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Posts tagged: Organic Coffee

THE FASCINATING STORY OF COLOMBIAN COFFEE

THE FASCINATING STORY OF COLOMBIAN COFFEE

Imagine spectacular vistas – misty mountains, verdant forests, and coffee-growing slopes covering green rolling hills. Colombia's coffee region is speckled with small pueblos where little has changed over the past century and the same colonial air of bygone days still lingers, as coffee farmers travel the old country roads to bring their goods to market. 

THE COFFEE TRIANGLE - COLOMBIA’S COFFEE GROWING REGIONS

Colombia Coffee Growing Region

With an ideal climate and perfect growing conditions, Colombian coffee is celebrated as some of the world’s best coffee. The richness of its flavor is hard to match. The coffee comes from the Eje Cafetero or “coffee axis” in central Colombia that sits at the crossroads between the towns of Manizales, Armenia, and Pereira in the Paisa Region, also known as the Coffee Triangle. Coffee from each area has its own distinct hints of flavor.

And in all regions the coffee beans are carefully picked, every bean harvested by hand; with this selection process, only the very best coffee is produced. 

A MINI-HISTORY OF COLOMBIAN COFFEE

The coffee plant was first introduced to Colombia with the Jesuit priests who came from Europe in the mid 16th century. After a slow start, it gained momentum and by 1835 Colombia began exporting coffee to the United States. Since then, Colombia's coffee exports to our country and across the world have exploded, putting Colombia near the top in terms of coffee production worldwide.

Colombian coffee growing has even become a part of Colombia’s national identity, and because of the country’s record of sustainable coffee farming traditions, the “Coffee Cultural Landscape” of Colombia has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

COFFEE PROFILE

Just breathe in that aroma! Colombian coffee is known for its mild acidity and balanced body.

 HOW CAN DRINKING A CUP OF COLOMBIAN COFFEE DO SOME REAL GOOD?

The country of Colombia has long had serious problems with drug trafficking, murder, and crime. Over the last 20 years, many plans and programs have gone in place to help reduce those problems. In 2016 it was reported that the murder rate in Colombia had dropped to the lowest rate since 1974. Another statistic showed that in 2010 the production of cocaine was reduced by 60%. Coffee plays a role in these bettering statistics since many farmers switched from growing coca leaves (which make cocaine) to growing coffee. When you purchase Colombian coffee you are not just supporting the farmers, but you are actually contributing to safer communities in Colombia and by extension, in the USA.

Our Colombia Organic Coffee is also Rainforest Alliance Certified, which means that the farm where the coffee grows is held to a strict standard. The Rainforest Alliance says: “Coffee farms or groups of smallholder farmers that earn the Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal are audited annually against a rigorous standard with detailed environmental, social and economic criteria. These criteria are designed to protect biodiversity, deliver financial benefits to farmers, and foster a culture of respect for workers and local communities. Rainforest Alliance certification also promotes decent living and working conditions for workers, gender equity, and access to education for children in farm communities.”

All in all, you can feel good about the cup of coffee you are drinking!

AND THAT BRINGS US TO OUR FEATURED COFFEE OF THE MONTH . . .

Low Acid Colombian Coffee

One of the hallmarks of Java Planet’s Colombia Organic Coffee is its full-bodied, big-balanced flavor in a dark roast with mild acidity. This is a favorite among people who are looking for “low acid” coffee. Many of our customers who have acid issues, tell us this is the only coffee they can drink!

Enjoy the great aroma and rich flavor while imagining enchanting misty mountain vistas. Check it out here! 

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Health Benefits of Coffee - Is Coffee Good for Men?

Health Benefits of Coffee - Is Coffee Good for Men?

Are you one of those guys that get up grumpy and bleary-eyed, needing your morning chug of Joe to get out the door with a spring in your step?
Well, beyond the usual pick-me-up coffee offers, there are heaps of real health benefits you get each time you get your morning brew or fill up your mug during the day.


We’ve put together a list of 6 of the top science-backed arguments why you should have that cup of coffee.

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Early Spring Coffee Drinks You Can Make at Home

Early Spring Coffee Drinks You Can Make at Home

As the cold winter days start to fade into the hopeful first days of the early spring, people are usually ready to embrace the change. For coffee lovers, this means transitioning away from the soul-warming, creamy blends of the winter and into lighter, fresher beverages.

If you're looking for a new spring coffee drink to make at home this season, you're in luck. Here are five coffee drink recipes you should try this spring.


Chai Tea Coffee

A chai tea coffee is the simplest recipe on the list. It offers the warmth and spice you need to get through the cooler days, but with a light airiness that makes it perfect for spring.

For this recipe, you will need,

Making this beverage is really simple. You make the tea, then use that to make your coffee in a French Press or using the pour-over method. Add a dash of cinnamon to enhance the flavors. 


Lavender Latte

Floral-infused coffee is going to be a big hit this spring. For a lavender latte, you will need:

Brew the coffee and add the syrup, adjusting the amount to suit your tastes. Warm and froth your milk on the stove or using the jar method. Gently pour the milk onto the coffee and sprinkle with dried lavender to be fancy. 


Iced Grapefruit Americano

This spring-ready drink has a bit of zip to it. The iced americano is the perfect iced coffee beverage for those who like a little more kick. For this recipe, you will need:

  • enough espresso for a 1:2 ratio with water

  • unflavored soda water

  • 1 tsp grapefruit juice

  • 1 tsp grapefruit zest

  • ice cubes

You can make espresso at home using a French press. If you're making a 14oz drink, you'll want 2oz of espresso. Add the espresso to your cup, followed by cold soda water. Leave room for ice at the top. Add your grapefruit juice and zest, then top with ice.

Rosewater Pistachio Bulletproof Latte

The Rosewater Pistachio Bulletproof Latte is creamy and decadent with spring-inspired flavors. This is the perfect drink for the transition period between seasons. For this DIY coffee drink, you will need: 

Put the butter in the bottom of your cup and pour the espresso overtop. Add in the rose water. Steam and froth your milk, then layer it on top of your beverage. Add a drizzle of honey to bring the flavors together.

 For an extra frothy beverage, add your butter, and espresso to a blender first. Be careful when using hot espresso in a blender.

 

Raspberry Chocolate Coffee Smoothie

If you like frappuccinos, you'll love this DIY raspberry chocolate coffee smoothie recipe. Note that this is a coffee drink, not a health smoothie, though it has the makings of a great breakfast drink.

 For this recipe, you will need: 

  • 1 cup dark roast coffee, chilled

  • 1 cup frozen raspberries

  • 1/2 cup milk of your choice

  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder or dark chocolate bits

 Add the ingredients to a blender and mix. This is a decadent beverage that tastes like dessert. If you find it too tart, you can add a bit of honey to lighten up the flavors. 

By Ashley Lipman

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Bitter or Sour Taste in Your Cup? Coffee to Water Ratio

Bitter or Sour Taste in Your Cup? Coffee to Water Ratio

Sometimes you get a coffee that everyone you know says is great. You taste it and wonder - what are they talking about?

Well you could say everyone has different tastes, and this is true, however, there is something to say for how you prepare something as well. The best steak in the world can taste bad if it’s not prepared well. 

Let’s address the reasons for a bitter sour taste in your cup of coffee.

Coffee to Water Ratio

Now with this one, you might think - I always brew the same ratios - but the measurement can change with the coffee. 

A really dark roast may taste nice and bold with 2 tablespoons ground coffee to 6 ounces of water - sour with 3 tablespoons and like dirty water with 1 tablespoon.

If your coffee tastes sour - try lessening the amount of ground coffee to water until you find your sweet spot.

If this doesn't change the bitterness check out these other reasons for a sour cup:

Brewed or Sat Too Long

Grounds Too Fine for Brewing Method

Water Temperature

Quality of the Beans

Fresh coffee always makes a difference in the quality of your cup. To get fresh coffee delivered to your door in 2 to 5 days --> SHOP NOW

Fresh Roasted Coffee Delivered to Your Door

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