Naung Khar Village

As one of the newer members to join Indigo Mountain co-op, smallholder farm families in Naung Khar, led by head farmer Khun Moe Wyne (pictured right), have been seeing the more inclusive and higher-wage opportunities coming from specialty coffee from afar before getting involved themselves. This type of prove-by-example ripple effect has been Indigo Mountain’s goal since they started back in 2018. 

For farmers in Naung Khar, the new livelihood options from coffee production have given many more of a choice to stay with their families – rather than relocate to cities or abroad to find work – move away from the risks of poppy cultivation, and help restore the long-term value in their land. As such, we’re honored to be including their latest harvest as part of our current lineup from Indigo Mountain for the first time.

About the origin:

  • Elevation: 1,447masl (4,747 ft)

  • People: Pa-O

  • Head farmer: Khun Moe Wyne

  • Producer families: 35

  • Location: 20.817345, 97.289334

About the taste:

  • Varieties: Caturra, Catuai

  • Processing: Dry Natural

  • Average drying: 13-17 days

  • Stand-out flavor notes: Red grape, kiwi, and floral

  • 2024 availability: SOLD OUT 180kg (3 bags)

 

The people

As the tale goes, there was once a Weiza, or supernatual being, and a Dragon Mother who laid three eggs — one of which gave birth to the ethnic Pa-O people.

Today, the Pa-O make up the second largest ethnic group in Shan State. Their men and women are famous for their eye-catching turbans, which bring to life their fabled origin story. Pa-O women wear colorful headdresses to resemble the form of their Dragon Mother while Pa-O men drape theirs to the side to mimic their Weiza Father, whom many believe their people are all descendants of to this day.

Their community, however, is not originally from this mountainous region of Myanmar. They fled here nearly one thousand years ago after their coastal homeland, in modern day Mon State, was conquered by the Burmese Kingdom. Three hundred miles away in the Shan Hills, the Pa-O started a new life, bringing Buddhism and their strong traditions with them.

More photos

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