In the heart of Thailand's Chiang Rai province, nestled at an elevation of 1200 meters, lies the enchanting village of Huay Ma Liem (HML). Home to ten families of the Lahu/Yao tribal group, this community has become synonymous with the art of cultivating extraordinary coffee beans, creating a legacy that intertwines with the region's rich history.
Unveiling the Roots
Huay Ma Liem's story begins around three decades ago when its inhabitants, originally hailing from Burma and China, decided to settle in Thailand. Seeking a location with abundant water resources, they moved a few kilometers from their original settlement to the present-day village. The name Huay Ma Liem itself is a nod to a nearby river, a lifeline that mirrors the vitality flowing through the village.
The International Tribal Development Program (ITDP) has been an integral part of Huay Ma Liem for the past two decades, fostering sustainable practices and empowering the community. This partnership not only aids in the cultivation of coffee but also extends to various aspects of community development.
From Seeds to Harvest
For 25 years, coffee has been an integral part of Huay Ma Liem's agricultural landscape. The first coffee trees were planted by the villagers themselves upon their arrival. The first harvest marked the beginning of a journey that would intertwine the destiny of the village with the aromatic allure of coffee.
What sets Huay Ma Liem's coffee apart is its cultivation in the heart of Thailand's main growing region. The natural forest canopy provides an ideal setting for shade coffee, eliminating the need for irrigation. The soil, enriched by organic matter from the surrounding trees, promotes sustainable farming. A thick layer of composting leaves acts as a natural mulch, eliminating the need for herbicides or other chemicals.
The coffee journey doesn't end at harvest. In Huay Ma Liem, the coffee beans are pulped and wet processed in the village before being carefully dried. The beans then make their way to ITDF for further processing and grading, ensuring that the final product mirrors the dedication and craftsmanship of the villagers.
Huay Ma Liem's coffee, predominantly of the Catimor variety, boasts cherries ranging from vibrant red to sunny yellow. This harvest season, the village proudly produced 10 tons of this exceptional coffee, a testament to the meticulous care invested in every step of the process.
Join us on this Journey
As we introduce a limited release of Huay Ma Liem's coffee, we invite you to embark on a sensory adventure. Each cup carries not just the flavor of meticulously grown and processed beans but also the essence of a community's history, resilience, and commitment to sustainable practices.
Experience Huay Ma Liem's coffee — where every sip tells a story, and every story is a celebration of a village that defines the art of cultivating exceptional coffee.