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Author Insight
Coffee Coffee Coffee
Hospitality is part of the Bedouin tradition and expressed in drinking coffee, gahwa in Arabic. Yes coffee, almost my favorite drink. I often refer to myself as a coffee-aholic. First the beans are roasted, then crushed. Spices, as cardamom, clove, nutmeg, and bits of saffron are added. UNESCO includes coffee as part of the cultural heritage of the Gulf countries, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and Qatar. The dalah, the traditional Arab flat bottom coffee pot, is often found on posters and imprinted on coins. My experience drinking Arabic coffee was usually in the desert with Saudi friends. The coffee was poured back and forth between pots until the host decided the light blonde roast was ready to drink. Served in small cups, the gahwa was smooth and had an aroma depending upon what spices were used. To me it was the best coffee I have ever had.
Book Excerpt
The Bystander
Amy slowly sipped her coffee. “What’s in this coffee?” she asked.
“They strain the grounds, reheat them, and add the spice cardamom. I can tell you like it.”
“Hassa, you know I drink coffee all the time. This is different than Western coffee, but I love it. Dates have always been a favorite fruit of mine. They are chilled, my favorite way to eat them.”
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