Not too long ago coffee was one of the worst products on both the social and environmental fronts. Now it seems that the many attempts to create “friendly” coffee for the world’s concerned and informed caffeinated has created a dizzying world of coffee options. I don’t mean a simple French Roast vs. House Blend, these options usually have nothing to do with taste, everything to do with your pocketbook and the impact your purchase has on the environment.
As a writer, I necessarily spend a large portion of my time in various coffee shops around the world. From the big corporate chains to the small all-organic hippie joints and the Mom and Pop diner-style counters in between. I hit up my local baristas to get the low-down on the different coffee origin options.
Organically Grown – This is the basic standard for eco-friendly caffeine. It is basically what is says it is, no pesticides and (usually) sustainable growing practices. Be aware though that just because it says it’s organically grown that doesn’t mean the coffee plants didn’t take over a rain forest to grow. Nor does it mean that the workers who harvested and cultivated it were paid a fair wage.
Shade-Grown – Most of the best coffee-growing land is located in the tropical conditions that are also the only growing location for the world’s shrinking rain forests Shade-grown coffee beans grow on the floor of the forest without cutting down the trees to use the land for agriculture. This does not mean that it is 100% organic or totally environmentally friendly, although it is usually better than traditional standards.
Fair-Trade – This term, which is used for many products other than just coffee, means that the importers who are buying these items are purchasing them from their producers at a fair global market price. This buying process, which usually focuses on buying from local farmers, crafts persons and companies, seeks to encourage equal economic exchange with all countries in the world. While there is no telling for sure how these beans were raised, most small farmers can’t afford to burn rain forests or use pesticides.
Single Origin – This is one of the newer terms that is out there. With growing concerns about the growing procedures the industry standards of mixing beans in huge roasting bins is on the outs. Single Origin coffee comes from an identifiable and tracked original location so that you can be sure of it’s growing procedures.
Any of these options can be found in combinations. My recommendations is to find a local coffee shop, like my favorite Pick-a-Cup, that buys their beans from a local importer/roaster. They are usually crystal clear about the origins of their beans and can give you the genealogy of your cup-o-Joe. Also, beans roasted nearby to your home they will taste fresher and better!
