I used to have an unreasonable prejudice against “fair trade” coffee. Of course I’m in favor of living wages, but something about fair trade coffee struck me as the epitome of a yuppie eco-chic status item.
(Coffee cherries at harvest; photo by Kim Elena Bullock of Counter Culture Coffee)
Then last month we attended a lecture on coffee growing at our neighborhood coffee hangout. It made such a difference to see photos of the actual farm and the actual people who make my favorite coffee happen. I was particularly struck by a photo of the plant undergrowth used to nourish the soil at this sustainable organic farm compared to a picture of the bare earth that encourages soil erosion at a regular coffee farm. We even got to talk to the grower via Web phone from El Salvador. In this age of mega-corporations and questionably processed food, it is mind-blowing that I have “met” the woman who grows my morning coffee!
(Aida Batlle, grower of Finca Mauriania; photo by Kim Elena Bullock of Counter Culture Coffee)
Wish I could pour each of you a cup of my favorite coffee and sit down for a chat. Failing that, how about I give away a bag to one lucky reader? The prize will be a sweet treat and one 12-oz package of whole-bean Finca Mauritania, which the roaster describes as “a true classic and one of the greatest coffees in the world.” And of course it is fair trade.**
To enter, just leave a comment on this post. One entry per person. Open to international readers. Winner will be chosen by random draw on February 14.
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**Interesting side note: “Fair trade” claims can be confusing. There is an official Fair Trade Certified (FTC) seal, but that certification is only available to certain farming co-ops and not independent growers. Counter Culture Coffee uses Direct Trade Certification, which includes direct partnership with growers, supply chain transparency, and high quality standards, as well as a fair price per pound.
great to have you back, and coffee (since I haven’t had any yet this am) sounds wonderful!
mm sounds like a yummy Tuesday pick-me-up!
Good Coffee could really make my day, Thanks so very much!
Evidently there is so much more to coffee than meets the eye (or taste buds!) – thank you for your informative post and links. Would love to try a good coffee!
Ooh, yum. I’ll admit I’m willing to accept whatever crap cup o’ coffee my husband makes in the morning – because I don’t have to get up to make it – but it is more tar than coffee. I’d keep this to myself and have a second cup mid-morning!
I’d go to great lengths for some Salvadoran coffee….the best in the world, as far as I’m concerned! How cool that you got to talk to the Finca owner. I’m glad to see they’re developing their production and customer base outside of Central America! I’m torn between wanting a bag of beans for myself, and wanting others to experience the joy of this coffee!Hope you’re staying warm! Terri
Hope you’re staying warm!