Bura

Bura District (Arabic: مديرية بُرع) is a district of the Al Hudaydah Governorate, Yemen.

Region: The Bura region is situated in the lush, mountainous area of western Yemen. This area is known for its terraced farms, where coffee trees are grown on steep slopes.
Altitude: Coffee is cultivated at high altitudes (1,800–2,500 meters above sea level), contributing to the beans' complexity and bright acidity.
Climate: The region benefits from a unique microclimate with moderate temperatures, misty mornings, and occasional rainfall, which allows coffee cherries to mature slowly.

Yemeni coffee is grown from heirloom varietals of Arabica, such as Udaini, Tuffahi, and Dawairi, which are genetically unique to the region.
These varietals have been cultivated for centuries, offering a distinctive flavor profile unmatched by modern hybrids.

Coffee from Bura is processed using the natural (dry) method:
- Coffee cherries are hand-picked and sun-dried with the fruit intact.
- This imparts fruity and wine-like notes to the beans and a syrupy body.
Drying is traditionally done on rooftops or raised beds, adding to the artisanal nature of the coffee.

Bura coffee is celebrated for its complexity, with flavor notes that include:

Fruity Notes: Hints of dried fruit, berries, and tropical fruit.
Sweetness: A pronounced natural sweetness.
Spice and Earthiness: Subtle undertones of cinnamon, clove, and earthy characteristics.
Acidity: Bright, wine-like acidity.
Body: Full-bodied with a smooth, velvety texture.

Water Scarcity: Yemen’s arid climate and limited water resources make coffee cultivation labor-intensive.
Terraced Farming: Steep slopes require manual labor for planting, harvesting, and drying.
Political Instability: Ongoing conflicts in Yemen disrupt coffee production, making Yemeni coffee rare and expensive.

Historical Roots: Yemen is considered the birthplace of commercial coffee cultivation. It was from Yemen’s port of Mocha that coffee spread to the world in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Cultural Practice: Coffee farming in Bura is a deeply rooted tradition, passed down through generations.
Qishr: In Yemen, the coffee cherry husks are used to make a traditional spiced beverage called Qishr.

Yemeni coffee farming is entirely artisanal, relying on ancient methods rather than modern machinery.
The smallholder farmers in Bura focus on quality over quantity, producing limited batches of premium coffee.
Buying Bura coffee through direct trade or fair trade channels supports these farmers and their communities.

Flavor: The heirloom varietals, high-altitude terroir, and natural processing combine to produce one of the most complex and exquisite coffee profiles in the world.
Rarity: Due to its limited production and the challenges of farming in Yemen, Bura coffee is a treasure for coffee enthusiasts.
Cultural Heritage: Drinking Yemeni coffee connects people to a centuries-old tradition and history of coffee.