THINGS YOU ALWAYS
WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT COFFEE
-BUT DIDN'T KNOW WHO TO ASK-
Coffee
is grown in equatorial zones around the world, but all coffees
are not created equal.
There are two basic types of coffee, ROBUSTO and ARABICA. The robusto is by far
the most common, as it is grown in low lying areas where the rain forests have
been destroyed, to be replaced by vast coffee plantations. This type of coffee
grows on plants, which reach a height of 18” to 24”, in a row crop
configuration. Chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides are used to
nurture this type of operation. The primary effort with this type of coffee is
directed to producing vast quantities of coffee, rather than a quality product.
Harvesting is accomplished mechanically.
The arabica coffee species, which this writing primarily deals with, is grown
at higher altitudes, on a bush type plant that reaches a height of
approximately eight feet. Arabica coffee beans are picked by hand. The Blue
Mountain Trading Company uses this type of bean, which, in our case, is grown
and processed by the Mayan Indians as a subsistence crop. The beans are grown
in the shade, under the rainforest canopy under ecologically favorable
conditions, and are certified to be 100% organic. We receive an organic
certification with each shipment. We roast the beans and make distribution from
our facility right here in La Grande in order to provide you with the freshest
product possible.
Organic, shade grown coffee is approximately 60% less acidic than coffee grown
under the sun, with chemical applications. Of the two species, both, in theory,
can be grown organically, but usually only the arabica is, but not in all
instances.
Obtaining organic certification is not a short, easy process. There are only three
recognized, reputable certification facilities in the world, all of which are
foreign. The process is rather lengthy, as a crop must certify chemically free
for three consecutive years running, before certification is issued, then must
test chemical free each crop thereafter in order to retain certification.
The term coffee bean is really a misnomer as coffee develops as a fruit, of
sorts, as it resembles a cherry, is red in color when ready to harvest, and in
fact is called a coffee cherry! When ripe, the coffee cherry is picked, by the
Mayan Indians, then spread out under the tropical sun until the fruit part of
the cherry is dry, then the exterior part of the cherry is chaffed away,
leaving only the pit. The remaining pit is comprised of two halves which
separate and lo-and-behold, the coffee bean!!! Yes, each cherry contains, what
ends up being, two “coffee beans.”
The Mayan Indians then take the cherry pulp residue and spread it around the
base of the coffee plants as an organic fertilizer application. The Mayan
Indians would not, under any circumstances, apply chemicals, for to do so, they
believe would displease the spirits.
During the coffee roasting process, all coffee beans put off hulls and chaff,
which the larger coffee companies pelletize, and grind along with the coffee
beans. Blue Mountain Trading Company does not do this as we feel that the
process substantially degrades the product.
Many people buy coffee, take it home and place it in their refrigerator or
freezer. This is not a wise practice. Refrigerators and freezers draw moisture
from the beans and therefore, stale the product! It is better to place the
coffee container, during the period of consumption, in a dark, cool area, such
as a kitchen cabinet, where it will be more apt to retain freshness.
We have all been to restaurants and drank coffee, which seemed to have a burnt
taste; this occurs when the coffee is in fact burnt! Coffee when in a glass
decanter and placed on a hot plate type warmer starts to degrade after approximately
30 minutes and in fact burns, thus the burnt taste. We recommend the use of an
air pot system.
Our coffee is decaffeinated by the use of the Swiss Water Method and available
in all roasts, blends, and flavors. The Swiss Water Method is 100% chemical
free!
When you hear someone say they do not like organic coffee because they enjoy
the “bite” in their coffee, you will know that what they are really saying is
they enjoy the chemicals in their drink!!
The next time you visit your favorite grocer or restaurant, ask for Blue
Mountain Trading Company’s organic coffee by name. Treat yourself to the best.
Jeffery A. Garrett
Owner/Manager
Blue Mountain
Trading Company
WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS...
Visa & MasterCard
