Why Organic Coffee Matters!
Posted on 22 March 2009
I am a big fan of coffee. One cup a day does it for me and its usually with breakfast. I find too much coffee especially in the afternoon can destroy a calm and feeling of wellbeing so I tend to switch to Green Tea or Yerba Mate in the afternoon.
One thing I have learnt though is that Organic Coffee matters. Its superior in so many ways; if you go organic with your coffee you will notice less jitters (if your prone to them) and a purer taste. These are just some of the reasons to switch to Organic when you can. I am by no means an organic food pusher but I feel coffee is one thing that is worth buying organic every time!
There is a huge pleasure in taking time to pick out a good coffee and explore your local health food store for different varieties. I personally try out a different type of coffee each week. I have some favorites which I always go banck to but find the variety of coffee to be facinating and take time to prepare it in several different ways (currently using a classic bialetti stovetop)
Pesticides
Coffee plantations are normally one of the most chemically treated agricultural products on the planet. Its widely known that pesticides and herbicides can cause all kinds of nasty diseases so if you drink a lot of non-organic coffee your doing yourself no favors. Luckily Organic coffee plantations use natural pesticides to treat the land. This not only saves you but saves the environment.
More Anti-Oxidants
Drinking Coffee is very beneficial if done right. It can stabilize your blood sugar and boost your metabolism. The great thing about buying Organic is that you amplify these benefits. Think about it; when healthy coffee is grown in organic crops which have good soil the quality of your coffee will be higher allowing you to capture all the anti-oxidant powers of the bean.
Coffee provides more than just a morning jolt; that steaming cup of java is the number one source of antioxidants in the U.S. diet
This is pretty impressive and seeing as the most common thing people grab in the morning is a cup of coffee, all the more reason to go organic.
Taste
This is a big one for me. Organic coffee simply tastes better! It has less bitterness and the exotic scents and aromas come out more. One coffee I love is the Vietnamese stuff, If you ever have the chance to try it don’t miss out. It has an amazing choclatey taste which makes it almost impossible to believe its plain coffee, whenever you can try to search out new and special coffee’s. There are so many great vabrieties available and buying organic just means you are getting the full benefit and taste from the variety. Make it an adventure, visiting odd and random coffee houses and asking for their opinion on a good roast is a great way to learn about coffee and help the smaller, local coffee shops who usually sell bags of house roast for the price of two cappucino’s at starbucks.
Less Jitters
If you are someone who doesn’t handle coffee well, then Organic coffee maybe for you. When you get organic coffee and use an espresso machine to brew your shot up rather than a normal drip you will be far less likely to experience any of the negative side effects coffee can cause. This is for two reasons; firstly the organic coffee is purer and therefore processed better by your body. Secondly an Espresso has a shorter impact time on the ground coffee but at a higher heat meaning you get less caffeine and more anti-oxidnats. Thereofre I alway reccomend thos who shy away from coffee to try an organic espresso or americano and see what effect it has. You may be pleasantly surprised!
Give organic coffee a go, the 3 reasons below were enough to sway me and there has been no looking back!
- Coffee plantations are the most pesticide laiden crops in the world
- You will get a higher dose of anti-oxidants
- You are helping the environment and promoting fair trade crops
The only thing standing in your way is the marginally higher cost and the difficulty of getting organic coffee on the road. Although more and more coffee shops are starting to use organic/fairtrade beans to produce their coffee. Also always try to go for espresso based coffee rather than the traditional drip.
17 comments so far
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Comment by Methuselah - Pay Now Live Later
22 March 2009
Can you get organic decaf? I might be tempted by that since it’s the caffeine and the adulterants that always put me off. Yet I love the taste, and the benefits you outline are compelling…
@ Methuselah: Decaf organic coffee is widely available. As your in the UK check out a brand called Percol they do some really good stuff at affordable prices. Nothing beats a good coffee with breakfast!
Comment by Anne
23 March 2009
I am also a coffee loving person
I’m definitely willing to give the organic coffee a try – although I won’t commit to giving up my current favourite coffees for ever.
When it comes to brewing coffee, I’ve tried all the common versions: Drip, french press, stove top, machine. But I’ve now completely converted to my Aeropress, which is a very simple little plastic thing that makes a perfect espresso shot every single time, completely free of grounds!
@ Anne: I have heard great things about the Aeropress. I have yet to invest in one as I have recently mastered the art of a stovetop which is giving me great espresso’s everytime. WHen I first got the thing I didn’t have a clue but with some trial and error I am stovetopping like a champion!
Comment by Son of Grok
23 March 2009
Oh man… organic coffee makes such a difference. I can’t even drink the pig swill processed garbage anymore.
P.S Methuselah… yes you can get organic decaf.
The SoG
@ SoG: Its the only way for us Paleo eaters to go. Been following your blog for the past few months and have to say its awesome….>Some really unique and interesting posts, the recipies are always awesome!
Comment by Methuselah - Pay Now Live Later
23 March 2009
Sweet! Thanks SOG. On my way to get some now…
Comment by damaged justice
23 March 2009
Chalk me up as another satisfied Aerobi user. Just got one as a present and instead of drinking one or two pots a day, I drink one mug of espresso. Quality over quantity! (And I love the quick easy cleanup.)
Comment by Son of Grok
23 March 2009
Hey thanks Chris! Feeling is mutual. I dig on your blog as well.
The SoG
Comment by Rusty - Fitness Black Book
24 March 2009
Chris,
I love organic coffee. In fact, my girlfriend demands that everything we get be organic. It used to drive me nuts, but there really is a difference. Like you, I start my day with coffee, then switch to tea throughout the day.
I like my coffee best on an empty stomach. It just seems to get my creative mind working, than when I drink it along with food.
Also…100% black coffee for me. None of the cream and sugar loaded stuff!
Rusty
Comment by Charles
25 March 2009
This is exactly the reason that more awareness should be given to the farmers and producers who are supporting the organic movement. Like you said, the quality of organic has always been proven to be better than the quality of GM foods and commodities. This is an example of what I’m talking about:
http://www.americasheartland.org/episodes/episode_112/seeds.htm
Comment by DR
26 March 2009
Organic kona coffee brewed in my trusty french press…priceless
Comment by SimpleMan
5 April 2009
Where’s the best place to purchase Vietnamese coffee beans?
I have used these guys in the past: http://www.trung-nguyen-online.com/ really nice stuff….
Comment by Studio Element Personal Training
22 December 2009
I will try it and it does make sense. Too bad not every coffee shop sells organic coffee.