Technically speaking, Yemen is situated on the Asian continent (Arabian peninsula), although it is actually a few steps from Africa, from which it is divided only by Red sea and Aden gulf. It is not surprising then, that coffee very quickly came to Yemen from its African homeland, Ethiopia.

Al Mokha (al-Makha) is a port city in Yemen from where the coffee was transported on ships to all the parts of the world.  Mocha was famous for coffee trading since 15th to 17th century. Even when many sources of coffee were discovered since then, “mocha” beans stayed popular and revered for their unique, chocolate taste.

emen has a long tradition of growing coffee, and Yemeni coffee is regarded as one of the most distinguished and respected coffees. It is famous for its earthy, complex flavor, and it is often called natural, “wild” cup of coffee, which for some tasters can be too bitter and intensive. Coffees from Yemen are grown at very high altitudes, so the roasting process should be a bit longer in comparison to other Arabica beans. These coffees are mostly, dry processed, sun-dried, or natural coffees, so while roasting different colors are reached, similar to Ethiopian, dry-processed coffees.

Yemeni coffee differs from others and the reason for that can be the way of trading. Exporters don’t buy coffee directly from the producers, but from the wide spread net of traders. Local buyers buy coffees which are not processed yet, ie. dry cherries of coffee, and then it is stored in the subway storage. Coffee which is exported is usually the oldest coffee on stock. Hence, many times you can measure only 10,5% of humidity in the bean.

The price of Yemeni coffee is high, for the high demand, very limited soil for growing the coffee, small yearly production and almost no competition on Arabian peninsula. Quishir, Keshir, Geshir, ie.dried cherries of coffee from which the tea is made by pouring the hot infusions, are often used in this region.

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