Yemen Mocha Matari Coffee

Why this coffee matters

Yemen Mocha Matari is one of the world’s most historic and distinctive coffees — a true heirloom variety cultivated on ancient mountain terraces near Sana’a. Every bean carries centuries of legacy, grown and sun-dried by smallholder farmers who rely on traditional methods passed down through generations. The result is a cup that’s rich, winey, and intensely aromatic — a flavour that has shaped the very story of coffee itself. For Canadian coffee lovers, this is a taste of the original Mocha, roasted fresh to preserve its bold yet balanced character.

Origin & Processing

• Region: Bani Matar, Yemen (mountain terraces near Sana’a)
• Elevation: 1500–2100 m asl
• Process: Natural (sun-dried on raised beds)
• Recommended Roast: Signature Roast (crafted to enhance the deep cocoa body, dried fruit sweetness, and winey acidity while preserving its authentic Yemeni depth).

Harvested cherries are naturally dried under the arid Yemeni sun — a meticulous, time-intensive process that gives this coffee its deep complexity. The combination of high altitude, ancient cultivation methods, and dry natural processing yields a rare cup with exceptional body and aromatic strength.

Sustainability & Craft

Yemen’s coffee farmers cultivate under extraordinary conditions — steep, terraced slopes with limited access to water, using techniques honed over centuries. Every batch represents the resilience of Yemeni agriculture, maintained by family-run micro-farms rather than large estates. At Spectra Coffee, we roast in small batches to highlight the heritage and craftsmanship behind each bean, ensuring that this treasured origin is represented with the respect it deserves.

Cup Experience

Expect a full-bodied, complex cup with notes of cocoa, dried fruit, and spice. The winey acidity is balanced by a syrupy sweetness, leading to a long, rich finish that lingers beautifully. This is a coffee for those who appreciate intensity, history, and artistry in equal measure.

Cup Profile

• Aroma: Cocoa, spice, dried fruit
• Taste: Winey fruit, cocoa, spice
• Body: Full and syrupy
• Acidity: Bright and wine-like
• Finish: Long, rich, and sweet

Brew Tips

• Cone Drip (V60/Chemex): Medium grind, 1:16 ratio, 92–94 °C — highlights bright fruit and balanced spice.
• Flat Basket Drip (Auto): Medium grind — offers a rich, smooth daily cup.
• Pump Espresso: Fine grind, 1:2 ratio, 28 sec — syrupy body and deep cocoa crema.
• Stovetop (Moka): Medium-fine grind — produces bold, winey strength.
• Turkish: Ultra-fine grind — dense, aromatic, and traditional.
• Whole Bean: Grind fresh for maximum flavour retention and aroma.

FAQ

• Is Yemen Mocha Matari really one of the oldest coffees?
  Yes. Yemen is where coffee first transitioned from wild cultivation to trade, and Mocha Matari remains its most iconic heirloom variety.
• What makes this flavour profile so unique?
  The high elevation and natural drying process create a cup with layered cocoa, spice, and fruit — complex and bold yet remarkably smooth.
• How fresh is my coffee?
  Each batch is roasted weekly in Canada to order, ensuring freshness and the authentic taste of traditional Yemeni coffee.