At 1,300 meters above sea level, in the highland village of Mae Daet Noi (about 90 kilometers from Chiang Mai), Yosniyom’s coffee terraces sit tucked into an upstream forest, alive with incredible biodiversity. Visiting such a farm is a powerful reminder that great coffee begins long before it reaches the roaster: it starts in the soil, thrives in the shade, is nurtured by careful hands, and sustained by a community that intimately knows its land.
Our desire has always been to forge a deeper connection with the origins of our products. This led us to Yosinyom Coffee Farm. After purchasing their green coffee for some time, we felt a strong pull to visit, to say hello, and to witness firsthand where it all begins. So, Frank went. His host drove him around, showing him the villages, dedicated farmers, verdant coffee trees, and introducing him to the heart of their community.
The steep slopes and crisp mountain air offer ideal conditions for slow, steady bean development. Yosniyom collaborates closely with local hill-tribe growers, cultivating coffee beneath the forest canopy. They also act as a central processing hub for these local farms' beans. This natural, shade-grown method fosters biodiversity and regulates conditions which perfectly suits varietals like the classic “Typica” (for clarity and sweetness), and “Catimor” which offers more resilience, a critical trait given the increasing need for adaptability in a changing global climate.
Harvesting is a selective, hands-on affair: pickers take only the ripest cherries. After picking, cherries are float-graded, a simple but effective step separating denser, ripe fruit. These combined practices: mountain terroir, shade-grown cultivation, varietal choice, and cherry selection, translate into coffee that vividly speaks of its place and the immense care invested.
Collaboration with local hill-tribe communities doesn't just preserve invaluable traditional knowledge; it provides vital income. And that forest-based cultivation? It's a win for biodiversity. In Thailand, there's a profound understanding that everyone involved, from the farmer tending the trees, to the processor handling the cherries, to the roaster perfecting the beans, is part of one integrated chain. A mistake by one impacts all, fostering a deep sense of collective responsibility and ensuring the highest quality at every step. This seamless relationship is evident in every careful step.
Having ranked 8 in the Cup of Excellence, Yosniyom coffees consistently showcase the hallmarks of high-altitude, shade-grown beans: bright clarity, layered sweetness, and a remarkably clean finish.
At Bubba’s Koh Phangan, we’re happy to serve coffee sourced from beautful farms such as Mae Daet Noi. Come try a cup, and taste the story for yourself.
