Celebrate the Success of Fair Trade Coffee

October 21st, 2009 by keen bean

There has been a great deal of discussion regarding fair trade coffee recently. With the celebrated success of the commodity, it comes as no surprise. And though it is not surprising, it is one achievement to be fully appreciated. It is so easy to participate, for you can now buy coffee online. While the idea of aiding coffee farmers to achieve their rightful payment is all well and good. It is the actual knowledge that it is in fact taking place that really tells the story of success.

The fact that the plan for fair trade coffee was set in motion, and has prevailed is a feel good tale. For, there are a great deal of good plans to assist the impoverished or correct unfair practices, but altogether to many do not come to fruition. Thus, the achievement of fair trade coffee should be celebrated, and discussed at length, for it is a model for additional progression in other areas.

The Progression to Gourmet Coffee Lover

October 20th, 2009 by keen bean

For some, it takes time to identify a favourite gourmet coffee. In fact, quite often a person starts off as both a coffee and tea drinker. Slowly, but surely there is a shift that occurs time and time again. Coffee begins to take the lead, with the slight tendency of choosing coffee more frequently. Eventually, the drinker delves into the world of gourmet java, and nothing is ever quite the same again.

Some remain partial to the first gourmet selection for sentimental reasons, or just good luck with their point of origin. Yet, others enjoy the journey of savouring many variations and the experience that comes with it. No matter the course that is taken, the love of gourmet coffee is established and with it, a familiar friendship is made.

Artistic Value of Coffee Beans

October 19th, 2009 by keen bean

While preparing for a fairtrade coffee photo shoot, I came across many remarkable photographs of coffee beans. I can remember a time when there were few impressive images of the beautiful subject. Today, there are numerous stirring pictures, and it is apparent that this bean has become quite a focus.

Being a fan of textural photography, the closer the camera can get, the better I like the result. Thus, I am quite pleased to see such a grand collection of coffee bean art photos. Some might think that it is a material that would become repetitive quickly. Yet, this does not seem to be the case in this instance. I look forward to what the future holds for this market with the rapidly improving rate of photo quality.

Coffee Suppliers Taking on New Role

October 18th, 2009 by keen bean

Nowadays, coffee suppliers are taking on a new role, that of diplomat. Since the sales of fair trade coffee online began, more of the public has become informed of the value of the fair trade program. People are pleased to be able to contribute to a good thing, and the word on the street is that customers understand that purchasing fair trade coffee does in fact affect lives for the better.

It is interesting to watch as the coffee drinkers of the world tap into the knowledge that by purchasing a certain brand they do something for somebody else. The face of that somebody may never be known to them, but it definitely exists. The simple truth that by enjoying a daily beverage a person is involved in something much larger is inspiring. For too long, the masses believed that making any real impact on the fortune of others thousands of miles away was difficult. Now, nothing could be easier.

Fairtrade Coffee Gains Attention Online

October 17th, 2009 by keen bean

Lately, I have been doing a great deal of research on the presence of the online coffee shop. Originally, I was curious to see how these internet venues would reach their customers, and what creativity would evolve from this new outlet. There are of course many places to identify the impact this arena is having, and I am having a blast gauging the efforts and responses.

My favourite reaction to date was found on the pages of Facebook. It was there that I learned of a genuine interest of coffee fans. I observed a dialogue regarding fairtrade coffee and the importance of purchasing this java. It was very rewarding to witness the banter and somewhat emotional responses concerning this topic. In sum, the fairtrade coffee suppliers appear to have gained valuable attention through the sale of their influential wares online.

The Highly Desirable Beverage

October 16th, 2009 by keen bean

Based upon the enormous number of people who enjoy coffee, the strong response to free coffee comes as no surprise. For quite some time now, different establishments have offered free cups of coffee to consumers for several different reasons. Some altruistic, and others more promotion based.

There are companies that have handed out vouchers for a coffee gift in the hopes of bringing in new patrons to their shop. Others have provided gratis coffee in exchange for donations to local charities. Still others simply want to say thank you for the much appreciated support that their clients have shown for their products. Sure, there are various other reasons why free coffee is made available, but the bottom line in each and every scenario is one that is most pleasing. It is always pleasurable to be given a treat for nothing in return, especially when it is the highly desirable beverage, coffee.

Do Not Forget to Recycle Those Coffee Grounds

October 15th, 2009 by keen bean

For ages, ground coffee has been known to be a good plant fertilizer. The coffee grounds can be used in newly created plant beds, or placed on those pre-existing. They are both resourceful in keeping pests away and benefiting the plants themselves. As for the pests, they keep out snails, slugs and ants. That in itself is pretty handy.

However, the coffee grounds continue to help you with your gardening by providing lots of essential nutrients that are otherwise contained in fertilizers. Some of the essential nutrients that are found within the grounds of non-organic and organic coffee are magnesium, calcium and nitrogen. It should be noted that due to the high acidity level in the grounds, they will not work well with all plants. Some of the plants that respond best to the grounds are roses and gardenias. Please check to see if the plants you are nurturing are ones that enjoy acidity in their soil.

The Journey of the Coffee Plant

October 14th, 2009 by keen bean

It is humorous to think that while we easily buy coffee online today that previously coffee took a great deal of time to reach its producers and drinkers. This is exemplified in the history of the journey coffee made to initially reach Kenya. It is a surprisingly lengthy one considering where it all began, within a short distance from Kenya.

Before it arrived in Kenya, coffee had to navigate the globe, although it originated nearby in Ethiopia in the 9th century. It was not until 1893 that coffee was planted and harvested in Kenya. Instead of coffee taking a direct route to Kenya, coffee plants were taken through Yemen, Italy, Indonesia and America. Once all of this had taken place the plants were then taken to Kenya where it has prospered. Now it is a producer of some fair trade coffee which travels the world in a very speedy manner.

Caramellow Iced Coffee

October 13th, 2009 by keen bean

I have continued my search of iced coffee and tea recipes and have found yet another that I think you might enjoy. This one requires more ingredients than the others that I have shared thus far. However, after sampling this one, I say from experience that it is well worth the additional effort. In fact, it has become one of my specialties.

Start by brewing up four cups worth of your gourmet coffee of choice. Then add 8 tablespoons of caramel syrup to the coffee and then set it aside to cool. While that is off to one side, gather the following; whipped cream and ginger ale. Fill 8 tall glasses half way full with crushed ice and then pour in half a cup of coffee into each. Place a dollop of the whipped cream and third of a cup of ginger ale into each.

Shade Grown Coffee Beans

October 12th, 2009 by keen bean

Another neat category of coffee beans that I have come across is the shade-grown bean. This term is basically self explanatory, but let me provide you with a bit more depth to it. Shade grown beans are developed below a natural tree canopy, as opposed to the more common process of upon cleared land. Thus creating less impact on the area of interest.

As you can imagine, this does in fact produce variations in flavour. Not to mention how this is so much better for the health of our planet. On another note, the term shade grown conjures up images of a relaxed happy bean. Thus, the bean begins to take on a personality of sorts. Ah, yet another aspect of the fairtrade coffee world, and the options available to consumers.

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