Best Organic Fair Trade Coffee

For coffee lovers who care about the environment and the well-being of coffee farmers, organic fair trade coffee is the ideal choice. Not only does it offer a delicious and flavorful cup, but it also supports sustainable farming practices and ensures fair wages and safe working conditions for growers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of organic fair trade coffee, delve into its benefits, and highlight some of the best beans and brands available.

What is Organic Coffee?

Organic coffee is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Instead, organic farmers rely on natural methods such as composting, crop rotation, and biological pest control to maintain soil health and protect their crops. Organic certification ensures that the coffee has been grown and processed according to strict standards, minimizing environmental impact and promoting biodiversity.

The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) regulates organic certification in the United States. To be certified organic, coffee farms must undergo regular inspections and adhere to specific guidelines that prohibit the use of synthetic chemicals and promote sustainable farming practices. This rigorous process ensures that consumers can trust the “organic” label on their coffee.

Benefits of Organic Coffee

Choosing organic coffee offers numerous benefits for both the environment and your health:

• Reduced Exposure to Harmful Chemicals: By avoiding synthetic pesticides and herbicides, organic coffee minimizes your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals that can be present in conventionally grown coffee.
• Environmentally Friendly Farming Practices: Organic farming practices promote soil health, conserve water, and reduce pollution, contributing to a more sustainable environment.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Organic farms often support a greater diversity of plant and animal life compared to conventional farms, helping to protect ecosystems.
• Improved Soil Health: Organic farming practices enhance soil fertility and structure, leading to healthier and more productive coffee plants.
• Potentially Higher Antioxidant Levels: Some studies suggest that organic coffee may contain higher levels of antioxidants compared to conventionally grown coffee, which can help protect your body against cell damage.

What is Fair Trade Coffee?

Fair trade coffee is produced by small-scale farmers who are paid a fair price for their beans. The fair trade system aims to empower farmers, improve their livelihoods, and promote sustainable development in coffee-growing communities. Fair trade certification ensures that farmers receive a minimum price for their coffee, regardless of market fluctuations, and that they have access to credit, technical assistance, and other resources.

Fairtrade International is the leading organization that sets fair trade standards and certifies coffee. To be certified fair trade, coffee cooperatives must meet specific criteria related to democratic governance, environmental protection, and labor standards. This certification provides consumers with assurance that their coffee purchase is directly benefiting coffee farmers and their communities.

Benefits of Fair Trade Coffee

Choosing fair trade coffee supports a more equitable and sustainable coffee industry:

• Fair Prices for Farmers: Fair trade guarantees farmers a minimum price for their coffee, protecting them from volatile market prices and ensuring a stable income.
• Empowerment of Small-Scale Farmers: Fair trade empowers farmers by providing them with access to credit, technical assistance, and other resources, enabling them to improve their farming practices and livelihoods.
• Improved Working Conditions: Fair trade standards prohibit child labor and promote safe working conditions for coffee workers.
• Community Development: Fair trade organizations invest in community development projects, such as schools, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure improvements, benefiting coffee-growing communities.
• Environmental Sustainability: Fair trade standards encourage sustainable farming practices that protect the environment and promote biodiversity.

Why Choose Organic Fair Trade Coffee?

When you choose organic fair trade coffee, you’re not just buying a cup of coffee; you’re making a conscious decision to support a more sustainable and ethical coffee industry. By combining the benefits of organic and fair trade, you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while knowing that you’re contributing to a healthier planet and a better life for coffee farmers.

Organic fair trade coffee represents a commitment to quality, sustainability, and social responsibility. It’s a choice that benefits everyone involved, from the farmers who grow the beans to the consumers who enjoy the final product.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Organic Fair Trade Coffee

With so many organic fair trade coffee options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one. Here are some factors to consider when making your selection:

• Roast Level: Coffee beans are roasted to different levels, each of which affects the flavor and aroma of the coffee. Light roasts tend to be brighter and more acidic, while dark roasts are bolder and more bitter. Medium roasts offer a balance between these two extremes.
• Origin: Coffee beans from different regions have distinct flavor profiles. For example, Ethiopian coffee is often known for its floral and fruity notes, while Sumatran coffee is typically earthy and full-bodied.
• Bean Type: Arabica beans are generally considered to be higher quality than Robusta beans, offering a smoother and more complex flavor.
• Certifications: Look for certifications such as USDA Organic and Fairtrade International to ensure that the coffee meets strict standards for organic production and fair trade practices.
• Brand Reputation: Choose a brand that is known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing.
• Your Personal Preferences: Ultimately, the best organic fair trade coffee is the one that you enjoy the most. Experiment with different roasts, origins, and bean types to find your perfect cup.

Best Organic Fair Trade Coffee Brands and Beans

Here are some of the best organic fair trade coffee brands and beans available on the market today:

1. Equal Exchange Organic Whole Bean Coffee

Equal Exchange is a worker-owned cooperative that is committed to fair trade and sustainable agriculture. Their organic whole bean coffee is available in a variety of roasts and origins, all of which are sourced from small-scale farmer cooperatives. Their coffees are consistently highly rated for their flavor and quality, and their commitment to ethical sourcing is unmatched.

Key Features:

• Worker-owned cooperative
• 100% fair trade and organic
• Wide variety of roasts and origins
• Sourced from small-scale farmer cooperatives

2. Ethical Bean Coffee

Ethical Bean Coffee is a Canadian company that is dedicated to sourcing and roasting the highest quality organic fair trade coffee beans. They work directly with farmers to ensure fair prices and sustainable farming practices. Their coffees are known for their rich flavor and smooth finish.

Key Features:

• Direct trade relationships with farmers
• 100% organic and fair trade
• Focus on quality and sustainability
• Available in a variety of roasts and blends

3. Café Mam Organic Fair Trade Coffee

Café Mam is a cooperative of indigenous Mayan coffee farmers in Guatemala. They grow their coffee using traditional methods and without the use of harmful chemicals. Their coffee is known for its rich, smooth flavor and its social impact.

Key Features:

• Cooperative of indigenous Mayan coffee farmers
• 100% organic and fair trade
• Grown using traditional methods
• Supports community development in Guatemala

4. Death Wish Coffee Company Organic Fair Trade Coffee

Death Wish Coffee Company is known for its strong and bold coffee, and their organic fair trade blend is no exception. Made with a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, this coffee delivers a powerful caffeine kick and a rich, intense flavor.

Key Features:

• High caffeine content
• Organic and fair trade certified
• Bold and intense flavor
• Suitable for those who need a strong coffee

5. Kicking Horse Coffee

Kicking Horse Coffee is a Canadian company that is known for its bold and flavorful organic fair trade coffees. They source their beans from around the world and roast them in small batches to ensure quality and freshness.

Key Features:

• Organic and fair trade certified
• Bold and flavorful coffees
• Sourced from around the world
• Roasted in small batches

6. Larry’s Coffee

Larry’s Coffee is a certified B Corporation that is committed to sustainability and social responsibility. They source their organic fair trade coffee from small-scale farmers around the world and roast it in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Key Features:

• Certified B Corporation
• Organic and fair trade certified
• Sourced from small-scale farmers
• Roasted in Raleigh, North Carolina

7. Mount Hagen Organic Fair Trade Instant Coffee

For those who prefer the convenience of instant coffee, Mount Hagen offers a high-quality organic fair trade option. Made with 100% Arabica beans, this instant coffee delivers a smooth and flavorful cup that is perfect for travel or busy mornings.

Key Features:

• Organic and fair trade certified
• 100% Arabica beans
• Convenient instant format
• Smooth and flavorful cup

8. Allegro Coffee

Allegro Coffee, owned by Whole Foods Market, offers a wide selection of organic and fair trade certified coffees. They source their beans from around the world and roast them in-house to ensure quality and freshness. They offer a variety of blends and single-origin coffees to suit different tastes.

Key Features:

• Wide selection of organic and fair trade coffees
• Sourced from around the world
• Roasted in-house
• Variety of blends and single-origin coffees

9. Tiny Footprint Coffee

Tiny Footprint Coffee is committed to reforestation. For every pound of coffee sold, they donate to plant trees in the Mindo cloud forest of Ecuador. Their coffee is organic and fair trade certified, ensuring both environmental and social responsibility.

Key Features:

• Committed to reforestation
• Organic and fair trade certified
• Supports environmental and social responsibility
• Unique and flavorful coffees

10. Conscious Coffees

Conscious Coffees focuses on empowering farmers and promoting sustainable communities. They source their organic and fair trade coffee directly from cooperatives in Latin America and roast it in Colorado. They are dedicated to building long-term relationships with farmers and providing them with the resources they need to thrive.

Key Features:

• Focuses on empowering farmers
• Organic and fair trade certified
• Directly sourced from cooperatives
• Promotes sustainable communities

Brewing the Perfect Cup of Organic Fair Trade Coffee

Once you’ve chosen your organic fair trade coffee beans, it’s time to brew the perfect cup. Here are some tips for brewing delicious coffee:

• Use Freshly Roasted Beans: Coffee beans lose their flavor over time, so it’s best to use freshly roasted beans that have been roasted within the past two weeks.
• Grind Your Beans Just Before Brewing: Grinding your beans just before brewing helps to preserve their flavor and aroma. Use a burr grinder for a more consistent grind.
• Use Filtered Water: Filtered water is free of impurities that can affect the taste of your coffee.
• Use the Right Water Temperature: The ideal water temperature for brewing coffee is between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Use the Right Coffee-to-Water Ratio: A general guideline is to use two tablespoons of ground coffee for every six ounces of water.
• Experiment with Different Brewing Methods: There are many different brewing methods to choose from, such as drip, pour-over, French press, and espresso. Experiment with different methods to find the one that you prefer.
• Clean Your Brewing Equipment Regularly: Regular cleaning helps to prevent the buildup of oils and residue that can affect the taste of your coffee.

Storing Organic Fair Trade Coffee

Proper storage is essential for preserving the flavor and aroma of your organic fair trade coffee. Here are some tips for storing coffee:

• Store Your Coffee in an Airtight Container: An airtight container helps to protect your coffee from oxygen, moisture, and light, which can all degrade its flavor.
• Store Your Coffee in a Cool, Dark Place: Avoid storing your coffee in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can cause it to lose its flavor.
• Don’t Store Your Coffee in the Refrigerator or Freezer: Storing coffee in the refrigerator or freezer can cause it to absorb moisture and odors, which can affect its taste.
• Buy Whole Bean Coffee and Grind It Just Before Brewing: Whole bean coffee stays fresher longer than pre-ground coffee.

Beyond the Bean: Supporting Sustainable Coffee Practices

Choosing organic fair trade coffee is a great first step towards supporting a more sustainable coffee industry. However, there are other ways to get involved:

• Support Local Coffee Shops that Use Organic Fair Trade Coffee: By supporting local coffee shops that prioritize organic fair trade coffee, you’re helping to create a demand for sustainable coffee practices.
• Educate Others About Organic Fair Trade Coffee: Share your knowledge about the benefits of organic fair trade coffee with your friends and family.
• Advocate for Policies that Support Sustainable Agriculture and Fair Trade: Support organizations that are working to promote sustainable agriculture and fair trade practices.
• Reduce Your Coffee Waste: Compost your coffee grounds and recycle your coffee packaging.

The Future of Organic Fair Trade Coffee

The demand for organic fair trade coffee is growing as more consumers become aware of the environmental and social benefits of sustainable coffee practices. As the demand for organic fair trade coffee increases, more farmers will be incentivized to adopt sustainable farming practices and participate in fair trade programs.

The future of organic fair trade coffee is bright, and it holds the potential to create a more equitable and sustainable coffee industry that benefits both farmers and consumers.

Conclusion

Choosing organic fair trade coffee is a simple yet powerful way to make a positive impact on the world. By supporting sustainable farming practices and fair wages for farmers, you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while contributing to a healthier planet and a more just society. We hope this guide has helped you to learn more about the benefits of organic fair trade coffee and to discover some of the best brands and beans available. So, next time you’re looking for a cup of coffee, consider choosing organic fair trade – you’ll be glad you did!