Best Organic Coffees That Are Healthy & Enticing

It is a well-known fact that conventional coffee is one of the most chemically treated products on the market. Of course, due to the pulp that covers coffee beans and the roasting process, those chemicals can hardly have any impact on consumers. However, it is very harmful to the environment and those people who farm coffee. Actually, it can pollute soil rather severely.

Farmers need to use some specific equipment to protect themselves while handling plants and using different chemicals. Moreover, if there is a run-off of those chemicals, they can damage pretty large areas, especially if there is a strong wind or some underground waters. To avoid these issues, lots of coffee manufacturers all over the world started to give preference to organic methods of farming coffee. 

It is not only a great way to enjoy a safe and high-quality product but also to reduce the harmful impact on our environment and help people to protect their health.

What Is Organic Coffee

Organic coffee beans are beans that were grown and farmed on environmentally friendly plantations. These plantations are situated in those areas that can offer the best weather conditions and soil for coffee farming so the manufacturers can reduce or avoid using different chemicals. Also, organic coffee farmers tend not to use such chemicals as numerous fertilizers, pesticides, and GMOs. 

To be able to grow organic coffee, a farmer should find a proper land and get a certificate that proves that it is compliant with a bunch of existing standards. If there is no document that proves that the beans were farmed in an ecologically pure region, the coffee cannot be labeled as organic. There are some common international standards as well as those established by different countries.

For example, when it comes to the USA, the land for organic coffee farming should have three years “rest” in order to ensure it accumulated all the required natural substances that may influence coffee growth. During those three years, farmers are not allowed to perform any chemical treatment for the area.

It is not a secret that to get the best high-quality coffee beans, manufacturers should harvest and process them manually. It means that coffee beans can grow in their natural environment with no machines or chemicals involved. The beans are protected by leaves and branches of trees that create a natural shadow and coverage from wind, heavy rains, and so on.

In other words, the farming process exists in complete harmony with the surrounding nature and ecosystem. Also, it allows protecting forests as well as animal species, insects, and birds that inhabit it. Coffee experts often call this coffee bird-friendly. On the other hand, industrial coffee is farmed on specially prepared plantations that usually located in areas where tropical forests were felled.

There are numerous authoritative borders that control organic coffee farming. The most influential and well-known ones are such as:

• European Organic Regulations (EU 2092/91);
• American USDA National Organic Program (NOP);
• Export Certificates for Japan in Japan.

You may be pretty much surprised, but the largest producers of organic coffee beans are such huge and famous companies as Nestle, Procter & Gamble, and Phillip Morris. They have environmentally friendly plantations in areas with rich soil that contains some volcanic compounds that are perfect for coffee farming. The most popular countries for organic coffee farming are Costa Rica, Mexico, Bolivia, and Peru.

Of course, due to the rather complicated and somehow unpredictable farming process of organic coffee, it can be more expensive than regular industrial coffee. Usually, the difference in price is about 20%. Also, the price is higher because organic coffee farming involves lots of manual labor and the cost of production is pretty high.

Benefits of Organic Coffee

Being farmed naturally without different chemicals, organic coffee beans have a whole bunch of numerous benefits. Some of the most important advantages of this type of coffee are listed below. 

Health

According to the data, a certified organic coffee contains a significantly larger amount of different minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that can boost your immune system greatly. Of course, any coffee has all these properties, but the truth is that organic coffee can contain many more useful things than the regular one. Nevertheless, any good-quality coffee can offer you this benefit. 

Environment

Organic coffee farming helps to protect the environment in many ways. First of all, it allows reducing deforestation significantly, especially in areas with tropical and rain forests. Due to the fact that organic coffee farming can be performed in the areas with some canopy cover, there is a bigger possibility to conserve numerous forests with their unique vegetation and wildlife.

By the way, most organic coffee manufacturers tend to donate lots of money for organizations that struggle against deforestation.

Moreover, organic coffee farming helps to preserve natural pest-deterrents/predators such as different lizards and birds. It is a great way to reduce the usage of different chemicals, such as pesticides. Also, there are numerous natural fertilizers, such as leaf litter, bird droppings, and different natural decays.

All these aspects together allow not only protect the environment but also to make sure it uses various natural products properly to provide farmers with some good harvest.

Farmers

If a farmer decides to become a certified organic coffee producer, there is a huge chance they will be able to get a certificate of fair trade. It is especially important for those who farm organic arabica beans as they should get certified through three programs such as Quality Assurance, Fair Trade, and Smithsonian Institution. It is a great way to show the quality of their product and attract more customers.

Also, these farmers can easily maintain soil health for longer periods of time. Of course, it significantly depends on things that are used by farmers during the whole farming process.

Richer, Longer-Lasting Taste

There is no proved fact that industrial and organic coffee has many differences in tastes, so there are numerous debates around this topic. However, there are numerous experienced coffee lovers that state that there is a difference and they can feel it. Nevertheless, it is a fact that organic beans contain more antioxidants so.

Also, organic arabica coffee tends to have quite a unique set of compounds and nutrients. There is hardly a possibility to prove that those who say that organic coffee tastes better are wrong. By the way, if you are looking for a tasty organic coffee, Death Wish is the strongest coffee in the world and not just only tasty. 

How Does Organic Coffee Work

Most coffee lovers are almost in constant search for a better coffee. However, there is a question of what coffee each of us considers a better option? Some people look for a coffee with a better taste and aroma while others try to find a high-quality coffee that is better not only for themselves but also for farmers and the environment. In any case, organic coffee is the best option for both these groups of people. 

Why is organic coffee so great? The answer actually is pretty simple. While growing organic coffee, farmers do not use any synthetical substances and chemicals to control and improve the process. In such a way, they not only make sure that there are no harmful chemicals in your coffee but also the air, water, and soil on and near the plantations are clean and unharmed.

Also, it is a great way to have a positive impact on climate change as organic farming allows reducing the amount of carbon that is emitted in the atmosphere and even sequestering some significant amount of this chemical element. 

Due to the natural and pesticide-free farming process, organic coffee is better for health and tastier. It contains more of various useful elements and substances that may influence your health.

According to the latest standards, coffee can be labeled as organic only in that case when each package contains at least 95% of beans that were grown under organic conditions. There is a whole bunch of those conditions that make coffee organic, such as:

• Active managing of farming lands in order to maintain, restore and enhance the ecosystem of the area;
• Consider the local environment specifics and do not disrupt the natural and ecological balance of the area;
• Use only those farming methods that allows minimizing environmental pollution including water, soil, and even air;
• Use traditional farming methods that help to manage weeds, pests, and soil properly while maintaining their health.

Organic coffee production, however, involves not only farming but all related processes and stages. For example, when it comes to roasting, a manufacturer needs to make sure that separate equipment is used for organic beans, so they are not in contact with anything that is non-organic.

Also, as a consumer, you need to make sure that you use a separate or well-cleaned grinder and brewer when using organic beans. It is a very important aspect as if it is mixed evenly with the slightest amount of industrial coffee; you cannot consider it organic. Of course, it does not influence the fact that you use some certified organic coffee beans, but the fact is that your drink will not be organic in this case.

Do you want to know how to choose some organic coffee and make sure it is really organic? There are lots of aspects that you should know when choosing organic coffee beans that you can find below. However, there is one simple but very helpful fact when it comes to organic coffee.

The most part (about 75%) of organic beans are produced in Latin America and only the remaining 25% comes from African and American countries. In other words, you will hardly be able to find a large variety of organic coffee produced elsewhere than in South American countries. It means that organic coffee from that area is actually your safest bet.

Types of Organic Coffee

You need to know that organic coffee farmers use the same type of coffee trees that are used for regular coffee production. The point is that it is the farming process that differs and not plants.

The most common and widely used coffee tree is Arabica. The tree is about 10-26 feet high and usually grows on an altitude of 1950-8000 feet above the sea level. Arabica coffee beans are known for their mild flavor and a little beat of acidity. Usually, it contains about 18% of aromatic oils and from 1% to 1.5% of caffeine.

The second popular type of coffee tree is Robusta that is more productive and less demanding than Arabica. The trees usually reach about 40 feet in height and grow on an altitude no higher than 3000 feet above the sea level. It is rather popular among manufacturers as the farming process for Robusta is significantly cheaper than for Arabica. These beans have a really rich and somehow bitter taste due to the higher content of aromatic oils (8%) and caffeine (3%).

When it comes to industrial coffee farming, manufacturers usually use specially-prepared plantations that were cleared from the forest and other vegetation. However, organic coffee production use wild-nature areas that are normal habitat locations for coffee trees. Usually, it is some small groves located throughout the tropical forest. While being in its natural environment, coffee beans tend to ripen slowlier, but they usually contain a larger amount of different healthy and useful substances. 

There are several the most common types of organic coffee that you may found in your store. They very on there origin, farming process, and altitude of the plantation. Below, you can find more detailed info on each aspect.

Shade-Loving Varieties

Shade-loving coffee varieties prefer natural habitats with tropical rainforest vegetation and rather rough soil. While the growing process is pretty slow, it is absolutely worth it as the beans tend to have richer flavor and aroma.

The most important thing about this variety of organic coffee is that it allows protecting rainforests and no chemicals are required for its farming. Shade-loving organic coffee varieties include such options as organic coarse (rustic), organic traditional, organic specialized (with little shadow involvement), and others.

Kona

This type of organic coffee is only grown in the Kona region, Hawaii, that is known for local fertile volcanic soil. Due to the high content of ash and different lava components, this soil is absolutely perfect for growing coffee that needs fertilizers. Local manufacturers also widely use different biotic pest control methods. Because of the unique soil and amazing climate, Kona beans have an incredible aroma and very rich taste.

Organic Kona beans are absolutely amazing, but one of the most popular acknowledged options is Pea-Berry coffee. Just keep in mind that before buying such a coffee, you need to check its certificate, as there are lots of scammers that offer “Kona beans” that were actually grown in some other areas.

High-Mountain Varieties

The altitude of coffee plantations has a great impact on the aroma and taste of your coffee. Climate changes depending on the hight, which means that even grown in the same are, coffee from different altitudes will have a different flavor. The higher the plantation is located, the more significant difference in daily temperature fluctuations is there. As a result, the drink becomes more complex and has a very rich and deep taste. 

The term “high-mountain coffee” is usually used for beans that being grown at 1 500-3 000 feet height. It is actually not so high, which makes the term quite deceiving. The higher the altitude, the better conditions for coffee growing are there, so when it comes to high-mountain coffee, it can be a little bit bitter in taste.

But still, these beans have a really smooth and sweet taste that makes them very popular. Of course, there are other options with higher altitude mark, but the higher altitude you are looking for, the higher will be the price for your coffee. 

All varieties of high-mountain coffee are farmed on very rich volcanic soil that is ash-fertilized. Depending on the type of beans, this coffee can be marked as:

• HB – with Hard Bean;
• HG – High Grown;
• SHB – with a particularly hard bean (Strictly Hard Bean);
• SHG – particularly high growth (Strictly High Grown).

The first two options are those that grow at an altitude of 3 700-4 700 feet and the other two usually grow in the areas higher than 4 700 feet. 

Organic Coffee Standards

When it comes to organic coffee standards, there is a whole bunch of them and they may even differ from one country to another. For example, if you are interested in the USA organic farming standards, you can visit a specialized website that has a list of all the approved substances that can be used all over the country.

When trying to check whether the product is certified as organic, you can get in touch with a manufacturer and ask them to provide you with information or you can address the National Organic Program department of the USDA.

There are specific standards for each step of organic coffee farming and production. Below, we have listed some of the most important facts you should know about this issue. 

Organic Growing

Farming is the most well-understood part of organic coffee production. Most people know that organic farming cannot involve any chemicals such as pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Also, there are specific requirements for how long the land should be chemicals-free before a manufacturer can use it for farming. By the way, this standard may differ from one country to another. 

In some countries, manufacturers are obliged to wait about 3-5 years before planting organic coffee trees. In other countries, the only thing that matters is how manufacturers treat their land while planting and growing coffee trees. 

Most people think that organic coffee farming involves no pesticides and fertilizers, but the truth is that they are essential for successful coffee production. The only difference is that organic coffee manufacturers do not use synthetic fertilizers while giving preference to natural ones such as coffee pulp, chicken manure, and compost. 

One other significant point that related to farming standards is the usage of different pest control substances. Numerous coffee manufacturers prefer to farm their coffee beans under the open sun, so they ripen faster. However, it makes trees as well as beans rather vulnerable to different pests.

To avoid the problem, most organic coffee manufacturers prefer to farm their coffee beans in the shade of tropical forests. Of course, it does not mean that there are no pests in the forests, but there are also insects and birds that eat those pests protecting the corps. 

Organic Processing

There are two types of coffee processing – wet and dry. It is up to manufacturers which one they are going to choose. However, despite their choice, they need to make sure that beans are not contaminated during the whole process when producing organic coffee. 

It means that manufacturers should even pay attention to such small but important things as bags that are used by pickers to store their harvest and sacks, which are used for transporting processed beans all over the world. 

When it comes to the types of coffee processing, the wet one is not the best option for organic coffee production. The reason is that this process is pretty long and manufacturers tend to use different chemicals to speed it up. Also, due to the great usage of water and a huge amount of disposing of by-products, it can be pretty harmful to the environment. 

Organic Roasting

Despite its origin, organic coffee beans can be roasted only in those roasters that have never been used for some regular coffee. The reason is that industrial coffee may contain various chemicals that may contain residue in roasters and, as a result, can be transferred to organic coffee. It means that it will be completely spoiled and turned into non-organic coffee during the roasting process. 

Also, when it comes to organic coffee roasting, manufacturers need to make sure that any chemicals and additives are used during the process. In other words, any types of roaster performance-enhancing drugs are absolutely prohibited. It means that the beans should stay as pure as they were before the roasting process.

Organic Decaffeinating

There are lots of people who prefer or can consume only decaffeinated coffee. If you are one of them, you know pretty well that there are different ways to reduce the amount of caffeine in coffee beans or remove it completely.

Actually, there are three the most popular methods and only two of them can be suitable for organic coffee production – the Swiss Water Process and Carbon Dioxide Process. Any other decaffeinating method involves at least the slightest amount of different chemicals that are absolutely unacceptable for organic coffee. 

By the way, the great thing is that those two methods used for organic coffee decaffeinating are actually the best ones. They can offer you the best, decaffeinated coffee you may find on the market. 

How to Choose the Best Organic Coffee

When choosing organic coffee beans, you need to remember some pretty simple rules if you want to get the best one. Below, we have listed some tips that will help you to get your perfect organic coffee beans.

Grind Before You Cook

When choosing organic coffee, as well as any other regular coffee, you need to remember that it is better to give preference to coffee beans instead of pre-ground coffee. It will let you make the tastiest cup of coffee with an incredible aroma. You can even buy one of the world’s best manual coffee grinders that are really cool. Actually, if you have such an opportunity, you should even consider buying absolutely fresh beans that you will roast at home on your own.

100% Natural Beans

When looking for organic coffee, you may find two options – those that contain organic coffee beans and those that are 100% organic. The last option is more expensive than the first one. However, if you have such an opportunity, try to give preference to 100% organic coffee beans. 

Size, Shape and Color of the Beans

If you have such an opportunity, make sure to check the size, shape, and color of coffee beans you are going to buy. First of all, you will be able to understand whether there are Arabica or Robusta beans. Also, if you spot some wrinkled, small, severely damaged, and colorless beans, it means that the coffee is of low quality. 

Date of Manufacture and Expiration Date

It is very important to check the dates when your coffee beans were manufactured and when they will expire. It will help you to understand whether they are fresh or not. For example, you need to consume instant coffee within 2 weeks and an organic coffee should be consumed even faster. By the way, try not to keep your organic coffee beans in a fridge. It is better to use special coffee containers. A special coffee canister protects your coffee and keeps it fresh.

How to Brew Organic Coffee

As well as regular coffee, organic coffee can be brewed in different ways. You can actually choose the one that you like most of all. There is a whole bunch of brewing methods you can use and if you cannot choose between pour-over vs French press brewing, you can actually use both. Below, we have described some of the best brewing methods when it comes to organic coffee and created a detailed guide as even making a latte at home is easy if you know the steps.

Pour-Over Organic Coffee

The pour-over brewing method is one of the best ways to brew some organic coffee pretty fast and easily. You can use it when you need to brew lots of coffee for your guests or to fill your travel mug before hitting the road. A larger mug will hold a lot of coffee and the pour-over method is a great way to fill it with just one brew.

By the way, pour-over coffee makers come in three shapes so you can choose the one you like. There are some pretty simple steps you should follow if you want to get a cup of organic coffee using the pour-over method. 

Step 1 – Measure 

Depending on your pour-over kettle size, you need to measure a certain amount of coffee. It is better to use kitchen scales if you want to be precise and get the best result. While measuring some coffee grounds, make sure to pre-heat some water as well. Just keep in mind that you need to heat more water than indicated in the recipe. The reason is that you will need some extra water so you can rinse the filter and pre-heat your cup before pouring coffee there. 

Step 2 – Grind

Make sure you have the required settings for your coffee grinder. For the pour-over brewing method, you need to grind your bins medium or fine grind size. 

Step 3 – Filter and rinse

Using filters for the pour-over method, you need to make sure that you fold the bottom and side parts according to the perforation made by a manufacturer. After it, you need to set a filter right inside your brewer and place it on the top of a cup you are going to use for your coffee.

Rinse your filter with some water that you pre-heated beforehand. It is a great way to pre-heat both your cup and your brewer before starting the brewing process. After a few seconds, just toss the water into the sink and place the brewer back on your cup. 

Step 4 – Bloom and brew

The next step to put ground coffee into the filter and some water just to cover the grounds, which is about 30-60 ml. Make sure the grounds are well saturated by stirring it with a chopstick or pouring the mixture back and forth. In 30 seconds-1 minute, you can add more water. 

As soon as the blooming process is completed, you need to pour over the remaining water. Just make sure to pay special attention to darker areas while avoiding lighter ones. As soon as you pour the remaining water, you need to set your timer for 2-2:30 minutes to let your drink brew properly. 

Step 5 – Enjoy your coffee

As soon as your drink dripped through the filter and filled up your cup, it is time to enjoy some tasty coffee and you can add some premium coffee syrup if you want. The whole process will take you no more than just 3-4 minutes. 

 

French Press Organic Coffee Brewing

A French press is one other very popular brewing method. Considered as a rather classy and traditional way to brew coffee, a french press is perfect for those who prefer full-bodied and deep drinks. There is a simple guide below to help you brew your organic coffee beans using a french press. 

Step 1 – Measure

As well as for any other method, first of all, you need to measure the required amount of coffee depending on the size of your french press. Also, do not forget to pre-heat some water while measuring coffee beans. As usual, make sure to pre-heat some extra water that you can use for pre-heating your brewer and a cup. 

Step 2 – Grind

After measuring the required amount of coffee, it is time to grind it properly. The best grind options for a french press is coarse grounds that are similar to quite chunky sea salt. 

Step 3 – Pre-Heat

Before starting brewing your coffee, you need to pre-heat your french press, so make sure to pour some warm water into it and swirl it around in order to ensure that the whole tank is heated evenly. Toss the water into a sink and put ground coffee inside. 

Step 4 – Bloom and brew

Add just a little water, so it covers coffee grounds and stirs it slightly using a chopstick or a wooden spoon. Leave it for 10-30 seconds in order to let it sit and bloom,

Add the remaining water and use your chopstick or spoon to stir it once again. Cover the kettle with a lid, but do not plunge it. Let it brew for 3:30-4 minutes. As soon as the brewing process is completed, just push a plunger lightly down. 

 

Chemex Organic Coffee Brewing

Being one of the newest and most trendy brewing methods, Chemex is great for those who prefer a smooth drink with a delicate, elegant aroma. The reason for such a result is a thicker filter that is used for this brewing method. If you are a fan of this method or just want to give it a try but do not know how to perform it properly, you can follow our simple step-by-step guide. 

Step 1 – Measure

Despite the brewing method, the first step is almost always the same, which means you should start by measuring some coffee. Try to use scales if you want to make accurate measurements. And, of course, don’t forget to pre-heat some water, including a couple of extra ozs to rinse a filter and pre-heat a brewer and a cup. 

Step 2 – Grind

The next step is also rather common, as you need to grind your beans. It is better to use grounds of kosher salt or coarse sand consistency for this brewing method. 

Step 3 – Filter and rinse

Take a special filter, unfold it, and place right into the top part of your brewer. Do not forget to make sure that a 3-layered side is facing the spout.

Use some hot water to rinse the filter and pre-heat your Chemex as well. In order to discard the water, you need to pull back the sides of the filter just a little. 

Step 4 – Bloom and brew

As soon as the filter is rinsed properly, you need to put some coffee there and add some water (from 75 to 100 ml depending on the size of your brewer). It should only cover the grounds a little. Swirl the brewer slightly or stir the grounds with a chopstick to make sure they are soaked properly and evenly. Let it sit for half a minute before adding the remaining water. 

When adding the remaining water, do it gradually in 3 stages. Make sure to keep the distance of about half an inch below the edge when poring water. Do not pour some water close to the edges and do not forget to stir the grounds after each portion of water. 

Step 5 – Finish

When the water is almost passed through the filter, swirl the Chemex slightly to make it easier and ensure that it is completely drained. Using this method, you can brew a cup of coffee just in 4-5 minutes. 

As you can see, you can easily choose any brewing method you like, as all of them can be used for organic coffee brewing. You can even use a cold brew method and dark roast cold brew coffee has a chocolate note that you will for sure love. Just remember that you need to adjust the brewing temperature of your stainless steel coffee maker or any other brewer to get a perfect drink. 

 

Does More Spending Mean More Quality

When it comes to organic coffee beans, more spending actually means more quality. The reason is that the organic farming process is more complicated, time-consuming, and expensive. As a result, the final product is also expensive, and the better the quality – the higher the price. 

Of course, there can be some exceptions, but usually, it is related to scam products while certified organic manufacturers try to keep a balance between the price and the quality of the coffee they offer for their customers. 

Where to Buy Organic Coffee

Now, as you learned about organic coffee, its farming, manufacturing, and qualities, you may want to give it a try. And there is an essential question – where can you get some real organic coffee? 

The truth is that it is not so hard to find it as you may think. Lots of places offer organic coffee beans for those who want to enjoy a tasty and healthy drink. 

Supermarket

Most shops and especially supermarkets, have whole sections filled with different types of coffee. Just take your time and look for those options that have organic labels on their packages. It means that a product was certified as organic and meets all the standards. 

Also, you can find a whole variety of options in special stores that offer only organic products and goods. Just do not forget to check a label to make sure it was actually certified as an organic product.

Fair-Trade Show

Fair-trades are perfect for those who want to find some new or rare organic coffee beans. Also, it is a place where you can meet farmers and manufacturers that grow and produce those coffee beans. 

It is a great opportunity to learn about each option as much as you can from the first hands. Using the information from this article, you will be able to ask them all the important questions and get all the information you need before making a choice. 

Internet

Finally, one of the easiest ways to get your organic coffee is the Internet. There are numerous e-commerce websites such as Amazon that offer a whole variety of organic coffee beans for any taste. By the way, Amazon will deliver your coffee fast, so you don’t need to wait for it for too long. You just need to hold small research and decide which one you would like to buy. 

It is a great option as you have more time to evaluate each option, learn more about it and make your decision instead of running in a hurry through your local supermarket and spending money on the first package you can find. 

Do’s and Don’ts With Organic Coffee

Do’s

• Check the label to make sure your coffee is really certified as organic.
• Check manufacturing and expiring date.
• Give preference to whole beans instead of grounded coffee.
• Keep your coffee in a special container to help it stay fresh longer.
• Give preference to 100% organic coffee beans.
• Make sure to clean your grinder really well before using it for organic coffee.
• Use your favorite method to brew some organic coffee.

Don’ts

• Never buy damaged or colorless beans.
• Do not store your beans in a fridge.
• Do not use a container where you stored regular coffee before.
• Never use a grinder that has some remainings of a regular coffee.

FAQ About Organic Coffee

We did our best to provide all the essential information about organic coffee, including its farming and manufacturing process. Nevertheless, if you still have some questions, you may be able to find your answers in the section below. 

Is organic coffee better for health?

When it comes to health issues, organic coffee is absolutely great as it contains lots of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins including such options as riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and others. All of them are very useful as they can boost our immune system, significantly making it stronger and increasing our disease resistance. 

Is organic coffee pesticide-free?

Organic coffee farming is a very strict process closely monitored by different independent agencies that make sure that no potentially harmful chemicals are used, including different fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. 

Of course, as we said before, pesticides are very important for coffee farming and most manufacturers cannot avoid using it. However, when it comes to organic coffee farming, only natural pesticides are allowed. Nevertheless, while being safe for consumers, natural pesticides aren’t always safe for the environment.

That is why there is a very specific list of allowed substances and pesticides that can be used for organic farming. It means that while organic coffee manufacturers may still use some types of pesticides, they are completely or mostly safe and approved by different regulatory bodies. 

Is organic coffee sustainable?

It may sound strange for you, but not any organic coffee is sustainable. The point is that the certification process for organic coffee has nothing to do with its sustainability. Of course, the major part of manufacturers that get organic certification try to make sure that other stages of their coffee production are absolutely sustainable. However, there are exceptions for sure. 

In other words, the fact that coffee was labeled as organic doesn’t mean that it is completely sustainable in financial, social, and environmental aspects. The point is that even some organic fertilizers and substances used for coffee farming may have a great impact on our environment.

Where and how is organic coffee grown and certified?

As well as a regular coffee, organic coffee beans are produced in traditional regions that have the best climate conditions for coffee farming. The most common options are African, Asian, and South American countries that are located near the equator. The list includes such options as: 

• Mexico – it is known for its organic Tapachula coffee that has different variations.
• Tanzania – most plantations are located on the slopes of Kilimanjaro that has very rich volcanic soil perfect for coffee farming.
• Guatemala – is known for the plantations located in the province of Atitlan where coffee beans are grown on the altitude of 5900 feet above the sea level.
• Nepal – the areas near the foot of Everest are great for farming organic coffee beans due to the local weather and sun.
• Hawaii – Kona area is well known for local coffee beans that are farmed on volcanic soil full of ash and different natural minerals.

In order to be able to farm and produce organic coffee, manufacturers are obliged to get a certificate in both the country where the plantations are located and countries where the final product will be distributed. 

Can organic stamps always be trusted?

As we said before, the standards differ from one country to another. For example, when it comes to the USA, local authorities pay much attention to numerous established standards. It means that they carefully check each sample before giving it an organic certificate. Also, anyone who sold uncertified but still labeled organic coffee will be obliged to pay $11 000 for each violation of the laws and standards. 

However, in terms of international trade, it can be difficult to get an organic certificate or make sure it meets all the existing standards. If you have any doubts about whether your coffee is really organic, it is better to find another option that you can trust without any issues. 

What is the certification process like?

Once again, each country has its specific certification process when it comes to organic farming. In order to learn more about it, you need to check the information in your area.

We offer you to learn about the certification process in the USA that has one of the strictest set of rules related to organic products. It will help you to understand the process better. 

According to the existing laws, in order to sell organic products in the USA, farmers should use absolutely approved organic methods for at least 3 years. It means that neither plants nor soil cannot be treated with chemicals for the indicated period of time.

Also, it is not only a farming process but the whole supply chain that should meet the established standards. It includes such points as separate roasting and packaging equipment, proper transporting, usage of special packages, and so on. 

For larger manufacturers, it is easier to produce both regular and organic coffee. However, most small manufacturers and roasters cannot afford to buy separate equipment, which means that they need to choose between regular and organic coffee production. As a result, there are numerous small manufacturers that give preference to an organic coffee that becomes increasingly popular among consumers.

Conclusion

So, here is the end of our guide through an organic coffee. We have made sure to provide you with all the necessary information if you want to learn more about this type of coffee or just decide on buying it. 

You just need to keep in mind that organic coffee is not only about the high-quality and healthy product but also about environment protection. As a coffee lover, you should consider it as a great way to make some positive impact on our planet and protect it. Buying sustainable, organic products, you can be sure that the environment wasn’t impacted during the whole manufacturing process. 

We think that the possibility of protecting the environment as well as having a good cup of healthy and safe coffee is absolutely worth your money. So, if you have such an opportunity, do not hesitate to give preference to some organic coffee beans instead of buying a regular one. 

Photos from: DenisMArt / depositphotos.com, Deerphoto / depositphotos.com, sokolj7 / depositphotos.com, somsak / depositphotos.com, dedivan1923 / depositphotos.com and matka_Wariatka / depositphotos.com.