Qishr

Qishr

قشر (QISH-ur)

Yemeni Spiced Coffee Husk Tea

Prep Time 15 min
📈 Difficulty Easy
👥 Servings
4

A fragrant, amber-hued beverage brewed from dried coffee husks with ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom. This ancient Yemeni drink predates modern coffee and offers a lighter, spiced alternative with gentle caffeine.

Nutrition & Info

20 kcal per serving
Carbs 5.0g

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

small pot strainer coffee cups

Instructions

  1. 1

    Lightly toast the dried coffee husks in a dry pot for 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.

  2. 2

    Add water, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, ginger, and cloves. Bring to a boil.

  3. 3

    Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the husks and spices to fully infuse.

  4. 4

    Sweeten with honey or sugar to taste, stirring to dissolve.

  5. 5

    Strain into small cups and serve hot. Qishr is traditionally enjoyed with dates or sweet biscuits.

💡

Did You Know?

Yemen is the birthplace of coffee culture, and qishr made from coffee husks was the original coffee drink before anyone thought to brew the beans themselves.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • small pot
  • strainer
  • coffee cups

The Story Behind Qishr

Qishr is arguably the world's first coffee beverage, predating the roasted bean coffee we know today. Yemeni Sufi monks first brewed coffee husks in the 14th-15th century for their stimulating properties during long prayer sessions. The drink spread from Yemen's port of Mocha to the rest of the world, sparking the global coffee revolution. Today, qishr remains deeply embedded in Yemeni social life, served at gatherings as a symbol of hospitality.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed throughout the day, social gatherings 📜 Origins: Pre-15th century Yemen, origin of coffee culture

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