What is Organic Coffee?

Organic coffee is simply coffee that’s grown and processed in a natural way, without any artificial chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides. Instead, organic coffee is grown with only natural fertilizers. Organic farming also focuses on the renewability and conservation of land and water resources. While the availability of organic coffee is a relatively new phenomenon, the practice of organic farming is as old as farming itself. And, organic farming practices both conserve the valuable resources of our earth and provide consumers with a natural product free of chemicals.

In the United States, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) sets standards and strictly regulates the organic food industry, including coffee. These standards regulate every inch of the process of organic coffee, from seed (non-GMO), to fertilizer (natural), to processing (separate from non-organic coffee). Moreover, certified organic products come from farms that are verifiably sustainable in all practices. Farms that comply with these higher standards are then able to sell their coffee at a higher price. Consequently, consumers pay a higher price to support the sustainable, environmentally friendly farming practices used in organic coffee production.

Why Should I Buy Organic Green Coffee?

While you can expect to pay a little more for organically grown green coffee beans, there are two main reasons why people shell out the extra cash: personal health choices and environmental sustainability. While most experts agree that the chemicals used in non-organic coffees burn off in the roasting process, consumers often feel differently. Many consumers prefer not to chance it, valuing the health benefits of an organic diet over the extra financial costs. The other main rationale for buying organic coffee is environmental. Some consumers choose to pay more for organic coffee due to concern for the environmental repercussions of non-organic farming. Whether it’s for personal health or environmental reasons (or both), the upward trend in the organic coffee market supports the growing willingness of Americans to pay more for organically grown coffee.

Ethiopian Organic Yirgacheffe Coffee

If you’re looking to try your hand at roasting an organic green coffee, you can’t go wrong with the Ethiopian Organic Yirgacheffe. This coffee is a perennial favorite for many of our customers. If you love a big, bold cup to start your day, start here. The Yergacheffe has an almost overpowering aroma, and the equally strong taste isn’t a letdown. You’ll taste sweet chocolate, honey, fruit, and finish with smooth caramel. This complex coffee is as bright as it is bold. The Yergacheffe is powerful enough to get you going in the morning and beloved enough to be a sure hit with friends.