What are the Flavor Characteristics of Yemeni Coffee Beans and How Much Does a Cup of Pour-Over Yemeni Mocha Coffee Cost

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When it comes to Yemeni coffee beans, one immediately thinks of rich and wild natural processed beans. Since ancient times, Yemeni coffee farmers have followed the traditional cultivation methods passed down from their ancestors. Due to Yemen's rugged terrain that makes cultivation difficult and scarce rainfall, Yemeni coffee farmers mostly choose terraces or low-lying areas for cultivation, selecting locations that avoid intense direct sunlight. Additionally, most Yemeni farmers are impoverished and unable to use pesticides, thus they almost exclusively adopt natural organic cultivation methods.

Mattari is the most well-known and highest altitude Yemeni coffee growing region, located in the Bani Matar highlands west of the capital Sana'a. The beans are elongated in shape with strong, rich flavors and distinct berry aromas.

Flavor Profile

Rich and full-bodied yet clean flavor lines, lower acidity but charming fruity notes, berries, black currant, chocolate, honey, fruitiness with a persistent sweet aftertaste.

One of the World's Most Arid Countries

Yemen is one of the most arid countries in the world. Economically, the country currently relies on oil exports for three-quarters of its income, but the World Bank predicts that its reserves will be depleted around 2017. This country, which was once self-sufficient through agriculture, now imports 80% of its agricultural crops. Reasons include population growth and water scarcity caused by locals' over-cultivation of "Qat" (also known as khat or Arabian tea), a crop with a history as long as coffee.

Qat is a commonly used social drug among residents of the Arabian Peninsula. Yemenis like to entertain guests in designated rooms at home, chewing Qat leaves while chatting with friends. It contains the stimulant cathinone, which has effects similar to light amphetamines, providing mental alertness and energy. However, when the drug's effects wear off, users feel depressed. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has not classified it as a narcotic, many Western countries have already banned its import.

On the other hand, Yemen has been troubled by drought problems since ancient times. Its major cities all rely on groundwater sources, with agriculture accounting for 90% of water consumption, and Qat cultivation alone consumes significant water resources. Authorities predict that Sana'a's underground water reserves will be depleted by 2017. Most Yemeni cities are built on high mountains, with residents relying on water from government or private wells. The country has between 40,000 to 70,000 wells, some reaching depths of 600 meters underground. Additionally, pumping water uphill is costly, with the government spending up to $7 billion annually on drilling and water pumping. Therefore, in recent years, local authorities have decided to ban Qat, which both wastes water resources and cannot satisfy hunger, replacing it with other crops. Coinciding with the rise of the specialty coffee trend, the Yemeni government is now actively encouraging farmers to switch to coffee cultivation, which consumes half as much water as Qat.

Production Using the Most Primitive Methods

Authentic Yemeni coffee beans are quite uncommon. After the fruits ripen on the trees, farmers harvest them by hand and dry them on the roofs of stone houses built along the mountainsides. The pulping and hulling processes rely entirely on rudimentary stone grinding equipment. Due to inconvenient transportation, coffee typically changes hands several times during transit, mixing beans of varying sizes and qualities, both new and old. Furthermore, there are many defects and improper processing. By modern cupping standards, Yemeni coffee beans struggle to reach specialty grade. However, high-quality Yemeni coffee beans possess unique flavors: complex Middle Eastern spices, cured meat, ripe fruits, wine notes, cocoa, with a rich mouthfeel and strong sweet aftertaste. Like durian and stinky tofu, people tend to love it or hate it.

Unique Flavor of High-Quality Yemeni Coffee Beans

In terms of growing regions, Mattari, west of the capital, is characterized by heavy body and cocoa notes. Harazi has higher acidity and lighter body. Other regions include Dhamari (also known as Anisi), Ibb, and Sana'a, named after the capital. However, Sana'a is not actually a growing region but rather a brand used by intermediaries who mix cherries collected from neighboring villages for export, similar to how historical Yemeni coffee used the port name Mocha.

Yemeni Coffee Bean Brand Recommendations

Yemen Mocha coffee beans roasted by FrontStreet Coffee offer excellent guarantees in both brand and quality. More importantly, they provide exceptional value for money - a 227-gram bag costs only 85 yuan. Calculating at 15 grams per cup, one bag can make 15 cups of coffee, with each cup costing less than 6 yuan. Compared to café prices that often reach dozens of yuan per cup, this represents a truly conscientious recommendation.

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