Shada Coffee: Unveiling The Unique Taste Of Saudi Arabia's Highlands

The highlands of the Al-Baha Region, particularly the agricultural lands of Lower Shada (Shada Al-Asfal) and Upper Shada (Shada Al-Ala) mountains, are celebrated for their favourable climate. This climate is perfect for cultivating the distinctive Shada coffee. Known for its unique flavour and exceptional quality, Shada coffee is highly sought after by coffee lovers.

Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, a coffee farmer from the Shada area, shared insights into the cultivation process of Shada coffee. He explained that growing this coffee takes three years, starting in late summer and ending with harvesting at the beginning of the fourth year. The harvested coffee fruit undergoes a meticulous drying process to ensure quality.

Once collected, the coffee fruit is sun-dried on rooftops for three days. After this initial drying phase, the beans are gathered and stored indoors away from direct sunlight for two days. Following this, they undergo a secondary drying process on rooftops for an additional five days. During these stages, the beans change colour from red to black and lose weight as moisture evaporates.

The traditional methods used in drying Shada coffee beans involve careful attention to detail. After drying, the beans are ground using specially made millstones before being sold according to customer preferences. This meticulous process ensures that each batch of Shada coffee maintains its unique flavour profile.

The people of the Shada area are deeply committed to preserving their rich heritage in coffee farming. Their dedication to cultivating this exceptional coffee with its rare flavour reflects their passion for maintaining traditional practices while offering a taste of Saudi Arabia's natural essence to the world.

"The cultivation of Shada coffee is not just about growing beans; it's about preserving a legacy," said Abdullah Al-Ghamdi. "Our methods have been passed down through generations, ensuring that each cup of Shada coffee carries with it a piece of our history."

This commitment to tradition and quality makes Shada coffee a unique offering in the global market. The careful cultivation and processing techniques highlight the region's dedication to producing high-quality coffee that stands out for its distinct taste.

The entire process from planting to grinding showcases the intricate steps involved in creating Shada coffee. This attention to detail ensures that every cup provides an authentic experience infused with nature's essence from Saudi Arabia's highlands.

The story of Shada coffee is one of tradition, dedication, and exceptional quality. It represents not only a product but also a cultural heritage that continues to thrive in the Al-Baha Region's highlands.

With inputs from SPA