Exploring Northeast India's Coffee Treasures: A Journey to Darzo, Mizoram

Are you an Indian café owner, barista, or roastery looking to expand your coffee offerings with unique, flavorful beans? Join us on an epic journey of 7000 steps to Darzo, Mizoram, in search of the finest coffee treasures hidden in the heart of Northeast India. 

Our expedition began with a flight from Shillong to Aizawl, where we stayed at the office guest house of Chillibreeze Solutions Private Limited, our parent company. On October 31, 2020, we embarked on a seven-hour journey to Darzo, renowned not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its exceptional orthodox tea. 

The road to Darzo was arduous, with river crossings and rugged terrain causing travel fatigue and upset stomachs. Despite the challenges, we persevered and arrived in Darzo, where we were warmly welcomed by a local coffee and tea growing family. After a hearty dinner, we set up camp atop a mountain, marveling at the beauty of our surroundings and pondering the existence of such a remote yet coffee-rich region. 

As the sun rose the next morning, painting the sky blue, we were reminded of a similar sight witnessed by our CEO in Aizawl, inspiring us to name our first Arabica coffee "Blue Sunrise." However, our coffee journey didn't stop there; it evolved into "Northeast Peak," a story we'll share in a future blog. 

Venturing into the heart of Darzo, we explored the possibility of drying coffee cherries at a local tea processing unit, although our plans didn't materialize as expected. Nevertheless, we were struck by the dedication of coffee growers in Mizoram, who not only cultivate coffee but also grow their own food in harmony with nature, producing naturally organic coffee free from chemicals. 

Unlike coffee estates elsewhere, where owners reside in cities and delegate caretaking duties, in Mizoram, coffee plantations are an integral part of growers' homes. We were moved by their commitment to preserving their land and traditions, despite facing challenges such as market access.

Visiting nearby villages like South Vanlaiphai and Muallianpui, we encountered similar stories of coffee abundance waiting to be discovered by enthusiasts like you. By partnering with these communities, 7000 Steps is committed to bringing the best of Darzo coffee to discerning palates, roasted to perfection to unlock its full flavor potential. 

Are you ready to embark on a flavorful journey with Darzo coffee? Leave a comment below to express your interest and be part of this coffee adventure!