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33.

Dhikra Al Ofairi

Jury code : 2231


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jury score :

87.52


Genetics :

SL-28

Process :

Natural

lot size :

34.00LBS


traceability

VILLAGE :Bani Ofair

REGION : Maghrib Ans

GOVERNORATE : Dhamar

ALTITUDE :1800masl

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FLAVOUR PROFILE

Jasmine, Violet, Peach, Apple, Yellow Melon, Milk Chocolate, Whipped Cream


Dhikra Al Ofairi
In the highlands of Dhamar’s Maghrib Ans, Dhikra Al-Ofairi has cultivated coffee for almost three decades. Her farm covers seven terraced slopes in Bani Offair, planted with 120 trees at 1,800 metres above sea level. Coffee has always been central to her household of seven, where each family member joins the harvest, ensuring knowledge and practice continue across generations.

Dhikra relies on traditional, low-input methods rooted in her community: organic compost prepared from livestock and leaves, natural pest control, and rainfall as the main source of irrigation. Alongside these, she has begun introducing new seedlings, a step towards safeguarding her family’s future in coffee while keeping the terraces productive.

This year’s lot is a small but striking example of SL28’s expression in Yemen. The cup carries layered florals with soft fruit and confectionary sweetness, shaped by the region’s altitude, soils, and Dhikra’s care.

Her work adds to Bani Offair’s growing reputation as a hub of quality, a community where tradition is sustained and new possibilities are steadily taking root.
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Genetics

SL-28

SL28 is a C. arabica variety related to the Bourbon-Typica genetic group, background and lineage leaning towards Bourbon-like genetics. Ideally suited to medium-to-high altitudes, SL28 have a ‘very high’ yield potential. The coffee tree itself is tall and produces large beans, like SL34. Known for its exceptional cup potential at high altitudes, SL28 is drought-resistant. Unfortunately, it is susceptible to major diseases that affect the coffee crop. It is found widely in Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Malawi. 

Process

Natural

Natural process is a time-honored coffee processing method that results in extraordinary depth and complexity of flavour. The process requires meticulous management throughout to result in flavour clarity.

After selective harvesting, Qima's on-ground team promptly collects the cherries at the farm gate and transports them to our in-house drying facilities. The cherries are then placed on raised parabolic drying beds, where they are left to dry until the insides have reached the optimal moisture level. This can take between 15 to 25 days. The cherries are turned periodically during drying to avoid over fermentation. Moisture, density and BRIX levels are closely monitored to ensure uniformity and quality. 

TRACEABILITY

Bani Ofair

Bani Ofair is a village in the Ans region of Yemen. It has rugged yet lush terrain. Due to its remote location, there are few roads leading to and from Bani Ofair. The village is fairly cut-off from the others, with limited infrastructure. 

Maghrib Ans

Ans is a region within the governorate of Dhamar. Coffee farming is widespread in the region and many families rely on it completely financially. There are around 60 farming families here growing coffee, corn, potatoes and qat. This region has been growing and cultivating various types of crops for over 7,000 years. There is a shortage of water in the region which impacts farmers and their families. It is often the women and children who must source the clean water, either bringing it back in barrels or using animals to help share the load. 

Dhamar

Dhamar, Yemen's historic governorate, lies between Sana'a and Taiz. It boasts ancient civilizations dating back to 6,000 BC, with remarkable archaeological sites. Agriculture thrives here, with coffee being a standout crop. Renowned for its exceptional taste, Dhamar's coffee is grown in regions like Ans, Bani Fadhl, Magrib Ans, Automa, and Jabal Ash Sharq, benefiting from the diverse topography of plains and mountains.


Best of Yemen 2025
SEPTEMBER 18


Best of Yemen 2024 - Results

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