Organic Coffee: Why It's Worth It

According to new research conducted by the National Coffee Association, 59% of Americans drink coffee each day. It’s no surprise that coffee is so frequently the drink of choice for consumers, and it’s also safe to say that many consumers drink coffee simply to get through the day. But, when it comes to making health-conscious purchasing decisions, consumers are split. This could be in part because there are so many options, for example, organic, gluten-free, sustainable. While you may think about these options more when it comes to purchasing food products, there is also a difference when it comes to choosing a coffee. But does this really matter? Here we will focus on organic versus conventional coffee.

What is organic coffee?

Unlike conventional coffee, when organic coffee is grown, no synthetic fertilizers or chemicals are used. This includes pesticides and herbicides. Even during production, only organic fertilizers, like compost are used, and the coffee plants’ soil, leaves, and beans are tested for any chemical residue. In addition, these positive growing practices have a low impact on the environment. For these reasons, organic coffee beans are richer in antioxidants, and even in taste. Coffee is one of the most chemically treated crops in the world; therefore, consuming organic coffee prevents you from the risk of ingesting pesticides. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has specific strict standards that must be met for coffee to have the “organic” label. These ensure that both the production process and the environment in which the coffee farmers work are respected.

Does drinking organic coffee really make any difference?

Coffee itself, organic or not, has several health benefits. It aids in the prevention of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease, and it's also a good source of antioxidants. Though organic coffee may have a lower acid and caffeine level than non-organic coffee, the way in which it's developed allows organic coffee to naturally taste better. Besides its nutritional and flavorful value, organic coffee also positively impacts the environment. Growing coffee using organic methods effectively reduces soil erosion and pollution, and helps support the livelihood of those coffee farmers. So, right from their inception, organically grown coffee plants make a difference every step of the way, in terms of the quality of the plant itself, the organic growing process, and ultimately, the delicious taste.

CoffeeAM.com offers a large selection of specialty-grade organic coffees that are imported from places like Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras and more. So the next time you're faced with the decision of whether to choose non-organic or organic coffee, remember that it’s not just taste that matters, and as a consumer you should also be aware of what you are putting in your body. Don’t put your health, well-being, and the environment at risk, especially when those adverse effects can easily be avoided. You can still get the jumpstart that you need with a hot, freshly brewed cup of coffee, all while making a positive difference in your own life, and even in the lives of coffee farmers.