Qishr - Coffee Cherry Tea
What is it?
Coffee-producing communities, such as Yemen, have been making hot tea by brewing coffee cherries for as long as they have been cultivating coffee. The drink, called QISHR in Arabic, is made from coffee husks, ginger, caraway seeds and cinnamon.
In Ethiopia, it’s called Geshar or Hashara, and its darkly roasted until almost black, and infused in water for a longer period to create an intensely fruity brew. In Bolivia it’s called Sultana, where they enjoy it with cinnamon, clove, and sugar.
What does it taste like?
QISHR produces a highly aromatic and distinctly syrupy drink which offers traces of brown sugar, apple, flowers and tobacco, depending on where the coffee was grown. The special spice blend makes this an ideal drink for cold days while the coffee cherry base gives the drink its unique coffee tea flavor. Adding milk or heavy cream changes the depth and mouth feel of the drink which can be extremely pleasant depending on your preferences.
How do I brew QISHR?
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Fatemi Coffee Qishr
- 8 cups water
- Sugar to taste (i use 1/4 cup)
- Milk, 1/2 & 1/2 or heavy cream to taste (i use 1/4 cup)
Simmer the ingredients for six minutes (or up to six hours) and serve hot with dates, rusk or nuts.