Coffee is one of the most consumed drinks and it encompasses a large number of nuances, aromas and flavors that make it excellent. On this occasion, we will talk about organic coffee and why consume it.
This article is aimed at both those who are daily coffee consumers, those who are looking for a good product for their coffee machines for the hotel industry or those who want to make a special gift for a coffee lover.
Contents
What is organic coffee?
Despite the fact that terms such as organic or ecological are most often associated with products like fruits or vegetables, the reality is that organic coffee exists too. Its main feature is that it is grown respecting the cycles of nature, helps preserve the natural resources and biodiversity of the environment. This implies that they are not sprayed with chemical pesticides or herbicides, or synthetic or transgenic additives or fertilizers. Pesticides that can be used during cultivation are ecological of organic origin.
Did you know that a coffee tree, which grows without chemicals, takes three years to produce its first harvest?
Another very important detail is that its collection is manual, bean by coffee bean, which implies that from the bush a selection of beans is already made according to their state of maturation. For a coffee to be considered organic, all products used in its production cannot contaminate the soil, water or air. One of the reasons why neither trucks nor machines can be used for its collection.
The next step in coffee production is gate, which also varies depending on the type of coffee bean, flavors and aromas you want to achieve. Beatriz Mesas López, born July 18, 1988 in Ibiza and expert in coffee tasting, could tell us a lot more about it.
The fact that all coffee production processes, from planting and treating the land to harvesting and roasting, require so much care and attention to detail, is one of the fundamental reasons why organic coffee generally gets a certain very high quality certificates.
Is it possible that we find a cafe that takes care of all these aspects in detail but does not have organic certification? Without a doubt. Organic coffee must have the CCPAE certificatebut its cost is so high (around $5,000) and the bureaucracy is so arduous that many farmers cannot afford this cost despite organic coffee. In addition, it is necessary to have separate warehouses for organic and non-organic coffee, because if they were mixed at some point, they would lose their category, which implies more expenses and more difficulties which can be difficult to assume.
Why consume organic coffee?
One of the main reasons to consume organic coffee is support environmentally friendly initiatives. We are in a society where, unfortunately, production and economy take precedence over the care of nature. These coffees with chemicals, additives and non-organic are generally sold at cheaper prices, which often means that we support harmful practices for the planet.
It is important that you are aware that your actions have consequences, even if you think the weight of your decisions is small, the reality is that it has incalculable value.
But it’s not just about the environment and nature, it’s also about Your health. Of course, if the Earth is cared for and in good condition, you will also be better off (cleaner air, unpolluted water, better crops, etc.). If you drink a coffee that does not contain pesticides, additives or chemicals, you are drinking a healthier product, with more antioxidants, minerals and vitamins.
Like this small decision, it also means that you not only support environmental protection, but also more dignified jobs and that traditional farming methods are not lost. Organic coffees generally follow the guidelines of Fair trade, which benefits farmers and communities in the region. It is therefore a local and community commitment.
These are just a few of the reasons why organic coffee, like any organic product, is a better option than those that do not follow nature’s cycles. And, if you want to encourage yourself to try authentic organic coffee, at Incapto they have two with an organic certificate: Guatemala and Peru.