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Friday, August 16, 2013

All About Fair Trade Gourmet Coffee

By Essie Craft


Today's consumers are concerned about the environment and the welfare of producers in Third World Countries. Fair trade gourmet coffee lets consumers enjoy the most popular beverage in the world with a clear conscience. All the popular specialty roasts, blends, and flavors are available.

Java can be brewed with hot water running through a filter containing ground beans. Or the ground beans can be boiled in water, and pressed through a sieve to separate the beverage. A freeze dried version of ground beans is dissolved in hot water for an instant beverage. Cream and/or sweeteners are usually added but some aficionados like their beverage served black.

This beverage is as old as the 6th century when it was enjoyed by Africans and Arabs. It was introduced to Europe in the 1500's. Introduced to the U. S. In the 1600's, it quickly became the favorite beverage of Americans. The caffeine in this drink makes this an especially popular morning beverage. Caffeine increases wakefulness, alertness and concentration. It's also affords some protection from Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, kidney stones, and gallstones. The stimulant effect can be unhealthy for pregnant women and anyone with high blood pressure. Everyone else can relax and enjoy this popular beverage.

Colonial powers developed large plantations exploiting the land and the native laborers. Fair trade seeks to remedy this injustice by linking small farmers and cooperatives with importers that will guarantee the farmers a minimum price for their crop. Farmers agree to use environmentally sound farming practices, and accept restrictions on the use of pesticides and herbicides. They agree to not use genetically modified plants, and accept restrictions on the use of child labor.

Gourmet beverages have superior flavor They are made from the best beans, carefully roasted to impart flavor characteristics. Plants grown from different parts of the world will have different flavors. Some beans are only grown in small regions so of course they are more expensive. Gourmet beverages may have added oils or syrups for flavor such as hazelnut, butterscotch, vanilla, raspberry, coconut, cinnamon, caramel, English toffee, and macadamia nut.

Gourmet beverages use high quality beans combined with other tasty ingredients to create unique flavors. Espresso is made with the strongest flavored roast to produce a concentrated drink high in caffeine and rich in flavor. Espresso mixed with a cup of steamed milk is a latte. Espresso mixed with equal parts milk and milk froth is a cappuccino. Mocha is made with a taste of coffee, a little cocoa powder, and a hot cup of milk. Chilled milk and sugar is added to iced coffee for a refreshing summer beverage.

The coffee plant is grown throughout Latin America, Asia, and Africa. It's a popular product for fundraisers. Many social organizations and churches purchase fair trade gourmet coffee. It's also can be found at cafes and restaurants, in grocery stores, discount stores, and online stores.

When consumers buy certified fair trade gourmet coffee, they know the farmers have received a fair price for their labor. They also know the plants were grown using environmentally sound agricultural practices. Consumers get a high quality, bold tasting product grown, harvested, and processed using economically and environmentally responsible methods.




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