Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1854-12-09
Mocha Coffee.

! Mocha has tor 90 years been the principal seat Of
the coffee trade of Yemen, although Alden is now
entering upon successful rivalry for the eminence
which monopoly of this branch of eastern COM
merce might give to any seaport that can secure IT,
] Coffee began to be common beverage in Arabia
about the beginning of the fifteenth century, and the
Arabians have since sedulousy cultivated it and
Jeaousy prohibited the expectation of this native
I plant of Yemen. 1t was however introduced from
here into other countries without the anticipated
Injury TO the wealth and prosperity of Arabia,
Mocha coffee is still regarded as the most excel
lent and expensive coffee cultivated.
The coffee plant grows sixteen or eighteen feet
high with an upright stem, covered with light
brown bark. Its branches grow horizontally and
opposite, crossing each other, and form pyramG-
lcal appearance. The leaves grow on the opposite
side of the branches, to the length Of fcur or five
inches, and two and half that width in the middle.
The flowers, growing in punches at the junction
OF The leaves, are white; maturing first into green,
then red berries, resembling bUnches Of cherries,
each of which contains wo,kernels. But one crop
Is annually produced, and gathered in the months
OF January and FebTnary. For the purpose of be-
ling dried IN the sun, the gathered coffee Is spread
upon she housetops on cleared spaces of ground,
where II Is frequently watered to open the koke,
shell, which Is always separated by grinding before
packing. The coffee raised al Annas and Saaa,
which Is held in best estimation is generally dried
upon temporary floors, covered with compost of
clay and COW ordure, which protects the coffee
from Vermin, and also gives 1t permanent yellow
ish color. How perceptbly such a compost may
affect the taste of the coffee, would doubtless be
matter of inquiry with the tidy cow-loving Hindu
housewife, who uses solution of it 10 purify her
parlors, ornament her walls and doorways and nu-
merous other purposes.
Large quantities of coffee arrive at Mocha from
March to the latter part of July, from the coffee
district within 20 days journey. Camels are en-
pOyed IN It's transportation, each of which carries
about SIX hundred pounds contained in two sacks
They driven in long trains OF so or more, arrang-
ed one behind another the head of each being tied
to the tail Of the camel Immediately before him.
Thus arranged but few drivers are necessary.
But few Arabs, and those the wealthiest class,
indulge, as a general habit, in the luxury of coffee.
1t has often been disputed whether coffee does not
come under the prohibition of the Koran, which
forbids the of strong and inebratng liquors,
1t Is wellknown fact that the fumes of coffee have
some effect on the Imagination. Its use is howey-
er generally tolerated, and many Arabs say, 'that
a dish of coffee and pipe of tobacco complete
entertainment" They drink it without milk or su-
gar after it has been pounded fine in mortar and
then stepped. All clases use very palatable bey-
erage made from the koke, or coffee shell, which
goes by the name of kawha. 1t can be obtained
at the numerous and much frequented coffee shops,
where
Well seasoned bowls the gossips' spirits raise,
for half cent quart.-George Creamer's Notes
81