On the Arabian Peninsula, right next to the Red Sea, lies a country that produces some of the finest coffee in the world . Yemeni coffee, with a centuries-old tradition, has flourished despite adversity.
Let's travel to discover the reasons for Yemeni coffee's international fame and the incredible details of its production, which make it one of the finest in the world.
History of coffee in Yemen
Yemeni coffee has a rich history dating back to the 15th century, when Sufi monks in Yemen first used coffee beans as a beverage to stay awake during their nightly meditations. Monasteries began brewing coffee around 500 years ago, kicking off the global coffee drinking culture.
Yemen was the first country to export coffee and remained the world's sole coffee exporter for 200 years, from the 16th to the 17th century. They called it Mocha coffee after the Yemeni port of Mocha, from where it was exported.
Coffee-producing regions in Yemen
Coffee in Yemen grows at altitudes ranging from 914 to 2,400 meters above sea level. The terrain is challenging, but thanks to abundant rainfall, humidity, and fertile soils, farmers persevere in the hope of earning a good income.
These coffee-growing families use ancestral techniques passed down through generations to build terraces on their plots. They also employ sustainable agricultural practices to protect the soil, such as planting forest trees. These trees act as windbreaks for the coffee bushes and foster a humid climate in an arid land.
All Yemeni coffee is hand-picked and dry-processed. As a result, like Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, it produces a deliciously sweet beverage. Workers dry the ripe cherries in thin layers on raised beds for 16 to 22 days. They then hull the cherries using a millstone powered by a donkey or camel.
Coffee-growing regions of Yemen
Next comes winnowing, and workers clean the grains by hand. After sorting, the grains are placed in jute sacks, ready for market.
So, in which regions of Yemen does this "black gold" grow? The main coffee-producing areas in Yemen cover 17 of the 21 governorates. However, this amounts to only 4% of Yemen's land area.
Here are some notable coffee-producing areas in the country:
- The Sana'a coffee region encompasses the areas surrounding Yemen's capital. This ancient city is one of the oldest inhabited in the world. Its coffee-growing tradition dates back to at least the 12th century. With an altitude of no less than 2,194 meters, this region is famous for its fruity and fragrant Al-Sanani coffee.
- Bani Mattar The Bani Mattar Mountains are famous for producing the world-renowned Mocha Al-Mattari. This region, with altitudes between 2,500 and 3,000 meters, is the highest coffee-producing area in Yemen. As a result, all beans from this area are SHB (Strictly Hard Bean). They exhibit earthy and tobacco notes, with a grape-like acidity.
- Bani Ismail West of Sana'a is Bani Ismail, famous for producing some of Yemen's most unique coffees. At high altitudes, between 2,000 and 2,900 meters, it produces small, pea-shaped beans that are lighter in intensity than other Yemeni coffees.
- The Hiraz Mountains, west of Sana'a, rise to heights of at least 3,000 meters above sea level. Coffee thrives here among centuries-old stone steps carved into mountain terraces. The high altitude and fertile soils produce premium organic coffee with prominent fruit flavors.
What does Yemeni coffee taste like?
Yemeni coffee beans are famous for their complex flavor profiles. Like all coffees, the flavor varies by region.
Generally, Yemeni coffee is earthy, rich, and bold. Some coffees display noticeable tones of dried fruit, while others tend toward chocolate or wild notes. This coffee has bright, vinous acidity and a smooth, satisfying mouthfeel.
Some Yemeni coffee beans are also famous for their distinctive spicy and herbal aromas. Notable aromas include cinnamon, cardamom, lavender, cranberry, honeysuckle, and juniper berries.
But Mocha coffees are in a class of their own. These coffees, with predominantly chocolate notes, take their name from the port city of Mocha. Hence the association of the word "mocha" with chocolatey coffee.
Due to the relentless heat, the slow growth of the coffee plant, and the dry processing method, almost all Yemeni coffees are sweet. This sweetness ranges from syrupy to almost honey-like. It's no wonder specialty coffee enthusiasts around the world pay premium prices for these beans.
A summary of the flavor profiles of Yemen's top specialty coffees:
- Al-Mattari: This Mocha coffee thrives in the Bani Mattar district. It's full-bodied with bright, vinous acidity. It's also famous for its complex spicy and honeyed aromas. The Arabic Mocha Mattari has delicious chocolate notes that coffee lovers adore!
- Al-Dhamari/Al-Sanani: Al-Dhamari coffee comes from the mountains near southwest Sana'a. Like all Yemeni coffees, it is bold but with a medium body and lower acidity. What distinguishes this coffee is its fruity flavor profile and smooth finish. These qualities give it a complex aroma and a sweet aftertaste. In international markets, it is also labeled as Sanani Mocha or Sanani Arabic Mocha.
- Al-Hirazi/Al-Harazi: Al-Hirazi coffee comes from the second highest mountains in Yemen. It's easily Yemen's most unique coffee. When you drink it, you'll appreciate its bold richness, sensual mouthfeel, and fruity, spicy flavor. Like other Yemeni coffees, it also has a vinous acidity, but with a slightly lighter body.
- Al-Ismaili: Al-Ismaili coffee is grown in the central mountains of Yemen. This distinctive small-bean coffee is earthy yet light, with bright berry tones. It has a distinctive vinous acidity and a fruity flavor profile similar to rooibos. Notes of chocolate, hazelnut, and lemon mark the finish.
A journey through Yemen's coffee culture reveals a rich and fascinating history, centuries-old traditions, and an incredible resilience that allows coffee cultivation to thrive in challenging environments. The unique flavors and aromatic profiles of Yemeni coffee —from fruity and floral notes to hints of chocolate and spice—make it one of the most sought-after specialty coffees in the world. If you're looking to experience a coffee that reflects a deep heritage, distinctive terroir, and unparalleled quality, Yemeni coffee should be at the top of your list.