Organic Coffee

“Organic coffee is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment,”  explained Sandra Marquardt, On the Mark Public Relations.

“Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, avoid the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organizations verify that organic farmers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production. Organic coffee is grown in approximately 40 countries, including the United States.”

That’s all well and good – but the proof is in the brew.  Coffee-persnickety me, enjoyed each and every one of these cups of java — both at the event – and with the samples I was fortunate to grind -and-brew at home.

I’m not the only one who thinks  organic coffee is synonymous with quality. According to the results of Cup of Excellence cuppings coordinated by the U.S.-based Alliance for Coffee Excellence, the highest ranking attained was for organic coffee from the Bolivian farm Agrotakesi SA, earning 93.96 points, more than a full point above the next highest ranking coffee in 2009.

These delicious brews are available in supermarkets and online.

BEANTREES ORGANIC COFFEE: In 1994, Beantrees brought “ultra-premium” to the organic coffee market with its “brew what you believe®” credo. Beantrees client roster includes Yahoo!, Live Nation, NRDC, Aerosmith, Sundance, Table 52,  the Cannes Film Festival and The Police (served backstage in over 25 countries on their 2009 world tour).Their super premium organic coffees are also served at the eight Central Market espresso bars throughout Texas, and the UC Davis espresso Bar. Beantrees was voted the #1 coffee in Davis, California, for 2010.

CAFFE IBIS: An award-winning “green business,” Caffe Ibis is a custom coffee roasting house featuring triple certified— organic, Fair Trade, and Smithsonian Shade Grown “Bird-Friendly®”— coffees, mountain grown, mountain roasted. Some of their fine dining customers include The Canyons in Park City, North Ogden’s Zucca’s Trattoria, Park City’s High West Distillery, SLC’s Chow Truck Asian haute cuisine, local rave Red Iguana, and Vento’s.

CHIAPAS FARMS: Café de Chiapas coffee from Chiapas Farms is grown in the southern highlands of Mexico. Roasted in small batches, each cup delivers a nutty, buttery taste with a smooth, slightly sweet finish. Buy its whole-bean organic/Fair Trade dark and medium roasts in Texas retailers and online.

ELAN ORGANIC COFFEES: A coffee developer and importer offering certified organic socially responsible and Bird Friendly® coffees from partnerships with village co-ops in coffee-producing countries. Elan has pioneered the supply of the world’s finest certified organic coffees, while supporting farmers and protecting the environment.

EQUATOR ESTATE COFFEES & TEAS: Equator is known for its distinctive specialty coffees, socially responsible sourcing, and long-standing relationships with prominent chefs and national retailers passionate about quality. For instance, the company created a special certified organic Jardinière blend for Jardinière restaurant in San Francisco and a blend emphasizing organic Ethiopian Sidamo for Per Se in New York City. The women-owned company procures exceptional certified organic coffees from farmers who practice environmental stewardship, resulting in an empowered supply chain from crop to cup.

GOLDEN VALLEY FARMS COFFEE ROASTERS: A family-owned and operated artisan coffee roaster specializing in high quality, organic, Smithsonian Institution Bird-Friendly®-certified shade grown coffees. Its coffee is sold at convenience stores, offices, restaurants, online, and at the National Zoo. They offer their  dual-certified organic and bird-friendly coffee at more than 400 food service operations ranging from traditional eateries to convenience stores, diners, and coffee shops, as well as the National Zoo cafés.

GREEN MOUNTAIN COFFEE: A recognized leader in the specialty coffee industry for its award-winning coffees and environmentally and socially responsible business practices, Green Mountain Coffee offers a broad selection of double-certified organic and Fair Trade coffees under the Green Mountain Coffee® and Newman’s Own® Organics brands. They  supply organic coffee to Bruegger’s Bakery Cafés, national parks (through Xanterra Parks & Resorts), and hundreds of colleges and universities nationwide.  It also supplies Newman’s Own Organics coffee to over 600 McDonald’s restaurants in the Northeast U.S.

S&D COFFEE: The second largest coffee roaster in the U.S. supplying both conventional and organic coffee to 600 convenience stores, museums cafés, and college and corporate campuses nationally. Five Smithsonian Institution museum cafés along with restaurants nationwide are featuring its organic, Fair Trade, and Bird Friendly® blend. The company feels strongly about fostering sustainable agriculture and promoting a healthy planet. S&D has six organic coffees sold under the Buffalo & Spring label.

SUN COFFEE ROASTERS is an organic and Fair Trade roaster operating according to the credo of social consciousness, environmental responsibility, and great taste. Its coffees are sold at Whole Foods, Stop & Shop, Big Y, and other Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island retailers.  It provides premium Fair Trade organic coffees to Northeast colleges and universities, serving numerous dining facilities, campus cafés, and campus restaurants with a range of custom coffees.

– bonnie