Introducing the Lakadong Turmeric Latte: A Collaboration with Koshna

 
At Mostra Coffee, we're not just passionate about delivering great coffee; we're devoted to crafting extraordinary flavor experiences that elevate your daily ritual. That's why we're thrilled to introduce a unique collaboration with Koshna that embodies this dedication to excellence—the Lakadong Turmeric Latte.

We've gone the extra mile to ensure that every sip is a journey of taste and quality, with unique flavors that stand out beyond your ordinary turmeric spiced latte. We're proud to source our Lakadong turmeric directly from our esteemed friend, Dharti Jadav, the Owner/Founder of Koshna Spices. The turmeric hails from Amlarem, Meghalaya, India, and boasts distinct flavor notes of honey, ginger, with a short but pronounced floral bouquet. In our Lakadong Turmeric Latte, the turmeric takes center stage, but it's supported by a delightful ensemble of complementary spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper. Together, they create a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds. With earthy, peppery notes and a hint of sweetness, it's amplified with a shot of our chocolately Ghost Bear espresso.

Far from ordinary, Koshna is a women-owned business deeply rooted in Indian heritage, dedicated to sourcing the finest spices with an unwavering commitment to quality. Just as Koshna is dedicated to sourcing the finest spices and honoring tradition, we're committed to crafting exceptional coffee experiences that push the boundaries of flavor. Together, we share a passion for quality, authenticity, and innovation.

Ethical Sourcing

Koshna's ethos revolves around ethical sourcing, working directly with small-scale farmers in India to bring you single-farm, same-season spices native to the region. Each farming partner they select grows their crops organically in a way that restores and rebuilds the earth. Each spice is sourced at prime harvest season allowing customers to experience the true potency of these spices, resulting in robust fragrance, and flavors.

Lab tested and certified, Koshna spices exceed FDA standards, guaranteeing safety and purity. Through direct sourcing, Koshna bypasses intermediaries, which allows them to bring fresh spices (within 4 months from harvest), and enables them to compensate their farmers well above market rates, up to 3x higher, empowering them to thrive. This commitment not only distinguishes their spices but also restores reverence to the farmers and their craft. Koshna proudly contributes to the 1% for the planet community.

Origins of Koshna

"Growing up, they were accustomed to the fresh and distinct flavors of indigenous spices that came to them from the season they were harvested. That’s something they deeply missed and wanted to bring here to share with you." —Koshna

Koshna's journey began with a longing for the fresh, distinct flavors of indigenous spices experienced during childhood. Fueled by a desire to share these authentic flavors, Koshna emerged as a beacon of quality and tradition. Their dedication to preserving cultural identity through spice craftsmanship is unmatched.

"The seed of Koshna was planted during Covid. Every year, their mother would come from India with fresh spices, but she couldn’t travel here due to the lockdown. As they tried various spice brands, they realized none could match the freshness and flavors they were used to, there was no telling where spices came from, when they were harvested, who grew it and what variety it was. This was the opposite of what they grew up with. Among other food, cumin came straight from their grandfather’s farm at the very first harvest." —Koshna

They truly believe that food goes beyond sustenance, it’s a reflection of our identity, culture, and serves as medicine. Every meal we prepare, and share creates meaningful memories and nourishes us from within. The absence of their spices felt like losing a part of their identity, and they could not let that happen. Besides, we all deserve better quality spices.

The Essence of Lakadong Turmeric

Koshna's Lakadong Turmeric is a rare gem, found exclusively in the West Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, India. With its musky, floral aroma and bold flavor notes of ginger and honey, this turmeric variety stands apart. The striking yellow to orange hue comes from the impressively high curcumin content of 7.68%. With 3-4x the potency of other varieties, it's perfect for both culinary and medicinal uses.

Cultivating Tradition, Honoring Heritage

Inter-cropped with ginger and alongside native produce, Lakadong Turmeric thrives in the unique terroir of the Lakadong district, characterized by dark acidic soil and abundant rainfall. Traditionally farmed by the indigenous Jaintia people, this turmeric variety boasts a rich legacy passed down through generations, untouched by cross-breeding. Because this turmeric is so unique, it recently has received a GI tag. It’s the champagne of turmeric!

 Nokthei Pala—Koshna's Partner Farmer

"Nokthei is the youngest farmer they met. He has a wealth of agricultural knowledge that far surpasses his age, which has been passed down through generations. From the age of 5, he has been learning and cultivating the land alongside his family. Despite being a civil engineer, he chooses to remain connected to his farming heritage. Drawing from ancient ancestral wisdom, he farms turmeric in a manner that has been done for centuries, going beyond organic and letting nature do its magic. He aims to inspire the younger generation to pursue farming, emphasizing its potential as a long-term, sustainable career option."

Join us on this flavor journey as we invite you to indulge in the Lakadong Turmeric Latte, a testament to the power of collaboration and the magic of great taste. Available for a limited time only at Mostra Coffee, it's an experience you won't want to miss.

So, what are you waiting for? Come savor the flavors of Koshna and Mostra Coffee in every cup of the Lakadong Turmeric Latte. Cheers to great coffee, great spices, and great partnerships!