Shade Grown Coffee - the "old school" of coffee. Up until 25 years ago it was the only way coffee was cultivated. Coffee thrives in the shade and some varieties of the most flavorful berries can only be cultivated under a canopy of shade trees. It wasn't until some new full-sun hybrids were developed that produced substantially higher yields for farmers did growing under the shade take the back seat.
But who likes a flat, bitter-tasting cup of Joe? That's exactly what happens when you grow in full sun light. Sure you produce more but the QUALITY is GREATLY decreased.
So here are 4 reasons why you should drink shade grown coffee:
1. Protecting the environment: In order to have these full-sun hybrids many trees and forests must be chopped down. A major negative about these plantations are the increases soil erosion, deadly mudslides and the chemicals used to support the rapid growth of these shrubs. This produces toxic run-off and acidifies the soil.
2. The Flavor: Experts agree that the flavor of shade grown coffee is superior to that of full-sun. It is also significantly less bitter! Coffee that is grown in the shade matures slowly and produces fewer cherries. So the flavor is more concentrated and mellowed in the resulting harvest.
3. Provides Homes For Migratory Birds: How does coffee relate to birds you ask? The natural canopy and the coffee shrubs themselves provide homes for these birds. These farms act as an oasis for over 150 species of migratory birds whose populations have declined 50% in the last 25 years. Primarily due to the habitat destruction caused by full-sun plantations.
4. Fair Trade Organic Coffee: Fair trade farms must meet labor standards such as paying a minimum wage to workers, allowing workers to organize and ensuring health and safety standards. Majority of all shade grown coffee is produced under the Fair Trade Organic Coffee umbrella. Which leads us to organic: farmers cannot use synthetic substances such as pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. 95% of the beans must have been grown under organic conditions - a la shade grown.
The more shade grown coffee is demanded by consumers, the more economic incentive there is for farmers to replant shade trees and slow the destruction caused by full-sun coffee. By purchasing shade grown coffee, you send a message to coffee farmers that there is economic viability in returning to traditional methods of coffee cultivation. You also send a message to coffee retailers that you are willing to pay a little more for a superior product that is much less damaging to the environment and migratory birds.
But who likes a flat, bitter-tasting cup of Joe? That's exactly what happens when you grow in full sun light. Sure you produce more but the QUALITY is GREATLY decreased.
So here are 4 reasons why you should drink shade grown coffee:
1. Protecting the environment: In order to have these full-sun hybrids many trees and forests must be chopped down. A major negative about these plantations are the increases soil erosion, deadly mudslides and the chemicals used to support the rapid growth of these shrubs. This produces toxic run-off and acidifies the soil.
2. The Flavor: Experts agree that the flavor of shade grown coffee is superior to that of full-sun. It is also significantly less bitter! Coffee that is grown in the shade matures slowly and produces fewer cherries. So the flavor is more concentrated and mellowed in the resulting harvest.
3. Provides Homes For Migratory Birds: How does coffee relate to birds you ask? The natural canopy and the coffee shrubs themselves provide homes for these birds. These farms act as an oasis for over 150 species of migratory birds whose populations have declined 50% in the last 25 years. Primarily due to the habitat destruction caused by full-sun plantations.
4. Fair Trade Organic Coffee: Fair trade farms must meet labor standards such as paying a minimum wage to workers, allowing workers to organize and ensuring health and safety standards. Majority of all shade grown coffee is produced under the Fair Trade Organic Coffee umbrella. Which leads us to organic: farmers cannot use synthetic substances such as pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. 95% of the beans must have been grown under organic conditions - a la shade grown.
The more shade grown coffee is demanded by consumers, the more economic incentive there is for farmers to replant shade trees and slow the destruction caused by full-sun coffee. By purchasing shade grown coffee, you send a message to coffee farmers that there is economic viability in returning to traditional methods of coffee cultivation. You also send a message to coffee retailers that you are willing to pay a little more for a superior product that is much less damaging to the environment and migratory birds.
No comments:
Post a Comment