Jebena

The jebena is a clay pitcher with a round base, long neck and peak. In Ethiopia and Eritrea it is the center of the coffee ceremony: the grains are tasted in a flat pan, milled in a mortar and boiled in the jebena with water. It is then served from a certain height in small cups without handles.

The ceremony has three rounds with the same pods, adding water each time: abol, the strongest; tona; and baraka, which means "blessing." For guidance, about 50 g of coffee per 600 ml of water. The long neck helps the pores stay in the belly when serving.

• In favor: an object with much meaning and ritual.
• In favor: give several rounds with the same coffee.
• Against: fragile and difficult to clean inside.
• Against: it is not easy to find outside Ethiopian product stores.

A jebena costs about €15-40. As with any piece of mud to cook, choose lead-free mud and cover it before first use. It works on gas or coal, not induction.

Cheapest alternative: a small spleen with beak. Boil the coffee the same; just let the pores rest before serving.