Why is Yemeni Coffee the Best Coffee in the World?

posted on: Aug 6, 2020

By: Joyce Behrens/Arab America Contributing Writer

Coffee beans have been in existence for centuries. Since the beginning of international trade, coffee has been one of the main commodities because of the benefits it provides. The main benefit, as we all know, is the ability to keep your focus and concentration from the caffeine. The first and oldest form of coffee originated in the Arab world.

Yemeni coffee is known as the best coffee in the world. There is a delicate process of development that goes into their coffee beans which attributes to its fine distinction. We don’t usually think about the care or the intensive labor that goes into each bean. Also, the flavor palette differs from other standard coffees. Take a glimpse at the daily love and care that goes into what is considered as the first and best coffee in the world.

The Harvesting Process

The climate in Yemen usually consists of high temperatures and drought-like conditions – therefore, it contributes to the harvesting process of these coffee beans. Before the beans become beans, they begin as small, red fruit from Arabica plants known as cherries. The beans are in the inside layer of the cherries; however, they aren’t quite ready to be used. When the cherries are picked, they are dried out in the direct sunlight, and then the outer shells of the cherries are removed by hand to obtain the beans. The method approach used is called the drying process, a technique that has remained unchanged for several hundred years. The drying process is also a contributing factor to how Yemeni coffee obtains its aroma. The geography, as well as the natural method of care that goes into the beans, represents the distinctive flavor profile when you take your first sip from your cup.

Flavor Profile

Usually, Yemeni coffee is known for it’s winey, spiced aroma with faint notes of chocolate when served by itself. Think about the taste of dates, cinnamon, and chocolate together in your mouth. These are the main comparisons that come to mind when the coffee lands on your taste buds. The taste is not overly bitter, but rather, a good balance between the tanginess of the spice and the richness of the chocolate.

Whether it’s the first thing you drink when you wake up in the morning or when you’re hosting a party with friends, there isn’t a bad time to have a cup of coffee.

This is not a type of coffee that can be considered over the top. In a way, the flavor that is developed into the beans goes back to the normal terrain of Yemen. As the beans are laid out to dry for a long period of time, the sun dries out the beans, creating a rich flavor.

Preparing Yemeni Coffee

Whether it’s the first thing you drink when you wake up in the morning or when you’re hosting a party with friends, there isn’t a bad time to have a cup of coffee.

When it comes to preparation, it is recommended that you don’t use a modern coffee maker to fix Yemeni coffee. Typically, it is prepared over the stovetop, a common method of preparation for coffee in the Arab world.

To fix Yemeni coffee, you make sure that the coffee beans are ground to an almost flour-like consistency. Place a cup of water on the stovetop. Once your beans are ground, add about 6 teaspoons of the coffee grinds to one cup of water. In order to prevent clumps of coffee grinds, you stir in the coffee grinds well. You then let the water boil to ensure the texture becomes thick. Once the consistency is similar to steamed milk, it is ready to serve. You can add ginger into the mixture for additional flavor, however, it is not mandatory.

Typically, Yemeni coffee is served in small cups, of about two ounces in size. You can enjoy your coffee as is, or pair with some delicious snacks. I recommend either dates or baklava.

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