The Prized Shadawi Coffee: A Rich Agricultural Heritage in Baha’s Tihama Area
In Baha’s Tihama area, nestled among the Shada Al-Asfal and Shada Al-Ala mountains, lies a treasure trove of agricultural heritage — the Shadawi coffee. This unique variety thrives in the area’s distinct microclimate, producing beans renowned for their exceptional flavor profile.
A Challenging Crop with a Rich Legacy
The legacy of Shadawi coffee is as rich as its exceptional flavor. According to a recent report by the Saudi Press Agency, this coffee demands meticulous care throughout its growth cycle, earning it a reputation as one of the most challenging crops to cultivate.
A Commitment to Tradition
For the people of the Shada mountains, cultivating this rare, flavorful coffee is more than just agriculture — it is a commitment to preserving a centuries-old coffee-farming tradition. Historically, a single mountain’s yield ranged from 600 to 1,000 mudd, which were transported as tribute to regional authorities.
The Intricate Cultivation Process
In an interview with the SPA, Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, a Shada coffee farmer, detailed the intricate cultivation process: “Our coffee’s journey spans three years, starting in late summer. We harvest at the beginning of summer in the fourth year.” The post-harvest process involves meticulous drying and sorting of the cherries to concentrate flavors as moisture evaporates.
Preserving Flavors Through Traditional Methods
Traditional grinding methods using millstones or specially designed equipment are employed to separate the husk from the bean, allowing for customized sales based on customer preferences. This careful process transforms the beans from red to black, preserving the unique flavors of Shadawi coffee.
A Culinary Tradition Worth Preserving
The people of the Shada mountains understand that cultivating this rare, flavorful coffee is more than just a farming practice — it is a commitment to preserving a centuries-old Arab coffee-farming tradition that is as rich and flavorful as the beans themselves.