Yemen is home to two distinct kinds of specialty coffee, that of Sannai and Matari. Yemen coffee will usually have the name Mocca in it somewhere, which is reference to the original port through which all coffee was shipped in the early coffee days. These days, however, Mocca is more famous for its connotation with chocolate - a product of years of Starbucks influence and marketing and a far cry from what it actually refers to in the coffee industry.
It's expensive for a reason
You can generally expect really interesting and wild coffees from Yemen. Blueberries, fruit, flowery aromas, winey and lively acidity, relatively light body - all mix together to create an incredible cup. You'll notice it goes for a premium; its price is usually quite a bit higher than other coffees because it is so highly sought after in the Arab world for Turkish coffee.
You'll get a similar characteristic with the Harrars of Ethiopia (they are produced in similar parts of the world) as far as the fruity characteristic (read: blueberries) are concerned, but you won't get that wild edge that you get in a good Mocca. It is often times blended with an Indonesian Java to beef up the body and create a more balanced coffee in the process.
Fun Facts About Yemen:
| Capital: | Sanaa |
| Languages: | Arabic, English |
| Religions: | Sunni Muslim in the south, Shi'ite Muslim in the north |
| Ethnic Groups: | Mostly Arab; some mixed African-Arab and Indian Minorities |
| Harvest Seasons: | Jun - Dec |
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