Discover the rich and aromatic flavours of Harazi Wadi Alma, a premium Yemeni specialty coffee. This unique coffee from Yemen is packed with spiced tasting notes, including mango, red wine, clove, tamarind, and dark chocolate.
The Story Behind the Coffee
Our Harazi Wadi Alma coffee represents the deep heritage and enduring resilience of Yemeni coffee farmers. Sourced from the high-altitude regions of Yemen, this coffee is not only a testament to exceptional quality but also to the farmers' dedication and traditional practices. Each purchase supports these farmers and helps sustain their livelihoods.
Flavour Profile and Brewing Tips
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Taste Notes: Mango, red wine, clove, tamarind, dark chocolate
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Roast Level: Medium
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Brewing Recommendations: Ideal for espresso and AeroPress to highlight its complex and spiced notes
Impact and Sustainability
By choosing our Harazi Wadi Alma coffee, you are indulging in a premium coffee experience and supporting sustainable and ethical farming practices. Your purchase helps empower Yemeni farmers, particularly women, and promotes sustainable agricultural practices in a region facing significant challenges.
Producer Story
Origins and History
Coffee has been grown in Yemen for centuries, with the region being the first to cultivate coffee in the 15th century, brought by Sufi monks. The port of Al-Makha, from which the name Mocha originates, was a significant hub for coffee export in the 16th century. At its peak in the 19th century, Yemen exported over 57,000 metric tons of coffee. Today, the figure is less than 20,000 metric tons, reflecting the challenges faced by Yemeni coffee farmers.
Traditional Farming Practices
Coffee in Yemen is grown on small, terraced farms in high mountains at altitudes between 1600 and 2100 meters above sea level. The coffee is hand-picked, grown using natural organic fertilizers, and dried on raised beds or rooftops. These traditional practices ensure the unique quality and flavour of Yemeni specialty coffee.
Mocha Mill’s Journey
Mocha Mill, one of the first specialty coffee exporters in Yemen, started its journey in 2014. Despite the outbreak of civil war in the same year, Mocha Mill persevered, establishing supply chains in six different regions of Yemen. They built a dry mill in Samat in 2017, equipped with state-of-the-art milling equipment and a colour sorter, to produce high-quality specialty coffee.
In 2021, Mocha Mill exported about ten containers of 80+ specialty coffee worldwide, reaching markets in Japan, Australia, the Middle East, the UK, and Europe.
Empowering Farmers
Mocha Mill focuses on working closely with farmers, educating them on best agricultural practices to improve yield and quality. Their strategy emphasizes empowering farmers, particularly women, who make up about 75% of Yemeni farmers. Mocha Mill operates with full transparency, paying farmers upon delivery of cherries to regional buying points.
Sustainability Initiatives
Yemen faces significant drought and water shortages. Mocha Mill implements innovative irrigation and dry processing techniques to address water scarcity and reduce the impact on communities. Their commitment to sustainability ensures that coffee production is environmentally friendly and beneficial to local communities.
Harazi Wadi Alma – A Unique Coffee Region
Harazi Wadi Alma is located in the districts of the Sana'a governorate, southwest of the governorate, covering about 1276 square kilometres with an estimated population of 100,000 people. The area consists of high mountains, plateaus, and valleys at altitudes of 1700-2100 meters above sea level. Coffee is the most famous crop in this region, cultivated by about 2000 farmers.
Mocha Mill has established nine collection stations in Harazi, where farmers deliver coffee every 3-4 days during the season. They have built strong relationships with local farmers over four years, providing training to produce high-quality coffee.
The 'Geeky' Stuff
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Cup Score: 85+
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Cup Profile: Mango, red wine, clove, tamarind, dark chocolate
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Altitude: 1600-2100 meters
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Process: Natural and experimental anaerobic
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Location: Harazi district, Sana'a governorate
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Varietal: Jaadi/Udhini
Detailed Flavour Notes
Harazi Wadi Alma is a sensory delight with its unique and complex flavour profile. The aromatic spiced notes, combined with fruity and chocolaty undertones, provide a rich and layered coffee experience. This coffee is perfect for those who appreciate bold and exotic flavours.
Brewing Recommendations
To fully appreciate the complex flavours of Harazi Wadi Alma, we recommend the following brewing methods:
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Espresso: This method concentrates the coffee’s flavours, highlighting its rich and spiced notes.
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AeroPress: This versatile brewing method allows for controlled extraction, bringing out the coffee's fruity and chocolaty undertones.
Supporting Sustainability and Fair Trade
At Firebird Coffee Company, we are committed to supporting sustainable and fair trade practices. By choosing our Harazi Wadi Alma coffee, you are making a positive impact on the lives of Yemeni farmers and their communities. Your purchase helps provide fair wages, improve living conditions, and support community development projects.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Our customers love Harazi Wadi Alma for its unique flavour profile and positive impact. Here are some of their testimonials:
- "The best coffee I've ever had. Firebird has turned me into a black coffee drinker - it is such good quality. All this aside from supporting people that really need it."
- "I tried the new Rwanda Horizon and the Yemeni Harazi Wadi Alma. Without a doubt, the best tasting specialty coffee I have ever tried. The flavours are like nothing I’ve ever tasted before."
- "Love the blends offered by Firebird and the stories around each one. Easy to use website and ordering system. Fast delivery. Many thanks!"
Join Us in Making a Difference
Experience the rich flavours and positive impact of Harazi Wadi Alma coffee today. By choosing our coffee, you are not only indulging in a premium product but also supporting a brighter future for Yemeni farmers and their communities.
The Production Process in Detail
Harazi Wadi Alma coffee’s journey from farm to cup involves meticulous care at every stage. The cherries are handpicked by farmers, ensuring only the ripest and highest quality cherries are selected. Once picked, the cherries are brought to the washing stations for thorough processing to remove impurities.
The cherries undergo a natural or experimental anaerobic fermentation process to enhance their flavour profiles. This fermentation is closely monitored to ensure the beans develop the desired characteristics. After fermentation, the beans are dried on raised beds under the Yemeni sun, allowing them to slowly reach the perfect moisture content.
Commitment to Quality and Excellence
At Firebird Coffee Company, we are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality. Each batch of Harazi Wadi Alma coffee is roasted to perfection by our expert roasters, who carefully control the temperature and duration to bring out the coffee's unique flavours. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every cup of Harazi Wadi Alma delivers a consistently exceptional experience.
The Impact of Your Purchase
Your purchase of Harazi Wadi Alma coffee goes beyond enjoying a premium beverage. It represents a commitment to supporting ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. The farmers who contribute to Harazi Wadi Alma receive fair compensation, which helps improve their livelihoods and supports the well-being of their families.
By investing in Harazi Wadi Alma coffee, you are contributing to the development of local communities. The income generated from coffee sales helps fund education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects, creating a positive ripple effect that benefits everyone involved.
Coffee Pairing Suggestions
To enhance your coffee experience, consider pairing Harazi Wadi Alma coffee with complementary flavours. The spiced and fruity notes pair wonderfully with:
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Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate accentuates the coffee's sweetness.
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Spiced Pastries: Gingerbread or cinnamon rolls bring out the clove and tamarind notes.
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Fruity Desserts: Mango tarts or berry compotes enhance the coffee's fruity undertones.
Coffee Education and Appreciation
At Firebird Coffee Company, we believe that coffee education is key to appreciating the complexities of specialty coffee. We offer workshops and tasting sessions where you can learn about the different brewing methods, flavour profiles, and the journey of coffee from farm to cup. Join us to deepen your understanding and love for high-quality coffee.
The Future of Specialty Coffee
The specialty coffee industry is constantly evolving, and at Firebird Coffee Company, we are committed to staying at the forefront of innovation. We continuously explore new sourcing opportunities, sustainable practices, and advanced roasting techniques to bring you the best coffee possible.
By choosing Harazi Wadi Alma coffee, you are supporting a future where quality, sustainability, and ethical practices are at the heart of the coffee industry. Join us on this journey and be part of a community that values excellence in every cup.
