Even though it may seem too good to be true, coffee is actually very beneficial for the health of most individuals. With its high content of protective compounds and polyphenols, organic coffee of good quality can be included as a component of a healthy lifestyle. This article presents a selection of the top organic coffee brands, offering options such as whole bean, ground, and coffee pods.
What Is Organic Coffee?
Let’s start by defining organic coffee before we proceed to discuss it.
Let’s discuss organic farming methods as the traditional definition of organic food is just “food produced with organic farming methods,” which is not very informative.
The definition of organic practices has been published by the U.S. Agriculture Department; however, it is lengthy and difficult to understand.
We have simplified it for you.
The cultivation of organic coffee involves the use of solely natural fertilizers and methods, without the utilization of any chemical or synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or GMOs. Additionally, the farming practices adhere to environmental responsibilities.
Here are a few examples of what that signifies.
- Organic coffee farmers use natural fertilizers like compost, cow or chicken manure, or coffee pulp, instead of commercially-produced fertilizers that may contain petroleum and hazardous chemicals.
- Organic farmers control insects and predators with natural methods, instead of planting genetically-modified crops or using pesticides that could contaminate the coffee beans or harm the environment.
- Organic farmers rotate crops and use manual techniques for weed control and plant protection, instead of relying on chemicals or GMOs.
Is it worth paying an additional 10-15% for coffee that is grown without chemicals, synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, or GMOs?
Best Organic Coffee Brands
We will present a clear list of the top organic coffee brands available. Additionally, we will emphasize the main characteristic of each brand for those seeking a particular type of organic coffee beans or pre-ground coffee.
1. Lifeboost Organic Coffee
Lifeboost claims to offer almost everything one would want in a gourmet coffee.
This company obtains Arabica beans from Nicaragua’s mountains on a single-origin basis. The beans are organic, grown under mountain shade, and tested in a lab to ensure they are free from heavy metals, pesticides, and mycotoxins. Lifeboost coffee is also low in acidity, making it a suitable choice for individuals experiencing digestive discomfort from excessive consumption of coffee.
Lifeboost’s rich and delicious taste is a reflection of the small batches in which these beans are roasted, right before shipping.
There are options for whole bean or ground coffee in different roast levels like midnight (extra dark), dark, medium, and light roast, as well as espresso roasts. Additionally, the company sells pods of dark and medium roast coffee, as well as organic decaf coffee. They also have two specialty flavors: French vanilla and Highlander Grogg.
Although Lifeboost Coffee is expensive, it is worth the cost.
2. Café Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Coffee
The only option not provided by Lifeboost is a fantastic medium-dark roast. That’s why we rely on Subtle Earth, which offers ground or whole bean coffee made from USDA-certified organic beans sourced ethically from Honduras. These beans are roasted in small batches in facilities guaranteed to be gluten-free, resulting in a low-acid cup of coffee.
The flavor of this medium-dark roast is rich and robust, resembling milk chocolate with hints of honey and caramel, and finishes with a pleasant sweetness.
Don Pablo has an impressive assortment of high-quality, organic coffees, including their Colombian decaf option, which is also worth considering. However, our preference lies with the Subtle Earth range.
3. Kicking Horse Grizzly Claw Dark Roast
The dark and medium roast beans from Kicking Horse Coffee, known as “Kick Ass” and “Smart Ass” respectively, are quite popular. However, our preference lies with the company’s Grizzly Claw dark roast coffee.
Grizzly Claw, just like all other Kicking Horse coffees, is certified organic, fair-trade, kosher, and gluten-free. The coffee beans are acquired from Central and South America and then roasted in the Rocky Mountains. After roasting, the coffee is either sold as whole beans or ground, and is vacuum-packed before being shipped.
What are the advantages of this organic dark roast? It begins with a delightful scent of cocoa and sugar cane, and its taste includes notes of luxurious dark chocolate, brown sugar, and roasted hazelnuts, with the added benefit of no bitter aftertaste. It is well-suited for French press, drip, and pour-over brewing methods, and it also makes a delicious cold brew coffee. Additionally, Grizzly Claw is reasonably-priced.
Health Benefits of Coffee
Coffee has been proven to possess disease-fighting properties due to its abundance of polyphenols, a type of antioxidant, as well as various other protective compounds.
Additionally, according to research, consumption of coffee has been found to provide protection against liver disease, colon cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and other health conditions.
One can create a recipe such as Rosemary Coffee, which may aid in improving memory.
Choosing Organic Coffee
It is essential to select high-quality coffee beans that have not been treated with pesticides. When you buy certified organic coffee beans, you can be confident that your coffee is pure and free from contaminants.
In addition, there are individuals who prefer to go the extra mile and opt for coffee beans that are both organic and produced under fair-trade practices, ensuring that farmers receive a fair payment for their work.
How to Make Coffee Using Beans
If you have only bought ground coffee for home use, now is the time to think about purchasing coffee beans. Buying the whole bean will preserve the oils and enhance the flavor. Next, you will just need to use a grinder to grind the beans and then brew the coffee.
First, grind the beans and put the ground coffee into a filter. After that, you can use a coffee maker or a drip-device to pass hot water through the filter. By doing so, you will enjoy the most exceptional cup of coffee you have ever had, all within the comfort of your own kitchen!
FAQs
Coffee can be considered healthy based on a variety of factors. Initially, it is important to assess whether coffee agrees with your body. If you find that drinking coffee affects your well-being, you may consider opting for decaf or a darker roast. Another alternative could be consuming coffee after a meal rather than on an empty stomach. Additionally, it is essential to select a reputable brand. Opting for organic coffee ensures that you avoid beans that have been subjected to pesticide spraying or genetic modification. Lastly, it is crucial to be mindful of what you add to your coffee. Excessive amounts of sugar or creamers containing hydrogenated oils are not beneficial for your health. Instead, opt for high-quality milk, dairy-free alternatives, or cream. If you prefer sweetening your coffee, consider using one of these top natural sweeteners.
According to scientific evidence, drinking coffee is beneficial for the majority of individuals. Nevertheless, individuals with high cholesterol levels should consistently employ a paper filter and steer clear of French press coffee.
As long as you opt for organic varieties and avoid excessive use of artificial creamers or sugar, instant coffee can be considered a healthy choice due to its nature as dehydrated coffee.
To make it easier, you can simply add a scoop of collage protein to your steaming cup of coffee.