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Arabic coffee

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Also known as Gahwa

serving and drinking customs of Arabic coffee

Key facts

Alternative names
Qahwah arabiyya
Type
Coffea arabica
Course
Drink
Place of origin
Mokha
Region or state
Yemen
Associated cuisine
Arab cuisine
Invented
15th century
Serving temperature
Hot
Main ingredients
ground coffee , water , and cardamom

via Wikipedia infobox

Described at

Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity - UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

ich.unesco.org

Arabic coffee highlights an important aspect of generosity in Arab societies and the associated traditions of hospitality. Serving and drinking Arabic coffee is a daily ritual for communities, groups and individuals. It is served at weddings and tribal gatherings (reconciliation and conflict resolution majalis) in all submitting States including Jordan (the new submitting State). The practice is associated with specific rituals and rules of etiquette that are passed down informally from one generation to the next. For instance, older people and guests are served first, and the coffee must be poured using the right hand. It is also customary for the person drinking the coffee to shake their cup to signal that they are done. Arabic coffee is a popular practice that is enjoyed by all segments of society. In gatherings, it is often accompanied by the recitation of poetry, stimulating discussions, and the exchange of memories. In Jordan, Arabic coffee is held in high regard as a symbol of generosity and hospitality in the offices of government officials and statesmen, including ministers, representatives, and directors, and is always present in the homes of Jordanians, whether in Jordan or abroad. In addition to being a symbol of generosity, hospitality and respect, it acts as a call for peace and dialogue within and across countries. 1. Social practices, rituals and festive events (584) 2. Traditional craftsmanship (460)

Excerpt from a page describing this subject · 8,956 chars · not written by Vinony

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Encyclopedic overview

Arabic coffee, known in Arabic as qahwa (Arabic: قهوة), is a loosely defined family of brewed coffee of Coffea arabica beans. Most Arab countries throughout the Middle East developed distinct methods for brewing and preparing coffee. Cardamom is an often-added spice, but it can also be served plain or with sugar.

Arabic coffee is bitter and usually served without sugar. It is typically brewed in a dallah or cezve, and served in a small cup decorated with a pattern, known as a finjān. Culturally, Arabic coffee is served during family gatherings or when receiving guests, with its preparation reflecting local customs.

Excerpted from Wikipedia’s “Arabic coffee” article, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.