QATS

Qats represents one of the most strategically valuable words in competitive word games—a rare Q-without-U word that can transform a difficult rack into a high-scoring play. As the plural of qat (also spelled khat or kat), qats refers to multiple bundles or portions of leaves from Catha edulis, an evergreen shrub native to the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. These leaves, when chewed fresh, release cathinone and cathine, mild stimulants that produce effects similar to amphetamines but less intense.

The practice of chewing qat dates back centuries, deeply embedded in the social fabric of Yemen, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Users typically chew fresh leaves for hours, storing them in the cheek while swallowing the juice. The effects include mild euphoria, increased alertness, talkativeness, and suppressed appetite. In Yemen, afternoon qat sessions ("qat parties") serve as important social gatherings where business, politics, and community matters are discussed. An estimated 90% of Yemeni men and 50% of women regularly chew qat.

Economically, qat cultivation dominates agriculture in producing regions. In Yemen, qat farming occupies 40% of irrigated land and consumes 30% of groundwater—a concerning figure in water-scarce regions. The qat trade generates billions annually, supporting millions of farmers, traders, and sellers. Fresh qat must reach consumers within 48 hours of harvest before losing potency, creating complex supply chains. Daily qat flights connect production areas with diaspora communities in London, Minneapolis, and other cities with East African populations.