Saudi Coffee Types with Illustrations

Saudi coffee is an essential component of Saudi culture and tradition. It represents the warmth and kindness that have defined Saudi society since ancient times and goes beyond simply being a beverage.

Moreover, the meticulously roasted coffee beans tell the tale of a centuries-old custom that brings family and friends together and captures the very best of Saudi identity, the preparation procedures, and the aromatic scents.

It is a social and spiritual experience that represents the principles of ancient Saudi heritage and links the past and present. It is more than merely a flavour to savour. In this post, we’ll examine types of Saudi coffee.

Saudi Arabia’s Coffee Heritage

Studies indicate that the coffee tree originated in Abyssinia, although there are no verified historical accounts of this location. After that, it moved to Yemen, Mecca, and Medina in the year 1500 AD.

In 2022, as part of the “Saudi Coffee Year 2022” project, the Saudi Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, authorised the labelling of Arabic coffee as “Saudi coffee” in all restaurants and cafés in the Kingdom. Additionally, the initiative’s objective was to honour this by showcasing the Kingdom’s wide range of cultural coffee preparation techniques.

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UNESCO Inscribes Saudi Coffee on its World Heritage List

Saudi Arabia and some Gulf countries share the customs around this peculiar beverage, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman. In 2015, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) listed them on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Besides, Saudi Arabian farmers have been growing coffee to meet their needs for almost three centuries. Saudis spend more than one billion riyals on coffee, and the country produces more than 80,000 tonnes of coffee a year, making it one of the biggest coffee consumers in the world.

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Saudi Coffee Varieties

In the Kingdom, there are numerous varieties of coffee, each with its own ingredients and production process. As a result, below are a few of the most well-known Saudi types:

Traditional Arabic Coffee

One of the most popular varieties of coffee in Saudi Arabia is this one. It is special in that it is made in a little pot known as a “dallah,” in which water, cardamom, saffron, and ground coffee beans are boiled. In addition, drinking traditional Arabic coffee, known as “finajeen”, is a unique social custom in the Kingdom and is served in tiny cups.

Arabic Coffee with Milk

Traditional Arabic coffee is very different from Arabic coffee with milk. This coffee is made by mixing traditional Arabic coffee with hot milk, and depending on the individual’s preferences, sugar or honey may be added. Its creamy, sensual flavour is what makes this coffee unique.

Blended Coffee

In Saudi Arabia, roasted coffee beans are mixed with seasonings and spices to create distinctive flavours, a practice known as blended coffee. Coffee is aromatic with cardamom, saffron, and ginger to enhance its taste and texture. In households and businesses all around the Kingdom, blended coffee is a common choice.

Green Coffee

In Saudi Arabia, green coffee is an exceptional sort of drink. Made with unroasted green coffee beans, it has a mild, agreeable flavour. For many people, ground green coffee beans are a healthy choice because they can drink them hot or cold.

In addition to the types mentioned above, the Kingdom produces a wide range of other Saudi coffees, such as cold Arabic coffee, coffee with dates, and coffee with saffron.

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