Doi Tung Coffee

Coffee was introduced on Doi Tung as a commercial crop with the purpose of replacing the cultivation of opium and halting deforestation. Not only is the coffee plant a good commercial product due to its universal demand, but coffee trees can be cultivated over a long period of time without leeching the soil on which it grows. Along with the sustenance of coffee cultivation, the people of Doi Tung have the opportunity to work legitimately and earn a stable stream of income.
There are two types of coffee species in the world, Arabica and Robusta. Arabica coffee can grow at altitudes of 100 - 300 meters above sea level while Robusta must be grown above 800 meters. On Doi Tung, only Arabica coffee trees are cultivated.

Let us talk more about what growing coffee on Doi Tung is all about. In Thailand, coffee plants can be found growing in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Prae, Nan, Payao. Usually, coffee trees are fonder of the shade than the sun. The trees have to be grown apart from each other at a distance of about 2 meters, which amounts to about 400 trees per Rai. The pit used for planting a coffee plant should have dimensions of about 50 X 50 X 50 centimeters with the foundation being layered with rock phosphate and using about 2 kilograms of fertilizer. Watering should be done at least once a week.

Harvesting seasons differ based on the altitudes that the coffee trees are grown. For trees grown at 700-900 meters, harvesting is usually between September and October while cherry beans grown at 1000-1400 meters are usually harvested between December and February. After the harvest, the cherry beans will be stored using either one of two methods. The first method is wet storage. The beans are milled so that the inner bean is freed from its peel. They are then soaked in water for 2-3 nights and then dried in the sun for 7-10 days, after which their shells will be cracked and then stored.

The second storage method is the dry method, which is more suitable for those with relatively low labor capacity; however, this will produce lower quality beans. The beans are left to dry on the branches and then harvested to be dried out in the sun for 15-20 days. Their shells are then cracked.

With the cooperation of the private sector, namely Auerchookiate Co. Ltd., Bank of Asia, Siam Commercial Bank, and Mitsui & Company, a joint venture was formed. This company formed was established as "Navuti" meaning "90" in commemoration of HRH the Princess Mother's birth. The objectives of Navuti are outlined as follows:

1. To revitalize and develop the forest of Doi Tung in order to increase the economic value of the land of the Doi Tung Development Project.
2. To increase employment in the area and provide a stable income stream for the people of Doi Tung.
3. To serve as a model for other entities in both private and public sectors with regards to development efforts for rural areas of the country.

The simplified steps to making Doi Tung Arabica Coffee is as follows:
1. Harvest

2. Clean

3. Screen non-conforming beans using the Gravity Table

4. Crack off the shell

5. Screen more non-conforming beans

6. Soak beans in water for 12-15 hours

7. Lay beans out to dry in the sun .

There are different grades of coffee bean quality and all the coffee beans that are harvested are categorized into one of the following: Ex. Fancy, Fancy, No.1, Prime, or Peaberry.

With the exception of the full shell peaberry, all are crescent-shelled. It is said that the peaberry offers the best taste. About 11.5 kilograms are roasted at a time. The beans are roasted until their color is "moderately dark" since any lighter color will result in a more sour and tangy flavor.

You can get a taste of Arabica Coffee from Mae Fah Luang Foundation stores located at the Doi Tung Development Project, the Chiang Rai airport, and on the 3rd floor of Siam Discovery Center in Bangkok. Call +(662) 658-0424-5, 658-0427 for more information.