This week, we continue our discussion of coffee descriptors and what they mean. Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve talked about
Fair-Trade coffees and
Micro-lot coffees. This week we’ll take a look at Organic coffees.
What is Organic?
Just like other foods, organic coffee is grown using natural methods. This means the farmers refrain from using harmful chemicals to fertilize the plants or to protect them from pests. Most of this is taken care of by the growing location or terroir. The volcanic soils coffee plants thrive in are filled with the nutrients they need.
As far as pests and disease, the terroir can help with those as well. Due to the temperatures, the amount of rainfall and sunlight, and the elevation and amount of wind the plants receive are all helpful for protecting the plants. Another way the coffee plants can be protected is by beneficial birds and other animals that eat the pests that affect the coffee plants.
Other ways farmers safeguard their plants is by growing shade trees to protect the cherries from being burned by the sun. Another benefit of these trees is that they become the habitat for the protective birds. It’s a win-win.
What’s the Difference Between Organic, Fair-Trade, and Micro-lot?
Well, we’ve looked at the other two coffee descriptors already, so we won’t go into that again, but you can read about Fair-Trade and Micro-lot. One thing you may notice is that all the Fair-Trade and Micro-lot coffees are Organic. Though that is the case, Organic is not necessarily Fair-Trade or Micro-lot.
What Organic Coffees Do You Carry?
All told, we carry 19 organic coffees at CoffeeAM. Today we will include those organics—there are 10 of them!—that were not either Fair-Trade or Micro-lot.
Organic Central American Beneficio – Lightly sweet with low acidity and a mouthwatering aroma.
Organic Espresso – This medium-dark roast has a medium body with notes of caramel and chocolate. An ideal choice for your espresso or espresso-based drinks.
Organic Dominican Republic ‘Santo Domingo’ – This Bourbon varietal has a soft and mild flavor profile that is smooth and full-flavored.
Organic Colombia ‘Mesa de los Santos’ – Grown high in the Andes mountain area, this low acidic coffee has sweetly fruity notes of orange or papaya.
Organic Bali Blue Moon – This amazingly smooth coffee is full-flavored with decadent notes of creamy chocolate, rich vanilla, and sweet syrup.
Organic French Roast – This dark roast brew has a bold flavor with strong bittersweet notes and smoky overtones. A unique flavor profile for a bright and delectable cup.
Organic Gourmet House Blend – This organic blend combines Central and South American beans for a balanced cup with hints of chocolate and caramel and a smooth finish.
Organic Honduran Finca Santa Maria – A light roast with a lively floral nose and sweet undertones of orange peel, peach, and honey.
Organic Mexico ‘Altura Tollan’ – Slightly sweet with hints of nuts and citrus with high acidity and distinctive wine-like qualities.
Organic Peru ‘Andes Gold’ – Mild and light this well-balanced coffee has a depth and smoothness that is very popular. The incredible flavor profile has a distinct nutty, sweet finish.
And if trying to choose just one is proving to be too difficult, our
Organic Coffee Sampler can get you out of that bind with half-pound bags of four of our organics—Sumatra ‘Black Satin’, Colombia, Mexico, Peru ‘Andes Gold’.
Next week come back and we'll take a look at blends!