Why People Like Coffee So Much?

There are a lot of facts and reasons why people like coffee so much. It is one of the beverages that a large number of people like. Many people love to start their day by drinking a cup of coffee. It stimulates the brain because it has caffeine in it. First, it makes the neurons in the human body more active. It also produces adrenaline in response to adrenal glands. Your heartbeat increases, your airways open and blood vessels constrict. Your muscles even get tense.

Caffeine causes insomnia. Throughout the day, movement of your brain cells can produce a product named adenosine. Adenosine builds up and binds to the neurons without caffeine and makes them slow down. When adenosine achieves a certain level, you get sleepy.

Caffeine stimulates the brain to release an important chemical named dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and it stimulates an adjacent neuron to fire when released from one neuron. Dopamine is released from the “pleasure centre”, which is a part of the brain. When Dopamine is released, it brings feelings of joy and euphoria that make people really happy.

You know that your brain is a source of concentration and creativity. If you are feeling sleepy in the early morning, it means that your brain is not conditioned for that day. If you are feeling sleepy and tired during the day, then it means your brain is worn. If you drink coffee during this time you will definitely feel a great difference. Surveys have shown that when people drink coffee during this time there is a great percentage of increased productivity.

Many people say that it feels good to drink coffee when they have a headache, which could be a side effect of stress. Some percentage of stress can be released after drinking coffee. It also has some anti-cancer properties. Surveys have shown that it lowers rates of breast, colon and rectal cancers. Coffee also has some ingredients that lower blood sugar levels. Recent studies show that coffee even protects women and men from Parkinson’s disease.

Interesting Statistics about Coffee Consumption

1) More than 1/3 of the population depends on coffee throughout the day, especially in the morning to perform their jobs.
2) About 45% of people say that their productivity goes down without a cup of coffee while they work. Most common symptoms of withdrawal are fatigue, sluggishness and irritability.
3) Physicians, nurses, engineers, teachers, government workers and machine operators are among such professionals who say they need a large amount of coffee.
4) People can get their shot of caffeine through a cup of tea, energy drinks, pills and sweets.
5) In the US, the average daily consumption is 3.1 cups.
6) The US has a coffee market of $18 billion. The specialty coffee segment is increasing by 20% each year, and represents about 8% of all sales made.
7) Men and women both drink same quantity in a day, but women look at the price per cup more than men. Black coffee accounts for 35% of all coffee consumption; the remaining 65% is with sugar and/or cream.

These qualities and interesting statistics are the many reasons why people like coffee so much.

What Is Organic Coffee?

With many of today’s consumers being concerned about the quality of the products they purchase, organic food and beverages are gaining in popularity, especially organic coffee. Many agricultural products are grown today by using organic methods, and your coffee is no exception.

Organic products have a very low effect on the environment because they don’t uses insecticides, fertilizers and pesticides. All organic products are certified to ensure that they adhere to industry standards. Organic coffee must be labeled and certified by the US department of agriculture. , but Certified organic coffee is made under the standard of USDA organic certification program and it bears the white and green USDA organic seal.

Organic coffee is now a multimillion dollar industry, and sales of this type of coffee are increasing each year. In Europe and North America, exports of organic coffee are very high. Organic coffee is mostly grown in many countries of Africa, South America and Asia. People have become drinkers of organic coffee throughout the world, but America consumes a majority of it.Organic coffee is also available as decaffeinated, caffeinated, flavored, just like regular coffee. Unlike regular coffee, which is decaffeinated using ethanol based solvents, organic coffee is decaffeinated using a process called Swiss Water.

All organic coffee products in the USA are certified for both quality and integrity. The organic coffee is produced in a very specific way and all producers are randomly inspected to ensure that they meet US Department of agriculture standards.Organic coffee accounts for 2-5% of the market as compared to non-organic coffee in the USA and is growing in popularity. For a large number of people, they can’t start their day right without a steaming cup of fresh organic coffee.

There are three basic reasons to choose organic coffee. Organic coffee is grown without the use of pesticides and other chemic agents, or other synthetic materials. It is grown away from places in which these kinds of chemicals are used. The danger in the use of chemicals in cultivation is that they can contaminate the soil in which the plants are growing and consequently seep into and contaminate groundwater as well. This contaminated water can then ultimately go on to poison wildlife, and in some cases humans. Since organic coffee forgoes these kinds of chemicals when grown, it helps keep the environment cleaner.

Not using chemical agents in growing organic beans is also more immediately safe for the coffee farmers. When chemicals are administered to crops, the farmers are often directly exposed to them, which more times than not are not particularly healthy for them. Ultimately, the chemical-free coffee is safer for us consumers as well, because we are not indirectly exposed to the chemicals through the coffee beans either. Therefore, by choosing organic, you help promote not only the safety of the farmers but also of yourself.

As organic coffee is not produced by using chemical agents, it must be grown under significant shade to ensure excellent quality. This necessity promotes the planting and conservation of trees and other plants to provide cover for the coffee. In this way, harmful effects due to environmental destruction are not met and ecosystems are better preserved. Now go ahead and enjoy a wonderful cup of your favorite organic coffee along with the satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting and eco-friendly industry as well.

Coastal Roasters is a micro-roaster of specialty fair trade and Organic Coffee from around the world. Their online store features a Coffee of the Month Club and other award winning roasts. Visit now for a unique coffee experience.

I’m In Love With My Costa Rican Coffee!

I will never forget the first time I took a sip of my Costa Rican Coffee. It was a rush of feelings ranging from bliss to doubt and even regret. Regret for all of the years I could have been indulging with my new favorite morning time friend. Let the introspect begin, “What was I thinking all these years?” At least that’s what ran through my mind. The feel of the coffee on my palette was smooth and sweet without the faintest hint of bitterness or acidity. I was head over heels and smitten.

Costa Rica’s rich soil and tropical climate is ideal for producing some of the world’s best coffees. The dark earth is enriched by volcanic ash and has only a slight degree of acidity. The fertile ground is also abundant with organic matter which contributes further to ideal growing conditions for producing superb coffee beans.

This particular Costa Rican coffee was from deep in the heart of the mountains from the Hacienda La Minita Estate. The estate has been producing what many refer to as “the world’s best coffee” for several decades. La Minita translates to “small (gold) mines and can be traced back to the indigenous Indian tribes that used to search the soil for gold in what is today’s plantation fields. But for the farmers of La Minita the sweet berries that are produced are of equal value to the riches found by their predecessors.

Hacienda La Minita is actually a plantation spanning over 283 hectares (700 acres) of prime coffee growing soil. The beans that earn the name “La Minita” are the highest grade produced during a given growing season which usually comes out to 30% of the total crop. Because Hacienda La Minita is an estate (as opposed to a co-op) the coffee beans cannot be certified as Fair Trade. But the workers that tend the fields are paid a premium (30% above the national average) receive health benefits and are offered a pension. As for the production process no herbicides or pesticides are used in the cultivation or harvesting of these prized coffee beans.

So now you might be asking yourself, “Where can I find these precious coffee beans?” Good question. As mentioned previously La Minita coffee is considered both a specialty and premium bean. They can be found in local boutique coffee shops that typically feature organic coffees or on the web. So, if you are the mood for a treat or just want to expose yourself to some terrific coffee find yourself some wonderful Costa Rican coffee and enjoy.

Secrets of the Tastiest Coffee Revealed!

Have you ever thought what the secret is behind that tasty cup of coffee that you have at home every morning? There are many coffee drinkers who will not drink a cup of coffee unless it tastes just as it should. There are a number of different tricks that coffee bean distributors as well as home brewers/restaurants can use to make the best coffee possible.

One of the tips that many coffee purists swear by is having a espresso machine with a grinder. Some coffee experts say that when you purchase an espresso machine without a grinder, you are purchasing a home without a foundation!

Another secret of the best coffee is where the coffee is grown. Often, the growing environment of the coffee will have a direct impact on the taste. The soil in South America is different from the soil in Africa. The soil in Hawaii has a completely different effect on the coffee than the coffee grown in Nicaragua. While some individuals will only drink coffee grown in certain climates, the climate the coffee is grown in has a lesser effect on the taste than the farming conditions and soil.

The best coffee is typically grown by fair trade coffee cooperatives. One of the reasons that the best coffee is consistently grown by the fair trade coffee cooperatives is that they are given price incentives to do so. Fair trade coffee is more expensive than going out and buying a can of Folgers at your local grocery store. However, instead of the growers being paid just enough to cover their costs, growers are paid a livable wage including a bonus if their product reaches a certain price ceiling. Growers therefore put more effort into their crop and grow a higher quality of coffee than many of their competitors.

Some fair trade coffee cooperatives also grow organic coffee. However, organic coffee does not have to be fair trade or vice-versa. Organic coffee is grown using no chemicals and is made to ensure that individuals who drink it know it was produced by natural means only. Organic coffee is also more expensive than a typical cup of coffee that individuals can pick up from the store. However, coffee drinkers are receiving a higher quality product and should know that the price reflects that. The tastiest coffee is also made using high quality water. Few coffee drinkers think about this because they are so worried about the coffee beans. However, ensure that you have purified water so that you are getting the highest quality possible. Also, do not pass up waiting to grind the beans until right before you use them. The closer to brewing you grind the beans, the more likely you are to release the oils and aromas directly into your brew.

There are a number of secrets that coffee experts will never tell you. However, waiting to grind your coffee beans until right before brewing as well as using high quality purified water will help you go a long way. Finally, do not use those terrible paper filters. They leave a terrible after taste and its like serving filet mingnon with ketchup!

5 Tips For Selecting A Coffee Of The Month Club

Coffee of the Month Clubs are a great way to experience high quality, specialty coffees from all around the world at an affordable price. The recent demand in popularity for “coffee of the month” clubs has opened up a new channel for local coffee shops to showcase their flavorful blends on the internet. Most organic and fair trade coffee is roasted by local shops or micro-roasters that import beans from different regions globally. These coffee producers focus on roasting beans that are mostly organic, fair trade and shade grown to produce high quality, gourmet coffees that are rich in flavor with a mild touch on the palette that lacks the bitterness associated with lower grade coffees.

Demand for organic and fair trade products coupled with growth in online shopping means it makes good business sense for the savvy owner of a coffee shop to create a new sales channel using the web to distribute their specialty coffee products on a global basis. Today more than ever, establishing an e-commerce presence is a relatively easy task and the benefits of getting product online make it a worthwhile effort.

What does this mean for coffee lovers you might be asking? Now instead of having to settle for the “usual suspects” or big brand coffee producers, consumers have a wide variety or high quality, specialty coffees to choose from. Coffees of the Month Clubs are designed to offer shoppers the opportunity to experience a variety of specialty coffees on a monthly basis at an affordable price. As you start your search for a Coffee of the Month Club here are several tips on what to look for and how to find the best deal for yourself.

1. How much should I pay? Most organic and fair trade coffees range in price from $9.99 to $17 per pound. This excludes ultra premium coffees such as Kona and Jamaican Blue Mountain. These two particular coffees range in price between $25 and $48 per pound.

2. Quality – Look for products that are certified organic and fair trade. These coffees are produced based on high quality standards that are free from harmful herbicides and pesticides and promote ethical and financial practices that support the local farmers and surrounding communities.

3. How to find? – Coffee producers big and small have moved onto the internet. You can find a variety of options available by doing a web search. Type in words and phrases such as – “coffee of the month club”, “coffee club“, or “organic coffee club” and you will find plenty of companies to choose from.

4. What should I buy? – Most companies offer a subscription to their coffee clubs ranging from 3-12 months in duration with orders shipping 1-2 times per month depending on when you make your purchase. If you can, purchase whole bean since it preserves freshness better than ground coffee.

5. How much should I buy? – Most two person households go through about 2lbs per month.

Once you’ve narrowed down your search make sure that the website you decide to purchase from looks credible and displays logos ensuring secure transactions. You can take it one step further and call the contact number on the website to validate their identity and protect yourself against fraud.

For all of you coffee lovers out there, there is nothing quite like the anticipation of receiving that special package in the mail every month and experiencing a new flavorful blend of coffee.

Coffee Lover’s Nirvana – Coffee Of The Month Club

For all of you coffee lovers out there, if you dream about the taste of an aromatic blend as the morning hours come upon you then keep reading. There is no better way to experience unique, high quality coffees from all around the globe than to subscribe to a coffee of the month club. Micro-roasters and even larger coffee producers are increasingly starting to offer their products on a monthly subscription basis. This offers consumers and coffee enthusiasts alike the opportunity to experience the smooth, mild flavor of some of the world’s best coffees sprinkled with a touch of variety and delivered to your doorstep each and every month.

There are many options available as you start your search for a coffee of the month club. Many of the coffee producers offer specialty coffees consisting of organic and fair trade beans from all around the world. So get on that thing called the internet and start your search.

There are varying degrees of quality coffee producers along with a wide variety to select from. Invariably the best coffees are usually organic and fair trade beans that have been roasted as a specialty coffee. You can take your pick from the big brands right down to a local coffee shop / micro-roaster serving up daily shots of some of the finest java around.

Location, location, location…it’s all about where the beans come from and how they are grown. Some of the best coffees in the world come from areas such as Central and South America, the Islands, Africa /Arabia and Indonesia. To be even more specific look for bean from exotic areas like Hawaii with their famous Kona coffee, El Salvador, Kenya and Sumatra. Each geography is known for their unique flavor with varying levels of acidity and robustness that are a result of the local farming conditions and harvesting techniques.

Organic and fair trade beans offer the highest quality coffee bean that is free from unnatural herbicides and pesticides and are grown according to internationally recognized standards. The fair trade aspect of the equation helps to promote healthy and profitable working conditions for farmers in second and third world regions of the globe that have been prone to unethical labor practices. So the message is – go green and help out your neighbor in this increasingly connected and global economy.

So now that you’ve done your research, decided on some fabulously exotic region of the world where you would like to purchase a coffee from – it’s time to pull the trigger. As was mentioned previously there are lots of options to choose from. At the very least you should be able to find a shop that offers a coffee club with options for 3, 6, 9 or 12 month subscriptions for either whole bean or ground coffee. Price ranges can set you back on average anywhere from $12 to $18 per pound plus shipping with some of the more exotic beans from the Kona region in Hawaii or Jamaica going for as much as $40lb.

But if you have a rich palette that craves for smooth, mild flavors with hints of sweetness in the morning you will be overly satisfied with any of these fine selections. Now get out there, find yourself an aromatic blend that suites your liking and start to enjoy the delight that comes with being “in” the coffee club.

Coffee Gift – The Perfect Present this Holiday Season

A coffee gift might just be the perfect present for this holiday season. Why you ask? Think about it…
1. Almost everyone loves great coffee
2. A coffee gift is reasonable priced…so you’re not going to break the bank
3. You can show someone you care without going broke
4. You can purchase a coffee gift online and have it shipped directly to the receiver
5. It’s easy to ship so last minute so coffee gifts usually arrive on-time

As you start to pull together your holiday gift list, keep a couple of things in mind. Everyone is talking about “going green” and supporting your local economy. We all know this to be true. So why not support these principals and apply them to your gift giving. Just as important these new trends have helped spark the economy. One of the benefactors of these growing trends is the small batch coffee industry. More and more you see local coffee shops sprouting up offering premium organic and fair trade coffees. These shops are usually crowd favorites for those of us that are tired of the usual suspects ie; the big chains that mass produce and prefer quantity over quality. And if you think your friends and family don’t appreciate the global workforce, think again. Fair trade coffee sales grew by 32% last year.

As you start to do your search on the web for the perfect coffee gift this holiday season here are a couple of things to keep in mind to help with your search:

1. Use the search terms coffee gift, organic coffee, organic and fair trade coffee and buy coffee online. This will produce plenty of good results in google.
2. Organic & Fair Trade Coffee – look to pay between $10.99 – $14.99 per pound.
3. Purchase Whole Bean – whole bean coffee will preserve the quality and freshness of the flavor.
4. Coffee of the Month Club – consider a 3 or 6 month membership to a coffee of the month club as your coffee gift. This offers your friend or family member the opportunity to try a number of premium and specialty blends. And..they will be thinking of you every month when that package arrives.
5. Accessories – consider including an accessory as part of your coffee gift. Maybe a nice serving set, a storage container or grinder make the perfect complement to the perfect gift.

A coffee gift makes a perfect present for the holidays, a birthday or special occasion. It’s a gift that works any time of year and is unique and special.

Coastal Roasters – small batch organic and fair trade coffee Give a Coffee Gift this Holiday Season!

5 Ultimate Coffee Gift Ideas

Still struggling to find that special someone a coffee gift then we’ve got some must have information as you start your search this Holiday Season. We have some great gift ideas that can meet your price point without breaking the bank. So whether money is tight or the sky is the limit, we’ve got a great gift idea for you. All of these gift ideas can be found online, which makes for an easy shopping experience. There are great deals to be found along with very creative and unique coffee gift ideas to chose from.

Organic and fair trade coffees have been rising in popularity. These high quality coffees from around the globe embody the spirit of a naturally grown, high quality coffee bean that has made its way to your cup directly from the farmer who was paid a “fair price” or usually a higher price than most standard coffees. Organic and fair trade coffee certification require that the producers adhere to international standards that ensure child labor laws are met, promote health working conditions and provide economic incentives for co-ops and their farmers. These standards benefit agricultural communities around the globe and promote a higher standard of living for the coffee farmers.

A coffee of the month club membership will put a smile on any coffee afficionado’s face. Your friend or family member will be reminded of you every month they receive their coffee gift. Subscriptions usually come in increments of 3,6, 9 or 12 months. If they offer whole bean or ground coffee, we recommend whole bean since it preserves the flavor better, assuming your coffee lover has a grinder. Each month they will be sent a different coffee from around the globe. One more important tip – If you are trying to figure out how much to give someone, most coffee drinkers go through about 2 pounds per month.

A French Press is a terrific gift for any coffee connoiseur. These devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be a nice accessory for special occassions. If you purchase a french press coffee maker be sure to order coffee that is ground specifically for french press. This is a courser grind that is required. This is a courser grind specifically for this type of coffee maker.

Premium Coffee. Kona coffee from Hawaii and Jamaican Blue Mountain set the bar high when it comes to premium coffees. High rollers only please. These are some of the most exquisite and sought after coffees in the world. They range in price from $25 to $50 per pound! Both coffees are grown in lush tropical settings that are ideal for coffee production and flavor. They are noted for their mild flavor and lack of bitterness. Sure they are a little pricey…but they are ooohh so good and definitely worth it!

The coffee gift card. Tried and true, this easy out makes for a convenient gift that everyone can appreciate. You can get one at most locations. From the local shop to the big franchises, most coffee houses offer gift cards right at the register or online.

So there you have it…five great coffee gift ideas that could put a smile on the grinches face. Happy shopping and enjoy the holiday season!