Time for something a little different. It's been a little while since we've had a coffee from Yemen, the place where coffee was first cultivated.

We were fortunate to get a sample and then purchase a very small amount (20Kg) of this unique coffee through importer 'Aqui Haraz Bunn'. They tell the story of Haraz coffees way better than we could so it's simply copied here:

Yemeni coffee has a rich and fascinating history that dates back centuries. Coffee is believed to have originated in Ethiopia, but it was in Yemen that it was first cultivated and brewed as a beverage. The earliest documented use of coffee in Yemen dates back to the 15th century.

Yemen’s unique climate and geography provided ideal conditions for coffee cultivation, particularly in the mountainous regions. The city of Mocha became a major trading hub for coffee in the 17th century, and its name is now synonymous with high-quality Arabica coffee. Yemeni coffee is often characterized by its rich, full-bodied flavor, with notes of chocolate and spice.

The traditional brewing method, known as “qishr,” involves using the dried husks of the coffee cherries, while the whole beans are often roasted and ground for a more robust drink. Coffeehouses, known as “qahwa,” played a crucial role in Yemeni culture, serving as social and intellectual hubs.

During the 17th century, Yemeni coffee spread to Europe and the rest of the world, influencing coffee culture globally. Despite facing challenges like political instability and climate change, Yemen remains known for its unique coffee varieties, particularly the Arabica beans from regions like Harar and Sana’a. Today, there’s a renewed interest in Yemeni coffee, both for its historical significance and its distinctive flavours.

There's nothing 'typical' about Yemen coffees, but this coffee is simply dried in the skin as is normal from this dry producing country. There's also nothing 'typical' about their flavour profiles, always complex and juicy.