In a country synonymous with its sweet, luscious dates, an Iraqi entrepreneur is redefining the nation’s agricultural legacy.

Jaber Abdul-Azeez Hussein, a 28-year-old innovator from Kirkuk, has pioneered Iraq’s first home-grown date seed coffee, turning discarded seeds into a caffeine-free, nutty beverage that resonates with Iraqis and global consumers alike.

This unique venture not only symbolizes Iraq’s resilience but also offers an eco-conscious solution to agricultural waste, rekindling national pride in a product deeply tied to its identity.

The Genesis of an Idea

Hussein’s journey began in 2018 while he was a student at the Food Sciences College in Babil province, south of Baghdad.

Inspired by the potential of date seeds—a byproduct often discarded despite their abundance—he focused his graduation research on transforming them into something extraordinary.

“We [normally] throw away large quantities of date seeds, which are not being utilised properly despite holding so much potential,” Hussein explained. “Dates represent Iraqi identity, so I wanted to create something that honors our heritage while offering something entirely new.”

Drawing inspiration from experiments conducted in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan—countries already advanced in using date seeds for various products—Hussein spent months perfecting his recipe.

Combining roasted date seeds with a carefully selected blend of herbs and spices, he eventually developed a rich, earthy coffee substitute that struck a balance between traditional flavors and modern tastes.

Commercialization and Growth

By mid-2019, Hussein began commercial production of his date seed coffee. The early days were marked by slow sales, but perseverance and a strategic marketing campaign on social media turned the tide.

Orders surged, with monthly production reaching 6-7 tonnes. Today, Hussein’s company boasts over 150,000 loyal customers and receives thousands of orders each month.

“This coffee is more than just a business,” Hussein remarked. “It’s about creating something that Iraqis can be proud of, something that celebrates our heritage and restores confidence in national products.”

Reviving Iraq’s Date Palm Legacy

Iraq was once the world’s leading producer of dates. Between the 1950s and 1970s, the country had 32 million date palms, yielding nearly one million tonnes annually.

However, decades of war, sanctions, and neglect decimated the industry. By 2003, only nine million palms remained, and production had plummeted to 200,000 tonnes.

Government initiatives launched in the mid-2000s aimed to revive the sector. Farmers were offered subsidized fertilizers, insecticides, and soft loans, while exporters received enhanced facilities.

These measures have borne fruit, with Iraq now boasting 22 million date palms and producing over 700,000 tonnes annually. Approximately 650,000 tonnes are exported each year, signaling a resurgence of the once-flourishing industry.

Hussein’s venture aligns with this revival, utilizing a fraction of the seeds left over from pitted date production. Currently, most of these seeds are used as animal feed or fertilizer, leaving significant untapped potential for innovative uses.

Health Benefits and Popularity

Date seed coffee has garnered international acclaim as a caffeine-free alternative loaded with antioxidants.

According to Hussein, the beverage offers numerous health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and body temperature, alleviating bronchial asthma and kidney stones, and improving memory due to its high amino acid content.

Additionally, it may reduce blood glucose levels, making it an appealing option for individuals with diabetes. “I wanted to create something that not only tastes great but also offers health benefits,” Hussein said.

The coffee’s unique flavor profile—a blend of nutty, earthy tones infused with cardamom and herbs—has struck a chord with Iraqis seeking a modern twist on a traditional drink. Amal Al Nour, a regular customer from Basra, described it as “a drink that feels like home.”

“It’s rich, earthy, and resembles traditional coffee but carries a unique nutty sweetness,” Al Nour said. She added that the beverage had positively impacted her health by lowering her blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

A Symbol of Resilience and Identity

For Hussein, his product represents more than just a business venture. It embodies Iraq’s resilience, creativity, and cultural heritage. By breathing new life into an overlooked resource, he has created a symbol of national pride and unity.

“The most important thing is that I want Iraqis to feel proud and confident in a national product as well as the Iraqi identity that we present in our products,” Hussein emphasized.

This sentiment is shared by customers like Al Nour, who lament the loss of millions of palm trees in Basra due to war, water scarcity, and climate change.

“Palm trees were in every corner in Basra, but we lost them, and we lost our heritage with them. It hurts us,” she said. “This coffee is a good step to preserve heritage and enhance the national identity.”

Future Prospects

Hussein is optimistic about the future of his business. Plans are underway to expand his product range, offering new blends to cater to diverse tastes.

As his company grows, he envisions contributing further to Iraq’s agricultural and economic revival by creating jobs and promoting sustainable practices.

The success of Hussein’s date seed coffee is a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and cultural pride.

In turning waste into a cherished product, he has not only carved a niche in the beverage market but also created a symbol of hope and resilience for a nation rebuilding its identity.

As Iraq’s date industry continues its revival, ventures like Hussein’s offer a glimpse into the potential for sustainable growth and innovation. By embracing tradition and modernity, Iraq is poised to reclaim its status as a global leader in the date industry—one seed at a time.