Monday, August 19, 2013

All About Fair Trade Gourmet Coffee

By Essie Craft


Java is the most popular drink in the world. In recent years special blends, roasts, and flavors have become popular. Specialty cafes selling high quality beverages have sprung up on every corner. If you want to enjoy a flavorful cup of joe with a clear conscience, buy fair trade gourmet coffee.

There are a few basic methods for making a basic cup of joe. The favorite method is brewing, running hot water over a filter containing ground beans. Another method is to boil the water and ground beans together, then use a press and a sieve to separate the beverage from the grounds. Instant is made with freeze-dried granules that dissolve in boiling water.

Also called java, this has been a popular beverage in Africa and the Middle East since the 6th or 7th century. It was first traded to Europe around the 16th century, and made its way to North America around the 17th century. It's enjoyed for its bold aroma and taste and prized for the stimulant effects of caffeine, making it an especially popular morning drink. In addition to wakefulness, alertness, and increased concentration, caffeine offers some protection from kidney stones, gallstones, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Patients with high blood pressure and pregnant women are advised to consume this beverage sparingly, otherwise, a cup of joe is a healthy, as well as tasty beverage.

Colonial powers developed large plantations using slaves and poorly paid native laborers. The plant is still grown primarily in regions that are remote and poverty stricken. Products certified Fair Trade are produced by small farmers and cooperatives. In return for a guaranteed minimum price, they agree to limits on the use of pesticides and herbicides, and pledge to use sustainable farming practices. They don't grow genetically modified plants. They accept child labor laws.

Beans from different countries will taste different. Some beans can only be grown in a small region. If high quality, they will be more expensive. Gourmet beverages are made from the best beans precisely roasted to light, medium, or dark. Syrups to expand the range of delectable flavors. Some of the most popular flavors are butterscotch, hazelnut, macadamia nut, caramel, cinnamon, English toffee, vanilla, coconut, and raspberry.

Gourmet beverages use high quality beans combined with other tasty ingredients to create unique flavors. Espresso is made with the strongest flavored roast to produce a concentrated drink high in caffeine and rich in flavor. Espresso mixed with a cup of steamed milk is a latte. Espresso mixed with equal parts milk and milk froth is a cappuccino. Mocha is made with a taste of coffee, a little cocoa powder, and a hot cup of milk. Chilled milk and sugar is added to iced coffee for a refreshing summer beverage.

Fair trade gourmet coffee is grown throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It's sold to individuals, independent cafes, as fundraisers for organizations, to discount retailers, to upscale retailers, and to grocery stores. It's sold wholesale, retail and online.

Fair trade gourmet coffee ensures sustainable production and guarantees farmers a fair price, while providing a high quality and affordable product. Certification requires that farmers follow social and environmental regulations for growing, manufacturing, and processing. Regulations are intended to protect the environment and the producer.




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