This was the COE Best of Yemen Lot #1 in 2023! We have since kept a small amount in the freezer with controlled temps and vacuum sealed for a special release two years later!
After cupping a sample on July 30th, we determined the quality and deliciousness that made this such a special coffee is still strong!
I discounted the price due to obvious reasons of this being a fun test that I was unsure how it would come out, so for full transparency, you are paying for the unique and rare opportunity to taste a small lot that had a huge impact on the Zidan family. We are losing money on this, but are happy to share and have folks participate in this story.
We will roast this coffee on Wednesday, August 6th and ship the next day.
**ONLY 15 / 100g JARS REMAINING**
Farmer // Muhammad Zidan
Region // Bani Ofair, Ans, Dhamar
Process // Natural
Genetics // Yemenia**
Altitude // 1800-2000masl
Flavor Notes // Blueberry, Honey, Dried Fig, Floral
Roast Level // Light
ABOUT MUHAMMAD ZIDAN
Muhammad Zidan is 60 years old, and hails from Bani Ofair in the Ans region of Dhamar.
Farming was his family occupation. He saw his grandfather, and his father and brothers after him, take over the profession. Naturally, everything Zidan knows about coffee cultivation came to him as heirloom from his elders. He reminisces about the days when agriculture was a profitable and loveable profession, and brings that enthusiasm to his work regularly.
“We oversee this place, and actively encourage our community members to plant coffee trees.”
To Zidan, today’s challenges, including opaqueness with suppliers, lack of capital flow and reliable public infrastructure – like roads and drainage systems – are hard systemic issues to solve.
“The rain this year was heavy and torrential. The roads were cut off or closed. In such moments, we cannot transport foodstuffs by cars or animals, so we have to carry them ourselves on our backs.”
The financial problems closer home hit harder. “The return is very low these days. We are unable to reinvest what we get even to source materials. The prices offered for our coffee are very low. Farming is a very intensive job, but what we’re currently getting is nowhere close to the effort we are putting in. We want the companies to be honest with us, raise prices for us, and build an honest relationship between us.”
Zidan’s deep love and diligent care for his coffee crops is infectious. Upon further questioning, he smiles. “No matter what happens, I will not lose hope or get lazy with work. We do need the money because it motivates and incentivises everyone to work, and adds to the excitement. But that said, we will persevere at our end to increase coffee production on our farms. I want to perform the Pilgrimage, and save enough to get my children married.”
In conclusion, Zidan advises his fellow farmers to ensure they are following the correct methods in cultivation throughout – pre-harvest to post-harvest. He especially mentions removing damaged coffee trees to avoid the risk of spoiling the crops. “We only have coffee, so take care of it”.
For the customers receiving his beans, he adds, “We do not use any harmful fertilizers; our coffee is pure and natural. The coffee we grow has been taken care of every step of the way. It is a labour of love”.
ABOUT AXIS MUNDI…
"Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate." – Jung
Our new collection of the most exquisite coffees from around the world, AXIS MUNDI, celebrates the places where heaven meets earth in our lives. The inspiration for this series comes from the concepts of Axis Mundi rooted in many of the world's religions & cultures. Through these coffees, we turn our attention towards the broader view of the world, and the glory of humanity & divinity.
Brought to you by the partnership of Qima Coffee X Mad Priest Coffee
**Haven’t heard about Yemenia?
Qima Coffee, together with scientists from Alliance for Coffee Excellence, discovered a pure Arabica “Mother Population” a few years ago, called Yemenia. It represents a new ocean of genetics with untapped potential to transform the genetic landscape of Coffea Arabica. We were part of the first global auction where Yemenia was introduced to the world in 2020 and purchased one of the top lots. Everyone literally freaked out over it…in a good way, you know. Now, a few years later, we can’t quite afford the top lots of Yemenia, but we did everything in our power to bring you some of this heavenly goodness once again!
