The history of coffee is lengthy and extensive, going back many centuries. Coffee is thought to have originated in Ethiopia, where it was initially grown before being transported throughout the Middle East and beyond. The beverage gained popularity swiftly in the Muslim world and was significant to the social and cultural life of many nations, including Oman.
Coffee’s history in Oman is thought to have started in the 15th century when Yemeni traders introduced the beverage to the nation. Coffee quickly gained popularity among Omani citizens and began to be cultivated and made locally. The beverage evolved into a significant component of Omani society and culture, with coffee shops and cafés playing a crucial role in social life.
The history of coffee in Oman is intricately entwined with that of the nation. With a history dating back centuries, Oman is one of the oldest coffee-producing countries in the world.
Not many people know that the Dhofar Governorate in the Sultanate of Oman is abundant in terms of coffee vegetation, which is not surprising as the governorate is also remarkably well-known for cultivating fruits and vegetables.
Ahmed al Kathiri grew the coffee plant for the first time on a farm in the mountains of Dhofar, where the Arabica coffee plant grows only in certain agricultural conditions.
Al Kathiri started cultivating coffee on his farm five years ago, focusing on two types of coffee — Mexican and Adeni (Yemeni). Yemeni coffee is the best and bears abundant fruits. Ahmed considers it one of the best varieties he has tried. He shared that the Adeni-Yemeni variety is better than the Mexican and has a bright future.
Al Kathiri started by planting only three coffee plants, which took several months to grow.
“The coffee plant needs a specific climate to grow. The coffee I have planted has adapted well to the climate of the mountains of Dhofar Governorate. Coffee is harvested at my farm during July, as my first harvest reached 10 kgs,” he said.
Al Kathiri used to work for the Ministry of Information. After retirement, he decided to develop an interest in farming. His interest and passion for agriculture led him to travel to some countries to import seeds and plants.
Ahmed tries to grow tropical plants, provides them with appropriate conditions for growth, and often succeeds in these experiments.
“The farm contains more than 700 types of Omani and Arabic fruits, such as mango trees, spices, and some rare tropical fruits, including American apples and more than nine varieties of jackfruit,” Al Kathiri said.
Coffee symbolizes generosity and hospitality among the Arabs, in addition to their use of coffee seeds in folk remedies, Ahmed shared.
The beverage continues to play a significant role in the history and culture of the nation. A blend of gently roasted beans is used to make traditional Omani coffee. The beans are grounded and the coffee is boiled in a unique kettle known as a dallah. The beverage is a tasty and gratifying treat because it is sometimes served with dates or other sweet delicacies.
Because of its significance to the customs and traditions of his community, Al Kathiri said that it was one of the reasons why he highly considered producing his own.
Beyond farming, Ahmed is also doing a series of experiments with other varieties of plants.
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