Tag: coffee roast

Peru Alto Mayo | Origin Travels

For decades, the Amazon forest has been shrinking due to farmers cutting it down for new crop space, otherwise known as clearcutting. Although the production of new crops is on the upswing, this type of non-sustainable farming practice contributes greatly to deforestation. Eventually, this could mean an overall quality reduction and yield of crops as clearcutting continues. The San Martin area is particularly in critical danger, but the Alto Mayo Protected Forest project seeks to change all of this.

To support coffee farmers who participate in the Alto Mayo Protected Forest project, we sourced a single origin coffee to promote sustainable, environmentally friendly farming practices in Peru. Before you try a cup, you should know about the impact you’re helping us make just by drinking it.

Growing more fair-trade coffee is a wonderful thing, but the gallant story behind this project is that it impacts the lives of the producers in an incredible way. In return for using sustainable coffee farming methods, families are not only being paid more, but they’re receiving access to certain benefits and technologies that they didn’t have before (cooking stoves are just one example). Sustainable coffee farming also replenishes nutrients to the soil to keep it healthy and rich. Rich soil produces better beans and better tasting coffee. Would you want anything less in your coffee? The project also rehabilitates family farms that have been destroyed by Roya, a fungus that devastates coffee farms and financially devastates the families that live and work on them.

Our Roastmaster, Chris de Mezzo, explored the Alto Mayo Region, and witnessed the difference the project has made on coffee and the environment. This trip, however, was something special. It was the 31stanniversary of the Alto Mayo Protected Forest project. And what better way to begin the celebration than by a cupping of the region’s best coffee?

Chris’s first stop in the Alto Mayo Region was to the cupping lab Riojas, where he cupped coffee sourced by local farms of the Alto Mayo Region. “Every year in the 4 years I have made this trip, the coffee keeps improving.  this is no easy task to accomplish given all the variables that can really make farming in this region more difficult than it already is. We can see that sustainable farming is really making a difference for them. Soil quality, shade management, strict process guidelines, and great attention to detail is being followed from start to finish on every farm,” sated Chris. Chris went on to exclaim, “It is no surprise to us now as to why the coffee keeps improving each year, and why people who try this coffee enjoy it so much.” His next stop was to the Aquas Verde farm. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, even Chris was amazed by the care and dedication the farmers implemented. Farmers Xisto Vazquez and Edward Wibin Fernandez greeted him with open arms, and couldn’t be more excited to show off their work. “As they should have been,” Stated Chris. The trees were adequately shaded, evenly spaced, and were bearing healthy cherries. “It’s what every roaster who comes to visit wants to see,” exclaimed Chris.

Xisto and Edward took extreme detail with each step of the farming process. They showed Chris each intricacy of their caretaking, and even broke out the Refractometer that reads the level of sugar in a coffee cherry, which determines the correct time-frame to pick the cherries. “These guys have it down to science. Literally,” Stated Chris.

A new surprise to Chris was Edward’s use of a carved-out log for the fermentation (hyperlink to Sumatra blog) of his cherries. Chris was impressed with Edwards ingenuity as he was using a hollowed-out log to ferment & wash his coffee in. “Not only are they doing everything in their power to produce great coffee, but they are a resourceful bunch of farmers as well,” said Chris.

It’s no surprise with the amount of care the farmers put in, that they get out spectacular coffee.  Joffrey’s is proud to show off the hard work and dedication of the Alto Mayo farmers by bringing you a genuine taste of the region. Our Peru Alto Mayo roastis 100% USDA Organic and Fair Trade certified, with deep chocolate notes and fresh vanilla almond aroma. What better way to support a great cause, than with this stunning coffee?

Starting August 20th, Disney Organic Peru Alto Mayo (11oz) is available online at Joffreys.com, Joffrey’s Disney Springs Location, and soon available in select grocery stores nationwide. Look for it at a store near you.

Medium, Dark or Blend Roasts: Do You Know the Difference?

Standing in line for coffee is an inevitable part of life, and Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea is always worth the wait! If you’re craving a great cup, thinking about what you’re going to order is almost as exciting as your first sip. There’s the obvious vanilla latte if you’re in the mood for something uplifting and sweet, the tried and true americano and of course, the cortado for our coffee aficionados. Avid coffee drinkers might mumble the words ‘one hot coffee’ through early morning lips upon arriving at the counter. And although it seems like the easiest option, it’s the only one that comes with a follow up question. Medium or dark roast? Which begs the larger question… Do you know the difference?

There are many common misconceptions about coffee roasts and what each one means. Luckily, Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea is here to clear the coffee-infused air. Because when you’re staring into the eyes of a menu board, you should be able to stare back, confident and ready to be caffeinated! Let’s play a game of True or False to see how well you know your roasts.

TRUE OR FALSE: Medium roasts, like Joffrey’s Colombia coffee, are best paired with breakfast.

True. Medium roast coffees have earned a seat at the breakfast table because of their balanced flavor profile. These coffees boast harmonious levels of acidity and body that make them easy to digest in the morning. Not to mention, it plays nicely with a pancake stack drenched in maple syrup.

When you open a bag of medium roast coffee you’ll be greeted by rich brown beans with little to no natural oils present. Joffrey’s single-origin Colombia coffee is a fan favorite, but also loved amongst our staff. In fact, our Roastmasters refer to it as a “Christmas sparkle” in a cup! The beans for this brew are grown in the Andes Mountains in a high elevation, giving it a robust personality and an even better taste.

See for yourself! Click here to buy Joffrey’s Colombia coffee online.

TRUE OR FALSE: Dark roasts, like Joffrey’s Viennese coffee, have more caffeine.

False. All coffee starts as green coffee – meaning all caffeine levels are created equal. Dark roasts coffees are roasted longer and at a higher temperature, which is what gives them their deep brown color. By increasing the roasting time of the beans, our Roastmasters can tone down the acidity and highlight the body of the coffee to bring out the best nuances.

Dark roasts like Joffrey’s Viennese coffee have visible oils on the beans and bold, caramelized flavor. You’ll find that this popular coffee pairs best with decadent dark chocolate or savory meals. Here’s a pro tip from our Roastmaster: this coffee can be brewed as an espresso.

Click here to buy Joffrey’s Viennese coffee online.

 

TRUE OR FALSE: Coffee blends, like Joffrey’s Roastmaster’s Reserve, are packed with a variety of natural flavors.

True. Coffee blends are a mixture of one to four different types of coffee deeming them the most adventurous in the roast family! Each coffee in a blend is thoughtfully selected to serve a specific flavor purpose. Our Roastmasters use a variety of coffees to achieve the perfect amount of body, aroma, acidity and fruit notes in your favorite blends. Magical, right?

Speaking of our Roastmasters conjuring up delicious concoctions like wizards, Joffrey’s Roastmaster’s Reserve is an enchanting coffee we can’t get enough of. This blend is made from two hand-selected coffees grown in Africa and the islands of Indonesia. It’s roasted on the dark side with a hint of smoke, but promises to tap into your sweet side with warm swirls of caramel. If you’ve never tried this velvety brew, we strongly recommend you do.

Click here to buy Joffrey’s Roastmaster’s Reserve online.

Now that you understand the difference between roasts, it’s time to expand your coffee drinking horizons! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to try a new coffee. Stock up on medium, dark and blended roasts at www.joffreys.com.