Lot GEMS118: Black Honey (Complex, sweet lime, dried tropical fruit, super sweet)

For over 15 years, Chitti Babu & Varalakshmi have been growing coffee on the hills of Bakuru village in Araku. The passionate duo has been associated with Naandi since 2010 and Varalakshmi is an elected member of SAMTFMACS- Araku’s coffee cooperative.

A calm and eloquent Varalakshmi has witnessed their farm transform from a low-yielding land to a high-yielding, quality coffee-producing farm, replete with biodiversity and rich soil in a matter of a few years. In addition to growing specialty coffee, she oversees 80+ farmers from two neighbouring villages, attends the cooperative’s monthly meetings and ensures regenerative agricultural practices are implemented by all. “I like being a member of the cooperative, it brings the community together for learning” she adds with a content smile.

The duo’s farm offering, this year, is the only Black Honey process up for auction with cupping notes of sweet lime and dried tropical fruit.