I Own Coffee

In today’s world, environmental issues and the health of our families have become growing concerns. We have to take action to persevere our environment for future generations. At the same time, increasing health risks demand we have to ensure that our future generations are around to enjoy the environment we are working so hard to protect. Enter organic food products. Not only do our families receive the benefits of eating healthier foods, the farmers who grow organic crops cause indisputably less damage to the environment.

Certified Organic

During a routine visit to the grocery store you can find organic products on most of the shelves. From cereal to pastas, and all in between, more suppliers are providing organic alternatives for all of the food we commonly consume. With all of this new merchandise available, what assurance do consumers have that the suppliers are genuinely providing organic products? Look for products that are certified organic. The United States requires farmers to be certified by an accredited agency sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Requirements for certification include farming without prohibited substances like synthetic pesticides.

Don’t Forget the Organic Coffee

When you are out shopping for healthy products, don’t forget organic coffee. Conventional coffee is sometimes processed with chemicals like methylene chloride, which has been found to be harmful for central nervous system and potentially carcinogenic, or ethyl acetate, which is possibly harmful to the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys. Organic coffee uses the SWISS WATER® process and is much safer and healthier for your family. Data from the Organic Trade association estimates that U.S. consumers purchased over $110 million worth of organic Coffee products in 2006. It is also estimated that approximately 65 million pounds of organic coffee were imported in 2007 with a 33 percent annual growth rate. Data also shows that organic coffee’s global sales reached about 148 million pounds in 2006.

Organic coffee is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Organic farming also ensures that the products are free of genetically modified organisms, which ensures a safer, healthier organic coffee. Coffee product that contains 95 to 100 percent organic ingredients and were grown by certified organic farmers will feature the USDA organic seal. Peru is the top exporter of organic coffee, followed by Ethiopia, and Mexico but there are actually 40 different countries around the world that also export it. Organic coffee accounts for over two-thirds of all organic products produced in Mexico, proving to be the highest percent of land used to grow crops except for vanilla.

Since its establishment, Nectar of Life Coffee Co. has become representative of exceptional gourmet organic coffee. They are an extraordinary company that has remained firmly embedded in the principles of ecological and social responsibility. Nectar of Life chooses only the finest Arabica coffee beans from Fair Trade suppliers for the production of their organic coffees. Not only are they USDA and Fair Trade certified organic coffee roasters, they are also certified kosher. Fair Trade is a beneficial social movement that alleviates global poverty and promotes social sustainability, especially for developing countries seeking self-sufficiency.

Nectar of Life is certified in accordance to USDA Organic guidelines as well as a registered coffee roaster with the Vaad HaRabanim of Greater Seattle, Swiss Water, and TransfairUSA. They are committed to selling only the best and whenever possible, they purchase shade grown organic coffee beans. Shade grown, organic coffee beans not only produce a more robust flavor, they also assist in providing suitable habitation for birds. Bird Friendly certification is available through the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center for farmers who meet inspection and certification requirements.

Paul Julian

Rum carmel Coffee chocolate treat

Duration : 0:3:17

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The coffee plant may not be as diverse as the number of coffee flavors out there (there’s no coffee plant that grows coffee hazelnut beans), but they are equally interesting. Coffee plants can be classified into two major species, the Coffea arabica and the Coffea canephora most commonly known as the robusta variety.

Coffea arabica is a much older species. Its roots can be traced back as far as the mountains of Kaffa, Ethiopia. It is indigenous in south-western Ethiopia. Even though the Arabica coffee is well accepted as the better tasting variety, growing the plant can be a little daunting. The Arabica variety is more susceptible to diseases.

Most of the Arabica variety is now being planted in Latin America, East Africa and in Asia and the Pacific. It is highly notable that even though the same Arabica specie is being grown in these countries, each country produces a slightly different kind of Arabica, having distinct flavors and characteristics. Aside from the flavors, highly noticeable differences will be observed in the coffee’s aroma, the body or feel of the Coffee as well as the acidity.

And not only does the location affect the characteristics of coffee but the method of processing the coffee beans can also have varying effects. Arabica varieties grow well in the highlands. It is known that they grow best at altitudes between 3,000 to 6,000 feet. What the colder climate does is slow down the maturing time for the berry and creates a smaller and denser bean. The bean becomes less porous and contains less moisture which traps the flavor within the bean.

The robusta variety, on the other hand, is a much sturdier plant. It contains 40-50% more caffeine than the Arabica. Even though its less superior in terms of taste, aroma and feel, robusta varieties are being cultivated since their resilience allow them to be grown in areas where the Arabica kind can’t grow.

The robusta coffee is somewhat bitter and has little flavor compared to the Arabica variety. Commercial and instant coffees are often made from robusta coffee beans. The coffee manufacturers use various techniques to remove the bitter taste and the card board smell from the beans.

Aside from those two main species, other coffee species also exists. Coffea liberica and Coffea esliaca are some of the smaller specie coffee groups. The liberica coffee in particular can rival Arabica in taste, flavor and aroma. Liberaca even costs some more than the robusta kind.

However, nothing beats coffees that are grown on smaller farm lands, estates or on peasant plots. The trick is in the handling of the plant during harvesting. If gathering the beans has been done haphazardly without quality control, chances are the bean’s overall taste, flavor and aroma will be compromised.

Jess Shaw

Coffee Talk Editor-in-Chief Miles Small on the Starbucks’s attempt to expand into the single-cup brewing market and take on Green Mountain Coffee.

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Coffee sure has come along way since the first coffee shop opened by Kiva Han in 1475. We no longer have just decaf and regular to choose from. Today you can even get a Coffee gift basket for loved ones filled with all their favorite flavors. Most all-major coffee brands offer gift baskets on their websites or you can call them direct for more information. You can inquire with your local coffee shops such as Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks, to see if they offer a coffee gift basket, if they don’t chances are they would be happy to help you create one with their products.

If you are more of the creative type, then you may want to create your own coffee gift basket. You can purchase a basket from most any craft store along with the cellophane wrapping to cover the finished product. You can line the bottom of the basket with craft grass or be creative and use coffee filters. You can decorate the outside of the basket to go with any special occasion, whether it is birthday, Christmas or just a thank you gift, it will have that extra personalized touch. Next you will want to pick out some tasty treats to put in your coffee gift basket.

Limitless Options

With so many choices of coffee today, your options of goodies for your coffee gift basket are limitless. There is black coffee, white coffee, lattes, cappuccinos and espressos to name but a few. You can throw in some chocolate covered coffee beans and a coffee mug filled with some flavored chocolate covered spoons to stir in some flavor to any cup of coffee. Biscotti or Rum cake is a nice touch for that special someone to snack on while enjoying the variety of coffees in the coffee gift basket.

Adding a variety of flavored syrups is a nice touch as well. This will give the recipient of the coffee gift basket the choice to mix and match flavors as they choose. There are even some flower shops that offer these types of gift baskets with the special touch of flowers with the coffee. No matter if make the basket yourself or have it made by a pro, a coffee gift basket will be a big hit with even the most finicky of people. The basket will definitely let that certain someone know that they are very much appreciated.

Masni Rizal Mansor
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/for-coffee-lovers-coffee-gift-baskets-100734.html

Receiving free coffee samples may be just as easy as choosing your flavor. That’s right many companies and brands are waiting to hand you that complimentary cup of caffeine. You may find offers in your grocery store, in the Sunday paper and online. Some offers may ask you to fill out a small opinion form or survey but once you do that your complimentary cup will be in your hands. Many times companies want to know what you think because ultimately they are out to find out what the customers like so they can be their favorite caffeine supplier. When you know how to find these offers you can make take advantage of them and enjoy that complimentary cup of caffeine.

Sometimes you will find offers in the newspaper coupons for free cups of coffee when you use this coupon or a coupon offering a free sample. You may even find a free sample waiting for you already in your paper. Another way in your local community you may find free coffee samples and that would be in a grocery store. They may actually have a complimentary cup waiting on you or they may pass out a sample of the product they are promoting. Specialty coffee shops or places that are changing there coffee menu’s may also pass out complimentary coffee to customers for them to try what they are changing to. This allows you to see if it is something you want to come back for and if it is you may go back there because of the small gift.

The internet may not just be the most popular place to find these freebies but it may also be the easiest. You will not have to wait until the next coffee shop opens, or Sunday when the paper comes and who knows if there will be what you are looking for in the coupons. So choosing to search the internet for those freebies of caffeine may help you find the flavor for you and a deal you weren’t even looking for. From the top brands in coffee to specialty beans you can choose your favorite and try a new flavor if you want to. Not only are there samples and coupons that can be sent to you but some restaurants and brands offer gift cards for you to try their products.

Most of the time all you have to do is give your address information and they will send you the complimentary product they promised. Finding a way to find out if you like a certain flavor can be done when you try a taste of flavors you think you will like. Not only will you find just the regular flavor, but you can find cappuccino offers as well. Searching the internet will lead you to the right sample taste that will lead you to your new favorite morning or evening cup of caffeine. Free Coffee samples can lead you to your new flavor or even your new place to purchase and drink it on the spot.

Mike Brown

FBNs Adam Shapiro on GMs bonuses, Green Mountain Coffees stock increasing over a possible Starbucks partnership, and Chevron being made to pay $8B in fines due to Ecuador judges ruling.

Duration : 0:1:11

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The coffee plant may not be as diverse as the number of coffee flavors out there (there’s no coffee plant that grows coffee hazelnut beans), but they are equally interesting. Coffee plants can be classified into two major species, the Coffea arabica and the Coffea canephora most commonly known as the robusta variety.

Coffea arabica is a much older species. Its roots can be traced back as far as the mountains of Kaffa, Ethiopia. It is indigenous in south-western Ethiopia. Even though the Arabica coffee is well accepted as the better tasting variety, growing the plant can be a little daunting. The Arabica variety is more susceptible to diseases.

Most of the Arabica variety is now being planted in Latin America, East Africa and in Asia and the Pacific. It is highly notable that even though the same Arabica specie is being grown in these countries, each country produces a slightly different kind of Arabica, having distinct flavors and characteristics. Aside from the flavors, highly noticeable differences will be observed in the Coffee‘s aroma, the body or feel of the coffee as well as the acidity.

And not only does the location affect the characteristics of coffee but the method of processing the coffee beans can also have varying effects. Arabica varieties grow well in the highlands. It is known that they grow best at altitudes between 3,000 to 6,000 feet. What the colder climate does is slow down the maturing time for the berry and creates a smaller and denser bean. The bean becomes less porous and contains less moisture which traps the flavor within the bean.

The robusta variety, on the other hand, is a much sturdier plant. It contains 40-50% more caffeine than the Arabica. Even though its less superior in terms of taste, aroma and feel, robusta varieties are being cultivated since their resilience allow them to be grown in areas where the Arabica kind can’t grow.

The robusta coffee is somewhat bitter and has little flavor compared to the Arabica variety. Commercial and instant coffees are often made from robusta coffee beans. The coffee manufacturers use various techniques to remove the bitter taste and the card board smell from the beans.

Aside from those two main species, other coffee species also exists. Coffea liberica and Coffea esliaca are some of the smaller specie coffee groups. The liberica coffee in particular can rival Arabica in taste, flavor and aroma. Liberaca even costs some more than the robusta kind.

However, nothing beats coffees that are grown on smaller farm lands, estates or on peasant plots. The trick is in the handling of the plant during harvesting. If gathering the beans has been done haphazardly without quality control, chances are the bean’s overall taste, flavor and aroma will be compromised.

Jess Shaw

Claire is back in the saddle again, bringing you another Coffee with Claire after a brief haitus. This week, I reveal the shocking truth about why Rhymemaiden1 was closed, talk about upcoming projects and highlight the creatard currently in my sights. I also expand on my pessimism about the future of America, using the scientifically illiterate views of a young man to illustrate why I entertain little hope for the future of my nation. skinnyjohnson’s channel is at http://www.youtube.com/user/skinnyjohnsen
AllRightRotten’s channel is at http://www.youtube.com/user/AllRightRotten

Duration : 0:9:30

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Amanda Garrigus asks Bloomingdale’s Mad About Fashion Event attendees what spring fashions they’re most excited for

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Technorati Tags: Bottled Frappuccino, Fashion Week, Frappuccino, Frappuccino Coffee Drink, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Starbucks Frappuccino