Everything You Need to Know About Organic Coffee
Posted by Elaine Mead on 2nd Sep 2019
If there’s one thing we know about here at Aromas, its coffee. If there are two things we know about, then it’s also the people who drink our coffee.
We know you’re a discerning bunch, who enjoy discovering and discussing new flavours, aromas, brew methods and origins. While all these things make a difference to what ends up in your favourite mug in the morning, there’s one other thing that makes an even bigger difference before it gets there. You may not even be aware that it’s particularly significant!
We’re talking about whether you choose organically or conventionally-produced coffee. We tend to know instinctively that choosing organic is the right thing to do, and you might even be doing it already, but it’s also good to know why it matters – especially when it comes to your favourite brew.
So let’s take a little look at that.
WHAT EXACTLY DOES ‘ORGANIC’ MEAN WHEN IT COMES TO COFFEE?
There are a few misconceptions as to what ‘organic’ means when it comes to coffee, so we’ve broken down a few of the big ones to keep you in the know:
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TRUE: Organic coffee is grown au naturel
One of the great things about organic coffee is the way it’s grown. Farmers try to have as little impact on the natural environment as possible meaning forests are left undisturbed, sustaining ecosystems and soil fertility. Because of this, these forested farms are more resilient to climate change and crazy weather, making them a better – and safer – long term investment.
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FALSE: No pesticides or fertilizers are used to farm organic coffee
This isn’t strictly true, what’s truer is that no synthetic pesticides, fertilizers or chemicals are used throughout the production chain of organic coffee beans. Farmers use only organic materials, such as coffee pulp, compost or non-toxic animal manure (think chickens or horses) to help grow their crops. As a result, organic coffee beans tend to be richer in antioxidants. Yum.
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TRUE: Organic coffee farms help combat climate change
Because no synthetic chemicals are used at any point during the production, and because farmers reuse/recycle produce, organic farms emit less carbon than conventional farms. So buying your beans organic is healthy for both you and the planet. Win.
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FALSE: All organic coffee is also Fairtrade
Bad news friends, this one isn’t true, unfortunately. Coffee can be certified organic, but not meet the lengthy and often expensive certification process for fairtrade. To score this certification as well, the entire food chain is taken into consideration, including the farmer, the roaster, and even the trucking and warehouse facilities. Something to keep in mind if you want to hit the double-whammy feel-good factor.
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TRUE(ish): Organic coffee tastes better
This one really is on the tongue of the drinker, and no concrete research has been conducted comparing organic and conventional coffee in terms of taste. That said, many do argue that you can definitely taste the difference. Because of the conditions in which organic coffee is grown, it doesn’t seem too far fetched to say that yes, yes it does taste better.
3 BENEFITS OF ORGANIC COFFEE
The trend for all things organic has been steadily on the rise for the last few years, sometimes it can be easy to dismiss it as a bit of a fad. But in some cases, it’s worth taking note (like with coffee). We 100% believe it’s important to be aware of how our produce is grown and what goes into it before it goes into you.
With that in mind, here are three benefits in favour of organic beans:
1. It is Healthier for you
Conventional coffee is grown with more pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and chemicals – some of the most toxic ones are banned in Western countries, but not in the countries where coffee beans are grown. Not a good taste. Because organic coffee is grown with natural fertilizers, it’s not only lower in the nasty chemical stuff, but richer in antioxidants too.
It’s Better for the Environment
Organic farming focuses on working with the land, not against it. Conventional coffee bean farming tends to result in deforestation, which is bad for a number of reasons that we hope we don’t have to go into.
It’s Better for the Farmers & Local Communities
As we touched on, this way of working with the land creates more sustainable business practices for the farmers, as the crops are better able to handle adverse weather. By steering clear of chemicals and synthetic fertilizers, it’s also a much healthier environment for the farmers themselves AND the local communities. Water run-off from the soils of the farms often makes its way to local water reservoirs – so no nasty chemicals, means safer water for all involved.
It might sound like we’re ragging a bit of conventional coffee, but the truth is no studies have yet unanimously come out saying that organic coffee is better than conventional coffee. It really does come down to your own personal life preferences at the end of the day.
READY TO GO ORGANIC?
Now you’re all clued up on all things organic when it comes to your coffee you might be wondering where you go from here in terms of getting your hands on some of the stuff.
We’ve got you covered.
Our organic coffee has been specially selected for the health-conscious and discerning individual. 100% certified organic and pesticide-free, our beans have been sourced from the finest Central American and PNG highlands Arabica plantations. Caramel roasted, it has good acidity with medium body and a lightly sweet finish.
Is your mouth watering already???