamber. Securely attach the filter fitting to the base, followed by the serving/pouring chamber on top, ensuring its mouth fully covers the filter cap.
- Flip and Brew: Carefully flip the pot so that the water chamber is now on top. Some Italians advocate for a quick whack against the counter to encourage better water flow, but this is entirely optional. Be mindful that some water will spurt out of the steam-vent hole, so point the pot away from you.
- Enjoy! After about four minutes, the water should have completely dripped through the coffee and collected in the serving pot. Remove the water chamber and filter fitting, and place the lid on the server before pouring to prevent cooling and protect your hand from steam.
Share Your Flip Tips!
Have you ever used a Neapolitan Flip? Do you have any unique brewing tips or tricks? We’d love to hear them! Share your knowledge and experiences with other coffee enthusiasts in the comments below.
