What Are Mokha Coffee Beans? History & Tasting Notes

Mokha is a wild, dry processed (natural) coffee grown traditionally without chemicals in Yemen. It is often full-bodied with rich, winey acidity. The coffee is dry processed and rather untamed, with a substantial body, winey acidity, and deep earthy tones. The musky fruitiness is followed by a delicious chocolatey aftertaste. This is a vibrant coffee with cardamom and cinnamon spice notes, as well as dried fruits like raisins and delightful sweet spice overtones.

Mokha coffee beans can also be referred to as Mokka, Mocha, and Maui. Mokha is only grown in Yemen near the Red Sea – in a hilly location on the Arabian Peninsula’s southern edge. The coffee itself is named after an old port there. This coffee is derived from the Yemeni coffee plant Arabica and some of the finest crops of it are grown in the north part of Yemen. These coffee beans have a very rich history and additionally, It is pretty hard to come across on the online markets. In this guide we are going to talk about everything you need to know about Mokha coffee, so get ready!

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The History Behind Mokka Coffee Beans

As we already mentioned at the beginning, the port of Mocha (also known as al-Makha), through which most Yemeni coffees were shipped prior to the 20th century, gave the name to these beans. Aden and Hodeida were the main ports of entry for them at the beginning of the 20th century. Currently, Yemen’s main coffee market is Bayt al-Faqih, which is 140 km away from the main port. Mokha coffee beans green is mostly grown in the mountains including the districts of Uden, Jabal Haraz, and Ta’izz.

Did you know that some of the world’s most expensive cups of coffee come from Yemen? So, back in the time, Yemen used to have a monopoly over coffee, banning everyone from taking seeds out. Eventually, the Dutch were able to steal seven seeds and took them to Indonesia, specifically on the island of Java – Only after that was coffee able to make its way to Europe.

Currently, Mokha coffee beans Yemen is pretty expensive, mainly due to the fact that it is hard to get the coffee out of the country – There is a language barrier, there are mountains where you can’t travel easily and most importantly, Yemen has political problems which cause an unstable situation within the borders. However, there still are some companies that are able to import beans out of the country and give you a thrilling coffee drinking experience.

What Brews are Best to Make With Mocha Beans?

We are pretty sure that you are aware of the fact that there are different types of coffees available on the market. Coffee shops offer a bunch of coffees for you every day, however, some people prefer to brew their beans at home. In this case, you might be wondering what brews are the best to make with Mocha beans? While it is true that it is perfectly possible to make whichever type you prefer, we still want to share the ones that taste the best when done with Al Mokha coffee beans brands. Make sure to check out these ones so you find the type that you like the most.

Espresso – The Best Way to Brew Mocca Coffee Beans

What exactly is Espresso? Originally from Italy, espresso is brewed by forcing a tiny amount of almost boiling water through finely-ground coffee beans at pressure. For espresso, a wide range of coffee beans and roasting degrees can be used.

I believe that an Espresso is the best way to brew Mocca coffee beans and let me explain why. The main reason is that the natural flavors of the beans are retained in a concentrated coffee and shine much better. Additionally, it’s the quintessential coffee experience. You might not be able to find a coffee shop where it is not possible to get Espresso, but what if you want to make it at home? The good news is that it is perfectly possible, especially when you have Mokha coffee beans, however, it is important to note that your first try might not get you to the best results. It is the best idea to keep practicing and you will definitely be able to produce a good-tasting cup of coffee. Keep in mind that you will need to have an Espresso machine at home.

Check Out our Espresso Brewing Masterclass

Mocha – Enhanced Chocolate Flavor

Like a cappuccino, the mocha is made with frothed milk, which is typically topped with whipped cream (which is completely optional, not necessary). One-third of Espresso and two-thirds steamed milk with cocoa powder are combined to make this drink. So, why is it a good idea to make Mocha with Mokha coffee beans? The main reason is that the already existing chocolate flavor is enhanced by the added cocoa.

Making Mocha is not as hard as making Espresso. In order to get the best results possible, make sure to follow our guide below.

Learn How to Make Mocha Here

Top 5 Mocca Coffee Brands on Amazon

If you are still reading this article, it means that you are interested in this variety of coffee beans. So, where can you find Mokha coffee beans for sale? As we already mentioned, getting the beans directly from Yemen is pretty hard and additionally, a little dangerous. Thankfully, there are some other ways to get your coffee beans, thanks to the internet. It is perfectly possible to find Mocca coffee brands on Amazon. Make sure to check out the list down below to find your favorite product.

How We Rated Them

We pay attention to the following:

• Price
• Company Background
• Taste
• Shelf-life
• Additives

For more detailed information on how exactly we rate the coffee products we suggest in our guides, click here.

Individual Overviews of Our Top Choices

Simply naming our favorite products will not be enough for you to make the right choice based on your needs and taste. In this part, we are going to do an individual Mokha coffee beans review, stating all important facts and features about each of them, so you are able to make sure whether a specific product is worth your time, attention, and money. So, get ready to discover your new favorite type of coffee now!

Al-Aqeeq Yemen Mocha Coffee

We are happy to start our list with Al-Aqeeq Yemen Mocha coffee. This one is pretty special for the reason that it supports the local production and families living and working in Yemen. So, when purchasing this product you will not only be tasting an interesting cup of coffee but will also be taking part in a very important process of developing a coffee industry.

One package of this coffee costs $15.00 and it comes with a 9-ounce packaging. The price is pretty competitive compared to other Mokha coffee beans prices. Once you open your bag, you will immediately feel a fresh aroma of beans, meaning that it is delivered in a very good manner. The coffee itself has a smooth taste and is very flavorful with mid-tones. Although you can brew it with any brewing method, I would suggest an Espresso Machine for this one, as it produces an amazing taste! Moreover, you can also add cardamom or other ingredients that you love your coffee with.

What’s even better is that this Yemen Mocha coffee is organic. The growing methods used by farmers ensure that the final product is chemical-free, without any artificial ingredients in it. All in all, if you want to have an authentic taste of Mokha beans, then you should definitely consider purchasing this one.

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Weiner Mokka Coffee Beans

Weiner Mokka coffee Beans might be a great choice for all strong coffee lovers out there. The distinctive espresso mix with its traditional Viennese roast is ideal for making robust coffee. The strong taste of the authentic pure beans from Cerrado in Brazil makes a beautiful hazelnut-colored crema. The slightly darker roast ensures a distinct flavor, a robust fragrance, and excellent crema. Weiner Mokka can taste perfect when brewed as Mocca, Espresso, drip, or filter brew.

This review will not be useful if we don’t mention the brand behind the product. Julius Meinl is a company that has been in the coffee industry since 1862. Julius Meinl, Europe’s first professional roaster, has developed a distinctive and very successful coffee culture based on Viennese heritage, standing for knowledge, tradition, and premium quality goods. That means that Mokha coffee beans purchased from them will definitely be high-quality.

My favorite thing about this product is its packaging – Not only is it a nice-looking bag, but whole beans are sealed in packages with a one-way valve that allows roast gases to exit while preventing air from entering. One package will cost you $19.99 but I believe that the quality this product comes with is definitely worth it.

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Al Mokha – World’s First Coffee

So, the next one is Al Mokha – World’s first coffee. The beans are grown in Yemen’s hilly west at elevations ranging from 4,900 to 6,800 feet. A network of small-holder farmers grows and harvests this heritage coffee by hand, then sun-dries it. It is then milled and packed with care for shipment. As it was in the case of our first product, by purchasing this coffee, you will also be supporting stability and economic growth in Yemen. Sounds exciting, right?

I personally think that this coffee is high-quality and tastes great. However, keep in mind that in order to achieve the greatest flavor, you may need to experiment with brew techniques, grind, and steep periods – don’t simply try one way and assume that it can’t get any better if it’s not wonderful. On the medium setting, the coffee should neither be too coarse for a french press nor too fine for a Turkish.

One drawback of this product is its price that may be expensive for some buyers. A 12-ounce package costs $29.95, however, you can always go for cheaper options. I believe that the product you get at your doorstep is worth the money you pay.

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Paulig Juhla Mokka

Paulig Juhla Mokka is a ​​combination of fine and full-bodied Arabica beans sourced from the best regions of Central and South America as well as Africa. Fruity and nuanced with a medium body, this coffee actually has a lot to offer. This one might be a great option for people that love a strong coffee that can make their morning much more enjoyable.

I must admit that for the price that this coffee comes with I expected something more than the characteristics of a strong coffee. The high price of $59.91 can be justified by the size of the bag which is 70 ounces, however, the taste is not as amazing as one would imagine. I tried brewing these Mokha coffee beans with different methods, and the French Press was able to produce the taste that was the closest to my liking. You are free to experiment and maybe you will be able to find the taste that you actually enjoy.

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Maui Mokka Hawaii

The last on our list is Maui Mokka Hawaii produced in Kaanapali Estate. The property was formerly part of the Pioneer Mill sugar plantation and is Maui’s sole coffee farm. In addition, it is the only farm in the world that grows the Mokka coffee type commercially. Mokka coffee is distinguished by its incredibly tiny and nearly completely round-shaped coffee beans. Maui Mokka is a coffee that is extremely sweet with citrus acidity and a flowery fragrance.

One thing to keep in mind is that these Mokha coffee beans might not be the best choice for you if you are not a fan of sweet coffee. The good news is that the coffee is sourced ethically and grown utilizing contemporary, environmentally safe, and natural processing methods. What this means is that consuming this coffee is definitely safe, and you don’t have to worry about artificial ingredients in it.

One package of Maui Mokka Hawai costs $20.00 and comes with a 4.4-ounce package. Considering the fact that this coffee comes from a very exotic place where the beans are pretty rare, the product is definitely worth investing in.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Mocha Coffee Beans