Heirloom Coffee
By Anke Wolf · Adult educator with Swiss federal certificate and coach
Dear coffee lovers,
today we'd like to tell you about a very special coffee - Heirloom coffee from Yemen. The word "Heirloom Coffee" describes coffee grown from traditional, non-hybrid coffee plant varieties that have been passed down from generation to generation within a particular region or community. The term is often associated with high-quality coffee grown using sustainable farming methods and offering a unique flavour profile. This type of coffee has a long tradition and has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. It's a variety prized by coffee connoisseurs around the world for its unique characteristics and taste.
Heirloom coffee from Yemen stands out for its distinctive way of being grown. The beans are hand-picked and sun-dried. This gives them an intense aroma and a fine acidity that delights the palate. The coffee has a full-bodied flavour with hints of fruit and spice that lingers on the tongue.
But what makes this coffee from Yemen so special? It's the fact that it's an original coffee variety that hasn't been selectively bred. The beans come from traditional coffee shrubs grown by farmers on terraced fields in the mountain regions of Yemen. These plants have remained largely unchanged for centuries and have adapted to the region's particular climatic conditions. The soil, the climate and the altitude all contribute to making Yemeni coffee among the best in the world.
If you'd like to try Heirloom coffee from Yemen, we recommend grinding it yourself at home. That way you can enjoy the full aroma and come to appreciate this coffee's special quality. You'll be delighted by this extraordinary taste experience, and the journey into the world of Yemeni coffee won't let go of you again.
So don't hesitate any longer, and treat yourself to a cup of Heirloom coffee from Yemen. Let yourself be enchanted by its unique taste and dive into the world of coffee. You won't regret it!
Our Yemeni Desert Rose isn't currently in our range – you'll find what's currently coming out of our roastery under Coffee beans.
See you soon, your Coffee Coaching Club team
Frequently Asked Questions About Heirloom Coffee
What does 'Heirloom' mean for coffee?
It describes traditional coffee plants that haven't been selectively bred and have been passed down within a region over generations. It's a collective term, not a botanical variety designation.
Is Heirloom a coffee variety?
No, and that's the key point. 'Heirloom' can cover a great many different plants. Reading the term on a bag doesn't tell you which variety is actually inside.
Why does 'Heirloom' appear so often on Ethiopian coffee?
Because Ethiopia has historically grown an enormous genetic diversity, and many stocks were never recorded as pure varieties. 'Heirloom' is the most honest label available there – not the laziest.
Does Heirloom coffee taste better?
Not inherently. The term says nothing about quality. What you taste is determined by cultivation, processing, roasting and your brewing method – not the word on the bag.
Is Heirloom found outside Ethiopia too?
Yes, in Yemen among other places. There too, the term stands for old, locally passed-down stocks.
How do I recognise good coffee, if not by the term?
By transparency: origin, altitude, processing, harvest year and roast date say more than any label. And in the end, what matters is whether you enjoy it.
Anke Wolf
Founder and owner, coaching, team and processes
Swiss federal certificate as adult educator, CAS Coaching in Organisations (FHNW), over 10 years in adult education and coaching. With us she is the host in our cafés, leads and coaches the team, coordinates our processes and looks after our partnerships with foundations.
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