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Many people have turned to organic fruits and vegetables (and even
meats) in recent years, striving to live healthier, longer lives. You
may be one of these people. But did you know that organic coffee is now
available, too? If you can't find it at your local health food store,
then you can definitely find it online.
How Organic Coffee Differs From Traditional Coffee
The coffee plant has traditionally been grown in the company of shade
trees and other food and cash crops. This approach made for healthier
soil and prevented water contamination. Unfortunately, many coffee
growers have abandoned this approach in favor of larger crops and hence
larger profits. However, synthetic pesticides, herbicides and chemical
fertilizers have become necessary to maintain these crops, and along
with them the taste of the coffee has suffered, the soil has suffered,
and no one knows the potential impact they may have on the future
health of the coffee consumer.
In addition, the loss of the shade trees has had a direct impact on
migratory song birds. While an obvious connection may not immediately
come to mind, the relationship has actually been symbiotic. These birds
used the shade trees as their habitat as they migrated, and as a result
they provided a natural defense against many of the bugs and pests that
can ruin a coffee crop. Without them, pesticides must be used to do the
job.
Unlike the large, commercial coffee plantations, organic coffees are
generally grown on small farms with plenty of shade cover. There are
plenty of migratory birds to control insects, and pesticides are
unnecessary. In fact, the United States requires that organic coffees
be grown on shaded land and be completely chemical free for three
consecutive years.
Tips For A Great Cup of Organic Coffee
Whole beans should be used within a week of purchase in order to enjoy the full flavor of the coffee.
Avoid vacuum-packed coffee, even organic vaccum-packed coffee. The
process of vacuum packing cannot be done immediately after roasting.
The coffee must sit for nearly a week before it can be vacuum-packed.
This degrades much of the flavor.
Coffee beans should be stored in an airtight container, not on the
shelf in the paper bag you brought them home with from the store. And
in order to enjoy the full flavor of the coffee, you should grind only
the amount you intend to use just before brewing.
Whole coffee beans that will be stored longer than a week should be
placed in an airtight glass container that's kept in the freezer.
As with any coffee blend, organic or not, grind the beans according to
the brewing method you intend to use. Keep in mind that if you grind
your beans too fine your coffee may end up bitter and muddy; if you
don't grind them enough, your coffee may end up flavorless.
Often overlooked, many people consider the most important step toward a
good cup of coffee to be the proportion of water to coffee. Experts
recommend 2 tablespoons for every 6 ounces of water.
In Conclusion
While you will pay more for organic coffee, just as you'll generally
pay more for organic fruits and vegetables, choosing organic coffee
promotes the environment, the health of the coffee grower, and your
health, too. Just as important for coffee drinkers everywhere: organic
coffee tastes as good if not better than non-organic coffee. |