For centuries, the world associated the word “Mocha” with Yemen — not chocolate. The original “Mocha flavor” came from the legendary Yemeni beans shipped through the historic port of Al-Makha. These beans were famous for their wine-like acidity, deep fruit notes, and unmistakable aroma.
But what most people don’t know is that one of the rarest Yemeni varieties nearly disappeared forever.
And this is where our story begins.
A Discovery in the Mountains of Bani Matar
In 2019, while surveying remote coffee terraces in Bani Matar, a buyer named Adil from the Sand Coffee team visited a forgotten mountain village. The village was so isolated that even locals said:
“No one has gone there in years… only the clouds.”
During his visit, Adil noticed something unusual — trees with extremely small cherries, smaller than any other variety he had seen. An elderly farmer named Saleh approached him quietly and said:
“These are the beans my grandfather called ‘Udaini Mocha’.
People say they died long ago… but here, they still live.”
Adil was shocked. This was a variety believed to be extinct.
Saleh explained that his family protected the trees secretly for generations, fearing they would be cut down for firewood or replaced with faster-growing crops.
Their commitment saved one of Yemen’s most precious coffee treasures.
A Flavor the World Thought Was Gone
When Sand Coffee brought samples to roasters in Saudi Arabia, America, Korea, and Japan, the reactions were immediate:
- “This is the real Mocha!”
- “Where did you find this? It’s incredibly rare.”
- “The berry notes are unbelievable.”
The cupping scores were outstanding — with natural sweetness, hints of raspberry, and a deep chocolatey finish that only pure Yemeni beans can deliver.
Roasters around the world suddenly wanted more.
But there was a problem.
The entire village produced only 65 kg per year.
Not 65 bags.
Not 650 kg.
Just 65 kg — the amount some farms in Brazil produce in 15 minutes.
This rarity made the beans more valuable than ever.
How Sand Coffee Helps Preserve the Lost Variety
Instead of buying the beans once and walking away, Sand Coffee made a long-term agreement with Saleh and his neighbors:
✔ Pay a premium price every year
✔ Help expand and protect the rare variety
✔ Guarantee buyers so the farmers feel secure
✔ Support organic and traditional farming methods
Today, the “lost beans of Mocha” are slowly spreading again — but still remain extremely limited.
Every kilogram supports the village, the heritage, and a variety nearly erased from history.
Why Roasters Love This Rediscovered Treasure
- Unique, ancient genetic variety
- Naturally grown on volcanic mountain terraces
- Sun-dried using traditional Yemeni methods
- Rare, premium-grade micro-lots
- Fruit-forward profile with strong sweetness
- A story customers truly appreciate
Roasters say that this bean sells itself — not only for its taste but for the history behind it.
And now, through Sand Coffee, this once-forgotten treasure reaches specialty roasters worldwide.