Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with millions of people enjoying a cup of joe every day. But not all coffee is created equal. There are different types of coffee, including commercial and organically grown specialty coffee. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between these two types of coffee and why you might want to consider choosing organically grown specialty coffee.
What is Commercial Coffee?
Commercial coffee refers to coffee that is mass-produced and often grown using conventional farming methods. This type of coffee is typically grown in large quantities and is often a blend of beans from different regions. These coffees are grown, harvested, and monitored using large agricultural machines. Commercial coffee is often roasted to a dark level to create a consistent, uncharacteristic, standardised flavor profile.
What is Organically Grown Specialty Coffee?
Organically grown specialty coffee, on the other hand, is coffee that is grown using organic farming methods. This means that no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides are used in the cultivation of the coffee plants. Instead, organic farmers rely on natural methods to protect the coffee plants from pests and diseases. Secondly, these coffees are grown on high altitudes, where the air is pure and the coffee plants produce a superior quality crop. As these farms are on mountaineous areas, machine usage is next to impossible. These farms are taken care of by special coffee growers, sho have spent their entire life taking care of these farms, taking extra care that each crop is no less than perfect.
What are the Benefits of Organically Grown Specialty Coffee?
There are several benefits to choosing organically grown specialty coffee:
- Environmental Benefits: Organic farming methods are better for the environment as they promote biodiversity, conserve water, and reduce pollution.
- Health Benefits: Organically grown coffee is free from harmful chemicals, making it a healthier choice for you and the farmers who grow it.
- Flavor Benefits: Many coffee connoisseurs believe that organically grown specialty coffee has a superior flavor profile compared to commercial coffee. The natural farming methods used in organic coffee production can result in a more complex and nuanced taste.
How Can You Identify Organically Grown Specialty Coffee?
If you want to ensure that you are purchasing organically grown specialty coffee, look for certifications such as USDA Organic or Fair Trade. These certifications guarantee that the coffee has been produced using organic farming methods and that the farmers have been paid a fair price for their product. You can also identify these coffee by their price. Specialty coffee are almost exclusively sold directly by roasteries. Raw coffees are roasted to perfection by these roasteries and are sold off directly to consumers. These coffee are usually single origin, well documented, and the roasters make sure this information is available to their customers.
While commercial coffee may be more readily available and often cheaper, choosing organically grown specialty coffee can have numerous benefits. From the environmental advantages to the superior flavor profile, organically grown specialty coffee is a great choice for coffee lovers who want to make a positive impact.