Yemen Green Coffee Beans

Yemeni coffee stands out for its unparalleled heritage and exquisite flavor profile. Grown in the high-altitude, mountainous regions of Yemen, these arabica beans develop a unique sweetness that’s cherished by coffee enthusiasts worldwide. However, the dry climate and challenging terrain make cultivation a labor-intensive process. Combined with traditional, low-tech processing methods, Yemeni coffee production is slower and yields are smaller compared to other origins.
This meticulous approach and limited availability contribute to its rarity and higher cost, making Yemeni coffee a true treasure for specialty coffee lovers. Its storied history, artisanal production, and distinctive taste ensure Yemeni coffee remains a special and valued origin for brewing.

Yemeni coffee is celebrated for its complex and distinctive flavour profile. Often characterised by earthy undertones, it also reveals hints of dried fruit, cinnamon, cardamom, or tobacco, with a lingering chocolate finish that delights the palate. Its medium body, bright acidity, and well-balanced nature make it a favorite among specialty coffee enthusiasts.

Grown at high altitudes, Yemeni coffee benefits from the slower maturation of the coffee cherries, which helps preserve their natural sweetness. These unique characteristics, combined with the artisanal cultivation practices of Yemen, result in a truly unique coffee profile.

To ensure Yemeni farmers receive fair compensation and access to global markets, we work closely with our sourcing partner, Sheba Coffee. Together, we empower farmers by providing the tools, resources, and direct support they need to succeed, while championing sustainable practices that preserve Yemen’s coffee heritage. By guaranteeing fair prices and fostering a self-sustaining, competitive coffee industry, we help safeguard Yemen’s rich coffee culture for future generations.
With Sheba Coffee, we prioritize quality and transparency at every step—from cultivation to the final cup. This includes ethically sourcing beans and meticulously preserving the distinct flavors and aromas that make Yemeni coffee exceptional. Our commitment to traceability ensures you can connect with the inspiring stories of the farmers behind each cup.
Additionally, we celebrate Yemen’s shared coffee history with Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee. This connection is at the heart of our offerings, which honor both Ethiopia’s traditional coffee ceremonies and Yemen’s historic coffee houses. By collaborating with Sheba Coffee, we ensure you’re part of this incredible legacy while directly supporting Yemeni farming communities and their future.

Yemen's green coffee beans are an important part of speciality coffee because they connect roasters directly to some of the world's oldest and most famous coffee practices. Because they are naturally sun-dried and have a bold, wine-like richness, Yemen beans add history, character, and uniqueness to any roasting lineup.

Small-scale farmers use centuries-old techniques to grow these beans on terraced highland farms. The beans are picked by hand and dry naturally in dry mountain temperatures. As a result? These beans are dense, hard to predict, and very popular. They can have wild or balanced flavors, making them perfect for roasters who want to make something truly unique.

As demand around the world keeps going up, especially among small and artisanal roasters, Yemen's limited but powerful green coffee harvests are still one of the most interesting things that roasters can give their customers.

Yemen green coffee beans are a roast that will get people talking because they have a clear origin story. They can be used to profile for complex fruit-forward acidity or to add earthy, rustic notes to a mix.

Green coffee beans from Yemen are famous for having a strong taste and a long history that goes back to the beginning of coffee farming. These beans aren't like other beans because they naturally have a lot of different flavors, from cocoa and dried fruit to spice and pickled berry. From Harazi to Bani Matar, each area has its unique terroir, which makes micro-lots that are very different in flavor and roast results.

Yemen is still a highly regarded coffee origin, known for its rare heirloom types and sun-dried methods of processing that have been passed down from generation to generation. Roasters from all over the world often look for Yemen beans, not just because of their history, but also because they have unique cup profiles that push and encourage new ideas.

These green beans are also being used more and more in foreign blends and competition-level roasts. Their bright acidity and rustic depth give the coffee structure and make it stand out. Their impact is further shown by the fact that they are involved in high-scoring barista competitions and global cupping tables.

Yemen's beans are famous all over the world, and they often come in first place at global green coffee sales and shows. For picky roasters, adding Yemen to their collection isn't just about having something rare; it's about giving customers an experience that is rich in story and based on quality.

Yemen green coffee beans give roasters a lot of options because they work so well with a wide range of drinking methods, from complex espresso shots to expressive filter brews. Because they are thick and are processed naturally, they can have bright acidity at lighter roasts and syrupy depth and layered richness at medium roasts. Because of these qualities, they can be used for both single-origin displays and as a standout ingredient in expensive blends.

Light to medium roasts tend to bring out the fruity and floral notes that are typical of the origin. Darker roasts, on the other hand, can add body and bring out warming spice notes. Because of this, roasters can change profiles to fit different markets and customer tastes without sacrificing the purity of the origin.

Speciality buyers always look for Yemen beans because they have unique genetics, are processed uniquely, and are grown in small batches that can be tracked. Third-wave roasters who value story, origin, and complexity love them because they are hard to get and can have flavors that aren't found anywhere else.

Yemen green coffee is a unique origin that reacts beautifully to skilled, intentional roasting. It's perfect for roasters who want to offer something both traditional and new.

When Yemen green coffee beans are roasted, they make a cup that is both bright and rough. This is a clear sign of the high-altitude soil and traditional natural processing. It will probably have a medium to high acidity that is sharp like wine. It will probably also have a round or creamy body that gives the cup depth and structure.

Depending on the area, dried fig, tamarind, baking spice, dark cocoa, and rose or jasmine notes are common tastes. Beans from places like Harazi often have a lot of different fruit flavors and sweet herbal notes. On the other hand, beans from Al Qafr might focus more on stone fruit and earthy cocoa.

Terroir in Yemen has a big impact on the taste. High elevations, dry weather, and old soil conditions help make small, dense beans that roast evenly and develop their flavors. Lighter roasts bring out delicate roses and berry acidity, while medium roasts show off a well-balanced structure with stronger chocolate and spice notes.

Sun-drying in the sun on raised beds brings out the sweetness and adds to the bean's unique fermentation character, which gives the cup its signature rural charm. Few lots are washed, but the ones that are may have a smoother, tea-like finish.

Depending on the lot and area, Yemeni coffee usually gets scores between 85 and 88+ on cupping. This makes it a good choice for high-end speciality coffees and profiles at the competition level.

Green coffee from Yemen comes from a number of high-altitude areas spread out across the country's mountainous terrain. The microclimates, traditional farming methods, and heirloom genetics give each area's beans a unique taste. These areas are usually between 1,800 and 2,400 meters above sea level. They have cool weather, little rain, and mineral-rich, terraced soils that help beans grow slowly and have a strong taste.

Key regions include:

• Haraz (or Al-Harazi): The steep hills and dry, stony soil of Haraz are known for producing coffees with strong acidity, fruity richness, and a full, juicy body. Its intense sweetness and natural fermentation flavor come from being in the sun all the time and drying on platforms that are hundreds of years old.
• Bani Matar: This area is southwest of Sana'a and has flat, volcanic land and a moderate climate. Bani Matar beans usually have notes of herbs, chocolate, and spices. They also have a soft acidity and a round body, which makes them great for structured medium roasts.
• Al Qafr & Ibb: In these middle areas, where coffee is grown, the humidity is higher, and the elevation is a little lower. The flavors will be richer and earthier, with less fruity acidity and more strong hints of cacao, nuts, and dried fruit.
• Sa’ada & Haimah: Not as popular in commercial export, but becoming more well-known for the unique shape of their cups. The coffees here tend to have a fuller body, less acidity, and a rural sweetness.

Yemen's coffee landscape is made up of smallholder micro-terroirs, where altitude, sunlight, and traditional drying methods can be very different, even within the same town. This is in contrast to more uniform origins like Ethiopia's Sidamo or Yirgacheffe. This makes cup profiles that are very different from one lot to the next, which is great for roasters who want to be unique and keep track of their coffee.

Yemen's green coffee history is deeply connected to some of the world's oldest Arabica genetics. Robusta is not present. Coffea arabica is the only species grown in the country, but within that genus, there is a large and old genetic pool of heirloom cultivars that have grown without any other plants for hundreds of years.

Ancient landrace types like Dawairi, Tufahi, and Jaadi are some of the most well-known varieties in Yemen. These native strains are genetically different from widely grown varieties like Bourbon or Typica. They are very rare and in high demand because of the complex flavors they produce.

• Dawairi: This type of coffee is known for having smaller, rounder beans. It usually has a fuller body, less acidity, and notes of cocoa, spice, or dried fruit. It's good for roasters who want structure and depth.
• Tufahi: This variety makes a brighter cup with floral and citrusy notes. The fruit is usually bigger and longer. People who want lighter roast flavors like how versatile it is.
• Jaadi: It has the right amount of sweetness and acidity and often adds layers of depth, making it perfect for showing off a single origin.

These traditional cultivars do well in Yemen's dry, high-altitude conditions because they are naturally adapted to soils that don't have much water or nutrients. So, they grow slowly, making beans that are denser and more likely to have complex tastes after being roasted.

Speciality roasters see Yemen's types as more than just different tastes; they also offer a genetic link to the first domestication of coffee, since they have not been crossed with other varieties or bred in modern times. This realness makes both the taste and the story behind each cup more enjoyable.

Yemen's highland climate and traditional farming ways shape the green coffee harvest into a seasonal cycle. Depending on the area and altitude, the main yield usually happens between October and February. In some lower-lying areas, the season may start a little earlier, while in cooler, higher places, it may end later.

Once processing and sun-drying are done after harvest, fresh stock is usually available between March and May. This is when roasters who want the freshest beans and the most vibrant coffee should think about buying.

Yemen's supply chain is very seasonal and doesn't work all year. Because of the small scale of production and the need for manual post-harvest methods, availability is often restricted. In contrast to large-scale origins that have steady export cycles, Yemen's products depend on the timing and yield of thousands of smallholder farms. This means that buying at the right time is important for securing high-quality lots.

Because of how little machinery is used and how delicately the beans dry naturally, they are usually only available in a few shipments a year, making them even rarer and harder to get. If roasters want to make sure they always have stock or change up the regional styles, they need to plan ahead because demand often exceeds supply.

Processing Methods in Yemen

Yemen's green coffee landscape is mostly made up of old heirloom types. Many of these are genetically different from Bourbon, Typica, and Geisha, which are grown around the world. These international names are well-known in other places, but Yemen's unique variety identity is tied to local, unrecorded landraces that have grown genetically apart for hundreds of years.

The most prominent heirloom types include:

• Tufahi – Often producing a bright, fruit-forward cup, this varietal is known for its elegant acidity and aromatic complexity. It responds especially well to lighter roasts, showcasing layered floral and citrus expressions.
• Dawairi – Typically denser with a rounder bean shape, Dawairi coffees tend to yield a fuller body and deeper sweetness. Roasters targeting chocolate, spice, or dried fruit profiles often favor this variety.
• Jaadi – Praised for its balanced profile, Jaadi offers a harmonious combination of sweet and tart, often revealing berry notes with a touch of herbal nuance—perfect for single-origin expressions.

Unlike modern hybrids or standardized types like SL28 or Caturra, Yemen's varieties have grown in rough, high-altitude microclimates, getting used to rough terrain, little rain, and soils that don't have many nutrients. This toughness helps the plants grow in a way that doesn't harm them, and it also makes each bean's flavor more concentrated and complicated.

These heirloom types give roasters a one-of-a-kind chance to work with raw coffee that is genetically pure, historically important, and hasn't been bred for commercial purposes much. The reward for your senses is a cup with a clear personality, unique regional fingerprints, and an interesting story behind each batch.

When roasted, these beans give roasters a lot of options, which makes them a great addition to both single-origin collections and high-end blend development. Their dense structure and complex flavor possibilities give you a lot of control over how much you roast them. They do well with light and medium roast levels, and some lots even do well at more developed levels.

Yemen green coffee shines when roasted to bring out its acidity, florals, and fruity layers. It's perfect for roasters who want beans that produce great depth at lighter roast levels. Lighter roasts bring out characteristics that are unique to the origin, like dried fig, rose, or tamarind. Medium roasts, on the other hand, bring out deeper cocoa, spice, and body-rich textures that work great in espresso or brew mixes.

These beans are great for single-origin offerings, especially for roasters who want to show off their history, traceability, and range of flavors. But they can also be used to make blends stand out by adding depth and character when mixed with smoother roots like those from Brazil or Central America.

After being roasted, Yemeni beans can be used in a lot of different ways in cooking. They work especially well with pour-over and Chemex methods, which let you fully enjoy the complex smells and bright acidity. They make strong, thick espresso shots with a unique finish that are great for speciality coffee shops that like to try new things or for signature drinks.

Yemen green coffee gives roasters who want to go beyond popular profiles the versatility and storytelling power they need to stand out in crowded markets.

Yemen green coffee beans taste great in a lot of different ways after they've been roasted, and each method brings out different parts of their complex flavor. Because they are dense and naturally processed, they can be used in a lot of different ways. Depending on the roast level and preparation style, roasters and brewers can try a wide range of tastes.

• Espresso: When roasted to a medium level, Yemen beans make shots that are thick and sticky, with a lot of sweetness and a strong flavor. Their natural depth and wine-like acidity make for a lively, expressive espresso that is great for coffee shops and home baristas who want to try new flavors.
• Pour-over (V60, Chemex): This way draws attention to the complicated side of Yemen's cup profile. With a lighter roast, the floral top notes, lemon brightness, and soft spice stand out more. If a roaster suggests a pour-over, customers can feel the origin's complex aromatic and acidic range.
• French Press: When roasted slightly darker, Yemen beans yield a fuller, more textured brew through immersion methods. The French Press enhances the natural body, bringing forward chocolate, earth, and dried fruit notes that appeal to those who prefer a rounder, heavier mouthfeel.
• Cold Brew: Although not a traditional method for this origin, Yemen beans can produce a surprisingly smooth and fruit-toned cold brew. Low-acid, subtly sweet, and infused with natural fermentation nuances, it’s a refreshing way to present the origin in modern formats.
• Aeropress: Known for its adaptability, the Aeropress pairs well with Yemen beans at various roast levels. Whether you’re aiming to accentuate acidity with a quick brew or emphasize body with a longer steep, this method allows for creative exploration of the origin’s full potential.

For roasters and brewers alike, Yemen’s cup diversity allows it to perform well across nearly all methods, each drawing out different angles of its historical and sensory richness.

In Yemen, quality assurance for green coffee is largely driven by traditional expertise, community-level sorting, and growing international demand for traceability. While there’s no unified national grading system akin to those used in countries like Kenya or Colombia, local exporters and cooperatives often implement rigorous internal quality controls to meet speciality market expectations.

Cooperatives and family-owned collection centers typically sort beans by size, moisture content, and visible defects, using both manual and mechanical processes. Defect removal is done by hand in many cases, preserving attention to detail and ensuring only the most uniform lots are selected for export.

In Yemen, relationship-based sourcing and direct trade models are becoming more popular because they support openness, fair pay, and investing back into farming communities. When roasters buy through these methods, they can often get detailed information about the lot, such as the varietal, altitude, farmer group, and processing details. This builds trust with customers and adds to the story.

Because of problems with infrastructure, certifications like Organic or Fair Trade are not common. However, trust, being able to track products, and quality-focused relationships are often what keep Yemen's supply chain honest. To make sure that post-harvest standards are met and that they are in line with international speciality standards, many exporters work closely with farms.

Packaging & Sizing Options

We offer a wide range of packing options for Yemen green coffee beans so that we can meet the needs of all types of buyers, from home coffee lovers to businesses. This gives you the freedom to buy things quickly and easily, whether you're trying out a new origin or getting supplies for a large production run.

Available sizes include:
• 0.5kg & 1kg – Ideal for sample roasting or hobbyist home roasters experimenting with small batches.
• 2kg & 5kg – Suitable for micro-roasters, cafés, and baristas developing unique single-origin menu items.
• 10kg, 20kg & 30kg – Tailored for commercial roasteries requiring consistent volumes for production, blending, or wholesale.

All green beans are packed to keep them fresh, keep out wetness and germs, and keep them stable while they are being stored and shipped in the UK and Europe. It doesn't matter how much you buy; our package helps you get the best roasting results from beginning to end.

We get our green coffee beans from Yemen by working with reliable exporters, unions, and smallholder networks that are dedicated to fair and honest trade. Direct communication, supply lines that can be tracked, and a shared goal of improving the quality and sustainability of coffee from this historic origin are what these partnerships are based on.

We work closely with regional collection centers and family-run farms that uphold traditional harvesting and drying techniques while adhering to strict quality standards. Every lot is traceable to specific farming communities, often down to the village level, ensuring visibility over varietal, altitude, processing method, and post-harvest handling.

Although widespread certifications like Organic or Fair Trade are less common in Yemen due to infrastructure challenges, our sourcing model prioritizes direct trade principles: fair pricing, farmer support, and investment in quality-improving initiatives. This includes incentivising selective harvesting, careful drying, and consistent sorting practices.

Transparency is central to our approach. We provide detailed information about each lot's origin, helping roasters make informed purchasing decisions while giving them a compelling story to share with their customers. By working with producers who are deeply rooted in Yemen’s coffee heritage, we ensure that each green bean we offer represents authenticity, accountability, and excellence.

Explore our curated selection of premium Yemen green coffee beans and bring centuries of coffee heritage into your roastery. Whether you're sourcing single-origin features, high-end blends, or experimental profiles, these beans offer unmatched complexity and story-rich value.

We offer full transparency on every lot detailing region, varietal, altitude, and processing, so you know exactly what you're roasting. With multiple sizing options available, from small-batch test roasts to commercial-scale volumes, you can find the right format for your needs.

All green beans are stored under optimal conditions and shipped with care across the UK and Europe, ensuring maximum freshness and quality upon arrival.

Start sourcing Yemen green coffee today and experience the depth, tradition, and craftsmanship that make it one of the most iconic origins in the world of speciality coffee.