Facts About Fair Trade Gourmet Coffee

By Essie Craft


A cup of java is the perfect way to start the day. It's a popular and well known drink. In recent years, there's been an explosion of interest in gourmet blends, roasts, and flavors. Most coffee comes from poverty stricken areas. Socially conscious consumers can enjoy this beverage with a clear conscious when they buy fair trade gourmet coffee.

Java can be brewed with hot water running through a filter containing ground beans. Or the ground beans can be boiled in water, and pressed through a sieve to separate the beverage. A freeze dried version of ground beans is dissolved in hot water for an instant beverage. Cream and/or sweeteners are usually added but some aficionados like their beverage served black.

This beverage has been consumed since the 6th century in Africa and the Middle East. It was brought to Europe in the 16th century, and the U. S. In the 17th century. It's enjoyed for its bold flavor, and its benefits to increased alertness and mental acuity. Caffeine is a natural stimulant that increases alertness, wakefulness, and concentration. It's also believed to offer protection against kidney and gallstones, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Pregnant women and people with high blood pressure should consume sparingly, otherwise, it's a very healthy drink.

Colonial powers developed large plantations using slaves and poorly paid native laborers. The plant is still grown primarily in regions that are remote and poverty stricken. Products certified Fair Trade are produced by small farmers and cooperatives. In return for a guaranteed minimum price, they agree to limits on the use of pesticides and herbicides, and pledge to use sustainable farming practices. They don't grow genetically modified plants. They accept child labor laws.

Gourmet beverages have superior flavor They are made from the best beans, carefully roasted to impart flavor characteristics. Plants grown from different parts of the world will have different flavors. Some beans are only grown in small regions so of course they are more expensive. Gourmet beverages may have added oils or syrups for flavor such as hazelnut, butterscotch, vanilla, raspberry, coconut, cinnamon, caramel, English toffee, and macadamia nut.

Espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, iced coffee, and cafe mocha are popular gourmet beverages. Mocha uses just a bit of java mixed with cocoa powder and milk. Espresso is a concentrated drink using the strongest flavored beans and hot water. A cappuccino combines espresso, milk froth, and steamed milk in equal parts. A latte combines espresso with steamed milk and additional flavors. Iced coffee is java and sugar in chilled milk.

Fair trade gourmet coffee is grown in all the major coffee growing regions including Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Socially responsible organizations often choose this product for their break rooms. It's a popular choice for fundraisers. It can be purchased online, in grocery stores, discount stores, cafes, and restaurants.

When consumers buy certified fair trade gourmet coffee, they know the farmers have received a fair price for their labor. They also know the plants were grown using environmentally sound agricultural practices. Consumers get a high quality, bold tasting product grown, harvested, and processed using economically and environmentally responsible methods.




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