Genetics

SL-34

SL34 is a C. arabica variety related to the Bourbon-Typica genetic group, background and lineage leaning towards Typica-like genetics. Ideally suited to medium-to-high altitudes, SL34 have a ‘high’ yield potential. The coffee tree itself is tall and produces large beans. Known for its exceptional cup potential at high altitudesl. Unfortunately, it is susceptible to coffee leaf rust, nematodes and coffee berry disease. It is mostly found in Kenya. 

Process

Alchemy

The culmination of years of processing experience and more than 1,300 processing experiments, the Qima Alchemy Series represents the next generation of coffee processing innovation. Through these processing innovations, we have successfully added sensorial value to coffees. The resulting cup profiles are bold and enhanced; they maintain the intrinsic flavours and notes that represent the terroir and the genetic background of the coffee.

The Alchemy series relies on a combination of pressure (up to 10 bar/145 psi), temperature control, gas regulation and managed drying, to develop a truly unique set of coffees with unparalleled flavour expression and structure. All of our processing and fermentation protocols are underpinned by principles of chemical engineering, ensuring our innovations are both sensorially unique and scientifically novel.  

TRACEABILITY

Taweel

The name of the village, Al-Taweel, comes from an Arabic word that means long or tall. It refers to the high altitude of the village, which sits on top of a mountain. The village also has another name, Al-Tawi, which is its traditional name. Some people use both names interchangeably, while others prefer one over the other.

The fort in the village is an old structure that was built for defensive purposes. It is not clear when or by whom it was built, but it is likely that it dates back to the pre-Islamic or early Islamic periods. The fort is made of stone and mud, and it has several rooms and windows. It overlooks the valley and the surrounding mountains, and it provides a strategic position for the villagers. They celebrate various festivals and occasions throughout the year.

The fort is not unique to Al-Taweel, as most of the villages in the Haraz region have similar forts that were built in ancient times. These forts are evidence of the rich history and culture of the region, which has been influenced by various civilizations and empires over time. 

Haraaz

Haraaz is an ancient, mountainous region in the governorate of Sana’a, and is home to some of Yemen’s best, and oldest, coffee growing communities. The area has fertile, lush valleys and highlands where many different types of crops are grown. Farmers plant their crops in terraces here, and apart from coffee, they also grow alfalfa for livestock, millets and lentils.

The region houses roughly 140,000 people, with at least 1,500 families financially dependent on coffee farming. 

In terms of volume, Haraaz is Yemen’s largest coffee producing region due to the presence of a large network of coffee nurseries across the region. The stratospheric altitudes, where the coffee is grown, adds to the unique flavour profile of Haraazi coffee. Farmers also believe that Haraazi coffee is distinctive because of the region’s fertile soil. It is interesting to note that a large share of Haraazi coffee is specialty grade. 

Sanaa

The governorate of Sana’a not only has the biggest share of specialty coffee production, in both quality and quantity in Yemen but also has one of the longest continuous coffee cultures in the world. Much of the coffee consumed in Sana’a is prepared using the traditional Ibrik method, brewing coffee in a copper or silver pot over hot charcoals.