Middle East

The Middle East is home to some truly exceptional coffee-growing regions, with Yemen and Saudi Arabia standing out for their unique contributions. Both countries have their own stories to tell, shaped by the land, the climate, and centuries-old traditions.

Yemen

Coffee from Yemen is steeped in history and celebrated for its distinctive character. Grown in the high-altitude mountains, Yemeni coffee cherries ripen slowly, allowing their natural sugars to develop fully. This results in an exquisite flavour profile that includes earthy notes, hints of dried fruit, spices like cardamom and cinnamon, and a lingering chocolate finish. Farming here is no easy feat—the dry climate and rugged terrain mean cultivation and processing rely on traditional, labour-intensive methods. While this leads to smaller yields, it also enhances the artisanal quality of Yemeni coffee, making it a rare and highly sought-after treat for lovers of specialty coffee.

Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, coffee farming is concentrated in the southwestern regions of Jazan, Hejazi, and Asir, where small farms are often found on steep, rocky hillsides. Despite the challenging growing conditions, including rising temperatures and limited irrigation, Saudi farmers produce several unique varieties such as Khawlani, Berri, Harari, and Bahri. Most of the coffee grown here is enjoyed locally, reflecting its importance in Saudi culture and hospitality.

Saudi coffee is typically lightly roasted, just shy of the first crack, which highlights its bright, nuanced flavours. Expect notes of raisins, dates, and dried fruits, balanced by warm spices like cardamom and cinnamon, with a touch of dark chocolate. The country’s dedication to preserving its coffee traditions, despite modern challenges, ensures that Saudi Arabia continues to play an important role in the Middle Eastern coffee story.

At our organisation, we are committed to bringing you the finest Middle Eastern coffee, and to do so, we partner with Sheba Coffee, a sourcing expert dedicated to supporting Yemeni farmers. Sheba Coffee, established in 2019, operates with a clear mission: to empower Yemeni farmers who lack access to global markets, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their exceptional coffee. Through sustainable practices, fair pricing, and direct support, Sheba helps preserve Yemen’s rich coffee heritage while fostering a thriving, self-sustaining industry.

Sheba’s dedication to quality aligns perfectly with our own values. They oversee every stage of the coffee journey, from cultivation to cup, to ensure the distinctive flavours and aromas of Yemeni coffee are fully realised. With a strong focus on traceability, they ethically source beans and share the stories of the farmers behind each harvest, making every cup as meaningful as it is delicious.

By sourcing through Sheba Coffee, we are proud to offer you not only an extraordinary coffee experience but also a connection to Yemen’s storied coffee culture. Each cup reflects the dedication and craftsmanship of Yemeni farmers, supported by a partnership rooted in fairness and sustainability.

Of course! We’re happy to help with custom sourcing tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for coffee from specific regions in the Middle East, unique varietals, or particular processing methods, we can work with our trusted sourcing partner, Sheba Coffee, to make it happen. Just get in touch with us at hello@greencoffeecollective.com, and we’ll be delighted to assist.