Coffee culture in Arabia

In the Middle East, Arabia and North Africa, coffee (Qahwa) has been widely used to settle marriages, contracts, and blood feuds, sometimes even seen as an offering of peace to end mutiny. In certain parts of the Middle East, Arabian coffee is used to greet visitors. It is said that if someone refuses an offering of coffee when entering one’s home, then they are about to ask you for something very close to their heart, such as forgiveness or permission. If this is accepted, then Qahwa coffee is enjoyed in celebration.

In many Arabic cultures, drinking coffee is a reason to get together and discuss news and mutual interests. In most traditional homes, the head of the household will take the first sip of Qahwa coffee to make sure that it is satisfactory for the rest of the family to drink too. There is a term used for Qahwa that does not taste satisfactory, and therefore may tarnish the reputation of the head of the family, if served to others. This is known as “Finjan al hail”. To this day, Arabic coffee continues to inspire the people of Arabia, the Middle East, and North Africa to create music, poetry and art.

The history of Arabian Coffee
Coffee was, according to apocryphal legend, discovered in Yemen a thousand years ago. The story begins with a goat herder named Ali, who thought that after his goats ate the fruit of a certain shrub, their energy levels increased. He took the shrub to a monastery and used the berries to keep himself awake during the long hours of meditation. The other monks considered the shrub to be a sedative and thus threw the shrub into the fire to burn.

As mentioned, Qahwa coffee is the most popular throughout Arabic coffee culture, made from green coffee beans and cardamom. Qahwa coffee is so important in traditional values across Arabic countries that it is also the preferred hot drink at weddings and other celebrations. It is also consumed for breaking the fast-during Ramadan.

To make the most authentic Qahwa coffee, the water will need to be brought to the boil in a saucepan. Add the coffee once the water is boiling. After around 10 minutes of boiling, add the crushed Cardamom, then stir for around 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and cover the pan to allow the coffee grounds to settle. This should be left for about a minute, remember not to stir. This is when the Saffron should be added. Strain and pour the now steaming coffee into your chosen mug, or teapot. Now, your very own Qahwa coffee is ready to be served.