Coffee and Climate

Coffee cherries. Did you know coffee is a fruit?

Why hello there! We’re speaking to Delvin Stern at Equatorial Coffee Consultants to explore the sometimes confusing ecosystem of the coffee trade. Listen, Delvin is wonderful and connects specialty growers in Colombia, Rwanda, El Salvador, and more to buyers and direct trade roasters across the world.

Like you, we love coffee, and maybe like you, we grew up on Folgers. So, we’re not snobs here, we’re curious consumers trying to figure out what’s in our cups and why the bag we choose makes a difference.

By the year 2050, it is said that the demand for coffee will double, while farms suitable for growing coffee will be reduced by half due to climate change. With this, it’s becoming increasingly important for coffee companies to invest in the farmers and communities, along with climate-resistant seeds, in order to keep supply chains stable. Producers are looking at conditions (now and the future) and implementing initiatives that will offset projected issues, such as seeds to ward off disease and sustain drought and other climate-related issues. In order to evolve with these changes, farmers need to be able to afford the goods.

Seed to Cup

The many steps from coffee farming to your morning sip (there’s a lot, folks so brace yourselves!):
Bloom - Cherry - Harvest - Sort - Process - Dry - Transport - Taste - Blend - Roast - Grind - Brew
And there are still some steps in between!

Dried coffee cherries, before they are hulled.

What is “specialty coffee”?

Specialty coffee is the highest grade of coffee available: from the quality of farming practices, an intentional/ethical supply chain (which can get complicated), to roasting. Because of the tedious steps involved, the majority of the globe grows and sells at the commodity level, which in short is often flawed with defects and do not need to adhere to the standards of Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), and World Coffee Research (WCR).

It’s not about the coffee tasting special, per se, it’s about creating a fair market for farmers. When growers better understand the preferences and brewing techniques of baristas/consumers, they are empowered to maintain quality. Growing specialty coffee gives the farmer an opportunity to sell at higher prices way beyond the commodity market. Harvesting specialty helps them thrive.

How do I know what to buy?

Fair Trade Due Diligence - search on websites for proof of sustainable practices, or ask your local coffee shop! They love inquisitive customers; and if they don’t, go somewhere else. That’s not the cafe we want you in! Some sustainability certification seals include Rainforest Alliance and/or Fair Trade. But please note that not all specialty roasters can afford those certifications, so be curious and be mindful!
Freshness - search for a “roast date” on the bag and buy within a month of that…preferably a week if you buy directly from a roaster/coffee shop
Personal Preference - like your favorite wines, coffee is what makes your heart sing and body feel aflutter. Check the tasting notes! A lot of brands give excellent guidance on what to expect when taking a sip. Some may say “fruity, honey, citrus” or “chocolate, marshmallow, blueberry”, and so on. Use those notes as your guide! Dark, medium, or light roast? This doesn’t refer to the strength, rather it’s the indicator of the mouthfeel. Do you like light or full-bodied? Sound like wine again?
Country or Region - once you become more familiar, you’ll begin to discern the flavor nuances of various regions. But most importantly, you can certainly choose a coffee derived from a location you care about. Remember, your purchase helps the livelihoods of the farmers and communities.

A beauitfully smooth cappuccino from Civil Coffee in Los Angeles.

What are some companies with an ethical/sustainable ethos?

Wow, we’re so glad you asked! While we encourage you to support and explore your local coffee shops, some of which may roast in-house, here are a few brands we love and hold dear to our overly-caffeinated hearts:

Black Coffee Roastery

XELA Coffee Roasters

Generous Coffee