Coffee history in middle east

Coffee is the second most merchandised product in the world. It is assessed that around 2.5 billion cups of coffee are consumed per day. While coffee may have been around for more than 1000 years, it has only become ubiquitous in its use in the last few centuries.

The Creation of Coffee

According to legend, an Ethiopian goat herder was minding his herbs when he noticed the goats suddenly becoming full of energy. They had just eaten the red fruit of a coffee shrub, so the goat herder tried the beans as well. Before long, others were trying the fruit for its natural stimulant properties.

It is one of the few cause stories for contemporary coffee. Before it was roasted and consumed as a drink, coffee was blended with animal fat to make a snack bar. In about the year 1000, a drink was made using the entire fruit, beans, and hull. By the 1200s, people finally began to roast the bean, turning it into a form of the modern drink we love today.

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The History of Coffee in the Middle East

For people to enjoy a warm cup of Middle Eastern coffee like you do today, a few changes had to first take place. The 1200s were the turning point for the modern beverage. At this time, the Muslim community in Arabia began brewing coffee for its stimulant powers. At the time, the beverage was used to keep them awake for exceedingly long prayer sessions. The beans were parched and boiled to make a drink.

Local Brewing Methods

While coffee brewing methods vary from place to place, most Arab countries use one of two methods. Arabic coffee may enclose cardamom or be served plain. The coffee beans are roasted either heavily or lightly before cardamom is added. It is traditionally roasted at home or on the cafe’s premises. Then, it is ground, brewed, and served in front of the guests. Since coffee can have a slightly bitter taste, it is often served with dried fruit, dates, nuts or candied fruit to soften the bitterness.

Depending on the location and the individual’s personal tastes, the coffee may be brewed with saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves. A coffee pot known as a Dalla is used to serve the coffee into small cups that do not have handles. Normally, the coffee covers just the bottom of the cup.

Usually, Arabic coffee is aided a small amount at a time. Since the coffee is extremely hot, this makes it easier for the coffee to cool quickly. As long as the guest wants more coffee, the host or the waiter will continue to pour coffee.

Egyptian Coffee

In Egypt, coffee is made like Turkish coffee, with a small cup and a coating of froth. This layer of foam shows that the coffee was prepared correctly. This foam is known as the "face," and Egyptian coffee must have a face to be savored.

Saudi Arabia and it's Coffee

Coffee is a sign of hospitality all over the Middle East. In Saudi Arabia, it is impossible to provide good hospitality without offering a cup of coffee. Known as Al-Qahwa, this coffee is aided at events, social meetings, marriages, and other visits. Sweet foods like dates are often served with coffee.

Traditionally, Saudi coffee is either served by the host of the event or the youngest person at the gathering. The server must hold the Saudi coffee pot in their left hand, and the cups are dispersed with the right. Using the left hand to deliver an item is considered bad manners. In addition, the guest of honor or highest-ranking person should be served first. Each cup is only filled one-third of the way. If the cup is filled too much, it indicates that the inhospitable server wishes everyone would drink and leave quickly.

Saudi coffee is typically made using lime green coffee beans that have been lightly roasted. Often, it holds cardamom and may be offered with coffee creamer. The coffee is boiled until the top becomes frothy. After another two minutes, it is removed from the heat before cardamom or creamer is added. When this is complete, the coffee is ready to be poured into cups and enjoyed.

Arab Dalla- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia