Tag: organic

Cup with a Cause - Peru Cafe Femenino

Grown and cultivated by the women of Café Femenino, artfully roasted by Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co; where every cup sold makes a difference.

Café Femenino is named in honor of the 464 courageous women coffee farmers in Peru who began Café Femenino in 2003 with a determination and desire for a better future.   The 464 female coffee producers in Peru united and decided to separate their coffee production to create lots cultivated and harvested solely by this impoverished co-op of women.  It is produced organically along the slopes of the Andes Mountains in Peru with no pesticides or artificial fertilizers. Their goal was to seek visibility and a voice inside their community to better their lives.  These women participate in selling the coffee and making decisions on how the money from coffee sales will be used. Organic and Fair Trade premiums have facilitated progress in a number of rural coffee growing communities, including improvements in schools, health, nutritional education and human rights awareness.

But this improvement isn’t happening alone, the women growers efforts are made possible through importers. Roasters like Joffrey’s and retailers, as well as other members of the coffee community.

Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Co. contributes a portion of every pound of coffee purchased to Café Femenino.  This contribution goes directly back to worthy projects and programs that enhance the lives of women and their families in the Café Femenino communities.

Traveling to Sumatra - The Cafe Femenino Foundation

One of the most influential moments while we were in Sumatra was our visit to Lake Toba, specifically, Kokowagayo. We arrived at the mill where the women greeted us with large smiles. Soon after being introduced to some of the women of the mill we were taken over to sit down in front of a rather large stage. Along the stage were eight young men dressed in what appeared to be a traditional ceremonial outfit. They began singing and dancing, which was translated in English to a “thank you” for coming to see them and try their coffee.

I was stunned. In that moment, I realized how important it is to these farmers that individuals like us come and see them. They rely on roasters to buy their coffee and, in turn, like a section of their song for us stated, “allows us to send their children to universities.” These farmers put so much effort into what they do, day in and day out; yet, are so humble and appreciative for the roasters that come and buy their coffee.

The number of women working at the mill was incredible as well. Many were hand-sorting beans, moving the heavy burlap bags, and also taking care of the mill itself. I was able to sit down with three women from the mill and ask them questions about their work and lifestyle in the community. One of the most notable moments in our conversation was when Indah (one of the workers at the mill) mentioned to me how they have taken initiative as an organization to hire as many women as they can. She stated “women are typically stuck to a household role here in our community, but now with our help, are allowed to work outside of that role at the mill and earn wages.” She explained how their new role at the mill has empowered them in the community and allowed them to take on new responsibility within the community, all while earning wages.

This, precisely, is why Joffrey’s is a proud supporter of Café Feminino®- a gender-focused program to support social justice and empowerment for women coffee producers worldwide.1 Joffrey’s line of Café Femenino includes coffee from all around that supports women all around the globe: Mexico, Sumatra, Colombia, Guatemala and Peru.

Remote areas and communities such as some of those in Sumatra, Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala and Peru pose many challenges to women. The women of these areas are isolated, sometimes living in a male-dominated society where they are not allowed to make many decisions or have any financial control. Café Femenino sets out to change these circumstances for the better.

The women in Café Femenino communities have noted many changes such as, recognition for the work they do in the home and on the farm, reduction in physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, increase in family incomes, increase in men participating in childcare and domestic responsibilities, and increase in school attendance among girls.  Café Feminino makes sure that the women on the farms obtain legal rights to the land on which they farm, leadership positions within the cooperatives, and financial and business decision-making power. The amount of positive impact that Café Feminino has on women in supported communities is outstanding, and it is why Joffrey’s is a proud partner supporter. We hope that you will join us in supporting these amazing women.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

Alto Mayo Forest Protected Coffee: Fair Trade Coffee with a Conscience

Fair Trade Coffee That Has a Conscience

We’re passionate about coffee and we know you are too – which is why Joffrey’s is committed to roasting the best beans in the world. Producing premium coffee is about taking care of our beans every step of the way, but there’s more behind the brew than you think. Farmers, hard-working communities, an incredible amount of knowledge and of course, the environment are key components to growing the finest coffee possible.

The first step to a beautiful cup of coffee is showing appreciation for the environment it was harvested in. Joffrey’s is proud to align with Disney to support one of our favorite growing regions, Alto Mayo in San Martin, Peru. The ecosystem of Alto Mayo plays a critical role in the survival of Peru’s widespread fauna and flora, and with the launch of the Alto Mayo Protected Forest project, we can help keep it alive.

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 and you’re going to love it! Before you try a cup, you should know about the impact you’re helping us make just by drinking it.

Why Revitalize Alto Mayo?

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 positive looking from the outside in, this type of non-sustainable farming contributes greatly to deforestation. Clearcutting can cause an increase in carbon dioxide emissions, threatening the lives of many animals and plants in the forest. The San Martin area is particularly in critical danger, but the Alto Mayo Protected Forest project seeks to change all of this. As a supplier and roaster of the coffees offered at select signature restaurants at Walt Disney World® Resort and Disneyland® Resort, Joffrey’s is invested in supporting sustainable practices and working with farmers engaged in the project. We are excited to align with Disney to bring this high quality bean to Walt Disney World® Resort and Disneyland® Resort guests. Why, you ask? Because sustainable coffee farming can help deforestation while delivering our fans another delicious brew – and that makes us feel amazing!

 

Earth Friendly, Animal Loving, Sustainable Goodness

Joffrey’s has always been proud of the relationships we build, whether they’re with our customers or suppliers. We first learned about the Alto Mayo Protected Forest project from Disney’s work with Conservation International (CI) – a global nonprofit organization working to build a healthier, more prosperous and more productive planet.  Disney helped CI launch a ground-breaking project in the Alto Mayo region of Peru, which is helping support coffee farmers to grow coffee in a way that helps the farmers be more productive while protecting the environment.  When we heard about this amazing work, we welcomed the opportunity and were anxious to learn more. So naturally, we sent our Roastmaster, Chris DeMezzo, to experience it.

And what an adventure it was! After landing in Peru, Chris and his team set out for the farm. First they rode mules and then took a ferry across the river. After drifting across the river, the team hiked an hour and a half through the Amazon to the reserve.

“When we got there, I pulled the farmers aside to get a sense of how they liked working with Conservation International (CI). They had nothing but positive things to say. Then I sat down with CI and asked questions about their involvement and what they’re doing – and concluded that it’s the real deal,” said Roastmaster, Chris DeMezzo. “I felt so good about moving forward with the project.”

The Alto Mayo Protected Forest project also gives coffee farmers the tools, education, funding, and wages they need to use environmentally friendly practices, and employs workers to help maintain sustainable farms. This means that the project is saving hundreds of thousands of acres of endangered species’ habitats, and is curbing greenhouse gas emissions caused by deforestation.

“Meeting the farmers was a humbling experience. I wanted to make sure that they understood that I appreciate and understand all the hard work it takes to produce a good coffee. During our first meeting, I was showing them pictures of all the cafes that serve our coffee at Disney Parks. I wanted them to know that this is where their coffee was going – and for them to be as proud as they deserve to be!” Roastmaster, Chris, shared regarding his visit.

Farmers and their communities will get an economic boost, the air will be cleaner, the forest is conserved, majestic animals keep their homes, and we get top quality sustainably grown coffee in our cups. Who could say no? Next time you buy Joffrey’s coffee online or sip on our coffee at Walt Disney World® Resort or Disneyland® Resort, you can take solace in the fact that you’re drinking coffee with purpose!

 

The Story Behind Sustainably Grown Coffee

Sustainable coffee farming 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?

Growing more fair trade coffee is a wonderful thing. But the gleaming 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). 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.

The Alto Mayo Protected Forest project doesn’t focus on coffee farmers alone, it helps families that farm shrimp, rice, cocoa, and tea too. When you buy this coffee online or purchase a cup of this coffee at select restaurants at Walt Disney World® Resort and Disneyland® Resort, you’re not just buying a memorable beverage; you’re helping improve the lives of families that call this region home.

 

Planet Perks

If this coffee supports animals, why shouldn’t it support the planet too? Protecting the Alto Mayo Protected Forest doesn’t just benefit the local ecosystem; it benefits the Earth entirely. Since CI’s work started with their key partner- Peru’s National Service of Natural Protected Areas, the project has generated over 6 million tons of emissions reductions. This is like removing over 1 million cars from the roads for an entire year. If that’s not progress, what is? Of course, there is still much work to be done.

Ordering the Alto Mayo Protected Forest coffee online and enjoying a cup at select restaurants at Walt Disney World® Resort and Disneyland® Resort are two ways you can support the Alto Mayo Protected Forest project. Beyond that, you can take care of the environment every day in small ways that add up to huge gains.

As a consumer, you have quite a bit of power because you can also support environmentally sustainable companies. The more you support companies that do business responsibly, the happier our planet will be. Animals, plants, and people all share the same Earth. Why not make it a better place for ourselves, our kids, and generations to come?

Support the cause. Click here to order Joffrey’s coffee online.

 

 

How Coffee and Tea Benefit Your Mind, Body and Soul

The delicious aroma of coffee and tea make waking up that much easier – and let’s be honest, we all need a little motivation! These drinks help us transition from mornings to meetings and give us a little something extra throughout the day. We love them because they give us something to look forward to, but when you take a closer look, the health benefits of drinking these amazing beverages are the real prize. So, what’s your body thinking when you have a cup of coffee or tea in hand?

Better Mood & Less Pain

We all know that coffee and tea can boost our energy, but did you know that it can improve our moods and help us feel less pain? Caffeine can help the body release hormones that keep you active and control blood pressure. All of this only takes ten minutes![i] Who knew our favorite caffeinated friends were so quick and efficient? Caffeine can also help increase the release of feel-good neurotransmitters, like dopamine, which makes pain receptors less sensitive and improves the mood.[ii] In a nutshell, whether you’re doing brutal jump squats at the gym or working overtime, coffee and tea can help ease the pain and improve your mindset! Raise your hand if you want more Joffrey’s coffee and tea!

Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Has Your Back

Cancer Prevention

Cancer is a horrifying disease that impacts so many people around the globe – which is why packing your diet with preventative antioxidants is very important! Antioxidants help our bodies fight free radicals (molecules that harm our bodies and cause diseases).  Everyone’s body has free radicals; but we don’t develop cancer unless they radically increase and become out of control. It just so happens that coffee and tea both have antioxidants that neutralize these unfortunate molecules and help us lead cancer-free lives! Did you know that Americans get more of their antioxidants from coffee than any other food source? (Per University of Scranton) See? Coffee and tea pack a lot of power!

The antioxidants in some teas (especially from the Camellia plant) and all coffees are called polyphenols. It turns out, polyphenols put up quite a serious Muhammed Ali style fight against free radicals too. Did you know that coffee has more antioxidants than fruits and veggies?[iii] It’s true!

Cardio Health

Coffee and tea can also promote cardiovascular health…especially artery health. When we’re young, we don’t necessarily think of cardio health, but if we pay attention to it now, we’re more likely to be healthy and happy a few decades down the road.

It turns out that those who drink tea have healthier arteries just minutes after drinking it…minutes! If you’re a tea drinker, know that Green tea could have one of the strongest impacts on cardio health, while coffee could benefit you regardless of the type[iv]. We know that coffee and tea hold special places in your hearts, but did you ever think they could impact your whole cardiovascular system?[v]

While many of us may wish Joffrey’s coffee and tea could replace treatments our doctors prescribe us, we’ll always require medical care…but we can sip coffee and tea to help stay healthy and know that our tickers are well taken care of!

Type 2 Diabetes

The health benefits of coffee and tea don’t stop at the cardiovascular system. Both can protect against type 2 Diabetes too! A Harvard study showed that those who increased their coffee intake by more than one cup a day over a 4-year period were likely to have an 11% lower type 2 Diabetes risk over the next 4 years, compared with people who didn’t change their coffee intake.[vi] Tea (especially green tea) helps prevent type 2 Diabetes too, because it helps regulate the body’s sugar metabolism.[vii] This is great news! In the mood to buy some Joffrey’s coffee and tea online? We recently launched a few new and exciting collections! Check out our organics and origins coffee. They taste so good that you won’t even realize they’re good for you.

Parkinson’s Disease

Oh, coffee and tea, what can’t you do? Coffee and tea may even help prevent Parkinson’s Disease and improve symptoms. Apparently, the caffeine in both drinks is the saving grace, and coffee and black tea may both help decrease the risk of Parkinson’s Disease. (Parkinson’s Foundation) For those who already have Parkinson’s, drinking coffee can block the malfunctioning brain signals in Parkinson’s patients, and help them function better.[viii]

Buying Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Online? Consider it Brain Food.

Supercharging the Mind

Coffee can supercharge the mind by increasing vigilance, reaction time, and cognitive function. After you drink caffeine, it travels through your bloodstream right to your  brain. Once it’s inside the brain, it increases the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which keep your mind alert and on top of things.[ix]

Since caffeine is the magical ingredient responsible for this brain boost, we can assume that teas can have the same impact (if you drink the amount of tea needed to equal the caffeine in coffee). So, pick your favorite brain-juice and get to drinking! Of course, if you love both drinks equally, you can always buy Joffrey’s coffee and tea online and switch off day by day, so that neither drink feels neglected.

Fighting Brain Decline

Coffee is so good for the brain that it has the ability to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s by reducing brain inflammation. Studies prove that seniors who drink coffee not only delay the onset of Alzheimer’s, but can avoid it altogether. How does this magic work? Like pulling a rabbit out of a hat. Caffeine blocks inflammation in the adenosine receptors in the brain, and this inflammation can start a chain reaction that causes mental decline. All the more reason to schedule regular coffee dates with Grandma and Grandpa (or Mom and Dad)! You could even slip a few bags of Joffrey’s coffee into their stockings at Christmas for a nice holiday treat. If they’re not fans of coffee, no worries, tea has caffeine too! Check out our fun flavors of coffee and tea online.

Helping us Feel and Look Good

Coffee and tea can prevent disease and help us feel good, but what if we told you they can also help us look good? If this raised your eyebrows, today’s your lucky day because it’s actually true. And when we look good, we feel good too!

Lean and Mean

So, we know that coffee and tea can boost your energy before a workout, which clearly can keep you lean and mean, but it just so happens that Joffrey’s coffee and tea can help in other ways. Starting with our calorie counters, coffee and tea both have a great taste and few calories. You can drink these liquid treats to your heart’s content and they’re only two calories per cup! In fact, many recommend three cups of coffee or four to six cups of tea per day.

Also, coffee and tea can help suppress your appetite, which can curb the temptation to snack throughout the day. Both of these lovely liquids also aid in thermogenesis (one way your body generates heat and energy from digesting food), which increases the metabolism.[x] Of course, nobody’s going to lose a two clothing sizes just drinking coffee or tea, but both drinks can ramp up the impact of any healthy eating and exercise regimen you’re following.

Did you know that coffee can also speed up the digestive system? Drinking coffee promotes the release of gastrin (a hormone that makes the digestive system more active and causes food to move through the system quicker.) This means coffee can prevent weight gain and bloat that a sluggish digestive system would normally cause (and this is a common problem – unfortunate, we know). (The Gut – Journal of gastroenterology) In short, be thankful your caffeinated friend is here to save the day…especially after a big meal!

The information we just mentioned came from studies that used plain tea and coffee…not fancy caramel mocha Frappuccinos with 3 tbsps. of sugar, syrup, chocolate, milk, and cream. Although we do respect fancy coffee drinks, guzzling them every day probably won’t support weight loss any more than eating cupcakes every day would. If plain coffee and tea aren’t your “cup of tea” (wink), but you want the low-cal benefit, there are plenty of flavors that will spice up your drink without adding calories.

Stevia is a great natural low calorie sweetener. For flavor, try cinnamon, vanilla extract, or mint oil to add some punch to the plain coffee or tea. Also, when you’re buying Joffrey’s coffee and tea online, remember, we have many tea flavors to choose from. Not to mention, teas rarely taste plain, even if you don’t add anything to them. If you’re a coffee fan, try flavored Joffrey’s coffees to start, and add other low-cal flavors to taste.

Skin & Beauty

Anti-Aging

Coffee skin rub and tea bags are popular in the beauty market, and we couldn’t be happier. Coffee rubs are now being used as anti-aging remedies, which makes sense because coffee has tons of antioxidants (which fight signs of aging). Also, caffeine boosts blood flow to the skin, which fights aging too. (An anti-aging double whammy! Yippee!)

Puff-Free Morning Skin Mask

We all know that putting tea bags under the eyes is an age-old remedy, but the tea bags  do reduce puffiness and leave the eyes looking brighter and more awake. You can take this a step further and de-puff your whole face in the morning by making a facemask out of coffee or tea. You may look like a scary swamp creature with a mask on your face, but once you take it off, you’ll be look radiant, flawless, and fabulous! After you buy Joffrey’s coffee and tea online and drink it up, don’t forget to put some aside for your morning beauty routine.

Fresh Glowing Skin

Another reason coffee impresses us is that it’s a great exfoliate for the skin. Rubbing the skin with coffee grounds can reduce dryness and  the appearance of fine lines, which will leave your skin with a fresh youthful glow!  That along with the kick of energy you’ll get from drinking the coffee, could make you feel a decade younger. You never know! 😉

Cellulite, be Gone!

If you thought the beauty benefits of coffee and tea were over, you were wrong. Coffee and tea can also reduce the appearance of cellulite, but only temporarily.  Because coffee and tea both have caffeine and caffeine is a diuretic, you can rub it into your skin to draw out the excess fluid build-up that causes the dimply appearance of cellulite. Need a beach body in a hurry? We’ve got your back.

Drink it, Rub it, Mask it, Love it

With so much evidence suggesting coffee to be a great part of your day why not have a cup or three? Coffee and tea have been around for centuries and both get lots of love from all around the world. As science discovers more and more about coffee and tea, it’s safe to say that they’re the gifts that keep on giving. Knowing this, nobody would fault you for stocking up on coffee and tea online, keeping some for yourself, and sharing the rest of these fabulous drinks with the ones you love.

 

 

 

[i] As mentioned by Dr. Laura Klein, Ph.D., associate professor of biobehavioral health at Penn State University

[ii] Via Heidi Skolnik, M.S., sports nutritionist

[iii] Sourced from John Weisburger, PhD, senior researcher at the Institute for Cancer Prevention in Valhalla, N.Y., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, National Institute of Health

[iv] Dr. Jeffrey Blumberg, professor of nutrition at Tufts University, European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University studies

[v] Dr. Seinbaum, a cardiologist and Director of Women’s Heart Health at Lennox Hill Hospital in NYC

[vi] Harvard School of Public Health

[vii] Dr. Seinbaum, a cardiologist and Director of Women’s Heart Health at Lennox Hill Hospital in NYC

[viii] Michael Schwarzschild, MD, PhD, of Massachusetts General Hospital

[ix] Nutrition Bulletin & Journal of Psychopharmacology

[x] Mayo Clinic

 

Websites:

https://www.academia.edu/4980787/Cosmetics_with_caffeine_real_benefits_versus_marketing_claims

https://www.parkinson.org/find-help/blogs/whats-hot/january-2016

https://www.fastcompany.com/3050478/are-coffee-based-beauty-products-a-cellulite-miracle-cure-or-social-media-fueled-bunk?utm_source

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-002-1175-2

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-3010.2007.00665.x/full

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00210835

https://phenol-explorer.eu/contents/food/552

https://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/79/5/727.full

https://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/diet/drinking-tea-diabetes-prevention/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21045839

https://www.teaguardian.com/tea-health/how-many-cups-of-tea-a-day/

https://www.newsmax.com/Health/Health-News/coffee-heart-disease-hopkins/2015/03/03/id/627908/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/expert-answers/caffeine/faq-20058459

The Many Uses of Coffee – Mary, Mary Quite Contrary 

 

How to Boost Your Productivity in 2017 with Coffee

Did you know that writing down your New Year’s resolutions will help you stick to them? It’s the truth! Another thing that’ll keep your goals in check is coffee. It won’t text you to remind you to say “no” to that slice of carrot cake, but it can give you the stamina to get where you need to be. There are plenty of tricks to up your productivity level, and with coffee by your side, you can accomplish anything! Disclaimer: please do not try to fly; coffee cannot give you wings… Red Bull might, but you didn’t hear it from us.

Startup Stock Photos

Coffee Keeps Your Mind Productive

Coffee puts you in a better mood by making your body release dopamine.[i] We all know it’s easier to have the willpower you need to be productive when you’re all smiles. Another one of our favorite coffee health benefits is this: it can keep your brain alert and speed up the time it takes you to process thoughts.[ii] Coffee can help you accomplish more and do it faster. How can you say no to that?

pexels-photo-102623

Coffee Health Benefits the Body – It Keeps You Fit!

Being fit is a common new year’s resolution. If it’s one of yours, there are plenty of coffee health benefits that will get you through even the toughest workouts. Not only does coffee keep you more focused and on track at the gym, it increases endurance.[iii] This means that no matter how tired you are when you wake up for your 5:00 a.m. run, you can still power through after your favorite cup of coffee! Don’t forget to hydrate with water though!

pexels-photo-127627

Coffee Health Benefits Keep Your Mind and Body Productive, but What About the Rest?  

So, your new year’s resolutions are set, you’ve got your coffee and you’re ready to show 2017 what’s up. You’ve written your goals down. You’re energized and caffeinated. What’s next? One word, five syllables: productivity. Even if you have no idea what you’re trying to achieve, here are a few good tips from productivity experts to get you through January.

smartphone-vintage-technology-music

First Thing’s First – Shut Out the Noise

Distractions are everywhere. If you set boundaries to keep them at bay, you’ll get more accomplished! Noise can easily be tuned out with earplugs, but what about the mental noise? If you’re at home, there are kids running around, husbands who need sandwiches, pets to feed, text messages to read, etc. If you’re in an office, there are e-mails, the pressure to multitask, the side conversations with your co-workers, and more. These distracting things are necessary and some, you may love…but productivity experts say that knowing how to mold them around your work can make you more creative. It’s all about setting boundaries.

startup-photos

Tame the E-mail Monster

Checking e-mail every two to three hours can make you much more productive, opposed to checking it more often. Being super responsive with your e-mails is actually a huge productivity killer. (Who knew?) Unless an e-mail’s urgent, you’ll be better at your job if you make it wait. This applies to non-e-mail interruptions too. Why? Stopping work often to manage the inbox (or to do other things) lowers quality of work, mental speed and mental capacity to do the work. The more we shift focus, the worse it is.[iv]

sea-beach-holiday-vacation

One Step at a Time

You can increase your productivity and finish your to-do list quicker if you do them one at a time. Multitasking is the death of productivity, unless you’re doing it with tasks that call for minimal brain power and focus. Why? Multitasking (like being interrupted) reduces mental capacity, speed and quality of work. Strangely enough, in productivity studies, people who felt they had a special gift for multitasking were far worse at it versus those saw themselves as terrible multitaskers. Simply put, our brains aren’t built to multitask, but knowing this will help us use them wisely![v]

pexels-photo-131979 

Task Mastering

You’ll be more productive if you break your projects into small tasks and tackle them one at a time. Not to mention, you’ll save time by delegating things that you’re not amazing at to someone who could do them in half the time. If you want to delegate something, but don’t know anyone who can do it well, train someone. Training is a time suck in the beginning, but after the person’s trained, you’re free![vi]

 ballet-sneaker-dress-ballet-dancer-163379

Use Perfectionism Wisely

You’ll increase your productivity a lot if you know how to manage being a perfectionist. Making sure every detail is impeccable can devour time and cause imperfections in areas where you really need to be perfect. Here’s the deal, we all have limited time, energy and alertness. If we spend too much of it trying to be perfect in places where perfectionism doesn’t improve the outcome of the project, we’re wasting resources. Apparently, most people with high standards are somewhat guilty of wasting time and brain fuel in the name of perfectionism.[vii] Before tackling each to-do, ask yourself if doing it perfectly or exactly a certain way would impact the outcome of the project. If the answer is “no,” then consider it a “good is enough” task.

Cheers to a successful 2017!

 

 

SOURCES

[i] Dr. Laura Klein, Ph.D., Penn State University; Heidi Skolnik, M.S., sports nutritionist

[ii] Nutrition Bulletin & Journal of Psychopharmacology

[iii] Rice University

[iv] Science Direct Research Journal

[v] University of London, Forbes Magazine

[vi] Harvard Business Review

[vii] Dr. Gini Graham Scott, PhD; Business Insider, Inc.

 

WEBSITES

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563214005810

https://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbradberry/2014/10/08/multitasking-damages-your-brain-and-career-new-studies-suggest/#510c96e02c16

https://nymag.com/scienceofus/2016/01/the-worst-thing-on-your-to-do-list-first.html

https://hbr.org/2012/07/why-arent-you-delegating

https://www.omicsgroup.org/journals/managerial-time-management-2168-9601-1000171.php?aid=76071

https://www.sarahnamulondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/A-Survival-Guide-for-Working-With-Bad-Bosses.pdf

https://www.inc.com/business-insider/habits-that-are-killing-your-productivity.html

https://www.rice.edu/~jenky/sports/caffeine.html

Surprising Coffee Health Benefits

The delicious aroma of coffee and tea make waking up that much easier – and let’s be honest, we all need a little motivation! Coffee and tea help us transition from mornings to meetings, and keep us going when we need a little something extra throughout the day. We love them because they give us something to look forward to, but when you take a closer look, the health benefits of drinking these amazing beverages are the real prize. So, what’s your body thinking when you have a cup of coffee or tea in hand?

Better Mood & Less Pain

We all know that coffee and tea can boost our energy, but did you know that it can improve our moods and help us feel less pain? Caffeine can help the body release hormones that keep you active, and controls blood pressure. All of this only takes ten minutes![i] Who knew our favorite caffeinated friends were so quick and efficient? Caffeine can also help increase the release of feel-good neurotransmitters, like dopamine, which makes pain receptors less sensitive and improves the mood.[ii] In a nutshell, whether you’re doing brutal jump squats at the gym, having an exhausting week at work, waking up at 5:00 a.m. with toddlers, or doing all three, coffee and tea can help ease the pain and improve your mindset while you do it! Raise your hand if you want more Joffrey’s coffee and tea, please!

So, coffee and tea can help us face a rough day (or week) by waking us up, dulling the pain, and making us feel brand new. That’s heavy praise for these two drinks, but what if coffee and tea were even more than all of that? What if both could improve our health? It turns out that they can! Just in case you needed another reason to buy Joffrey’s coffee and tea online.

herbal-tea-herbs-tee-mint-159203-large

Did You Know Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Helps Prevent Diseases?

Cancer Prevention

Cancer is a scary disease that impacts many, which is why packing your diet with preventative antioxidants is so important! Antioxidants help our bodies fight free radicals (molecules that harm our bodies and cause diseases), which are a prominent cause of cancer.  Everyone’s body has free radicals; but we don’t develop cancer unless the number of free radicals increases and becomes out of control. It just so happens that coffee and tea both have antioxidants that neutralize these free radicals and help us lead cancer-free lives! . Did you know that Americans get more of their antioxidants from coffee than any other food source? (Per University of Scranton) See? Coffee and tea pack a lot of power!

The antioxidants in some teas (especially from the Camellia plant) and all coffees are called polyphenols. It turns out, polyphenols put up quite a serious “Muhammed Ali in his heyday” style fight against free radicals. Did you know that coffee has more antioxidants than fruits and veggies?[iii] We’re not knocking fruits and veggies; we support them 100%. We’re just saying that our old friends, coffee and tea, are pretty  amazing too. Now that we know both drinks can save our lives, why not buy more Joffrey’s coffee and tea online, sit back, relax and drink it all in?

Cardio Health

Coffee and tea can also promote cardiovascular health…especially artery health. When we’re young, we don’t necessarily think of cardio health, but if we pay attention to it now, we’re more likely to be healthy and happy a few decades down the road.

It turns out that those who drink tea have healthier arteries just minutes after drinking it…minutes! If you’re a tea drinker, know that Green tea could have one of the strongest impacts on cardio health, while coffee could benefit you regardless of the type[iv]. We know that coffee and tea hold special places in your hearts, but did you ever think they could impact your whole cardiovascular system?[v]

While many of us may wish Joffrey’s coffee and tea could replace treatments our doctors prescribe us, we’ll always require medical care…but we can sip coffee and tea to help stay healthy and know that our tickers are well taken care of!

Type 2 Diabetes

The health benefits of coffee and tea don’t stop at the cardiovascular system. Both can protect against type 2 Diabetes too! A Harvard study showed that those who increased their coffee intake by more than one cup a day over a 4-year period were likely to have an 11% lower type 2 Diabetes risk over the next 4 years, compared with people who didn’t change their coffee intake.[vi] Tea (especially green tea) helps prevent type 2 Diabetes too, because it helps regulate the body’s sugar metabolism.[vii] This is great news! In the mood to buy some Joffrey’s coffee and tea online? We recently launched a few new and exciting collections! Check out our organics and origins coffee. They taste so good that you won’t even realize they’re good for you.

Parkinson’s Disease

Oh, coffee and tea, what can’t you do? Coffee and tea may even help prevent Parkinson’s Disease and improve symptoms. Apparently, the caffeine in both drinks is the saving grace, and coffee and black tea may both help decrease the risk of Parkinson’s Disease. (Parkinson’s Foundation) For those who already have Parkinson’s, drinking coffee can block the malfunctioning brain signals in Parkinson’s patients, and help them function better.[viii]

 

belly-body-calories-diet-42069-large

Buying Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Online? Consider it Brain Food for Your Mind and Body.

Supercharging the Mind

Coffee can supercharge the mind by increasing vigilance, reaction time, and cognitive function. After you drink caffeine, it travels through your bloodstream right to your  brain. Once it’s inside the brain, it increases the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which keep your mind alert and on top of things.[ix]

Since caffeine is the magical ingredient responsible for this brain boost, we can assume that teas can have the same impact (if you drink the amount of tea needed to equal the caffeine in coffee). So, pick your favorite brain-juice and get to drinking! Of course, if you love both drinks equally, you can always buy Joffrey’s coffee and tea online and switch off day by day, so that neither drink feels neglected.

Fighting Brain Decline

Coffee is so good for the brain that it has the ability to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s by reducing brain inflammation. Studies prove that seniors who drink coffee not only delay the onset of Alzheimer’s, but can avoid it altogether. How does this magic work? Like pulling a rabbit out of a hat. Caffeine blocks inflammation in the adenosine receptors in the brain, and this inflammation can start a chain reaction that causes mental decline. All the more reason to schedule regular coffee dates with Grandma and Grandpa (or Mom and Dad)! You could even slip a few bags of Joffrey’s coffee into their stockings at Christmas for a nice holiday treat. If they’re not fans of coffee, no worries, tea has caffeine too! Check out our fun flavors of coffee and tea online.

Helping us Feel Good and Look Good

Coffee and tea can prevent disease and help us feel good, but what if we told you they can also help us look good? If this raised your eyebrows, today’s your lucky day because it’s actually true. And when we look good, we feel good too!

Lean and Mean

So, we know that coffee and tea can boost your energy before a workout, which clearly can keep you lean and mean, but it just so happens that Joffrey’s coffee and tea can help in other ways. Starting with our calorie counters, coffee and tea both have a great taste and few calories. You can drink these liquid treats to your heart’s content and they’re only two calories per cup! In fact, many recommend three cups of coffee or four to six cups of tea per day.

Also, coffee and tea can help suppress your appetite, which can curb the temptation to snack throughout the day. Both of these lovely liquids also aid in thermogenesis (one way your body generates heat and energy from digesting food), which increases the metabolism.[x] Of course, nobody’s going to lose a two clothing sizes just drinking coffee or tea, but both drinks can ramp up the impact of any healthy eating and exercise regimen you’re following.

Did you know that coffee can also speed up the digestive system? Drinking coffee promotes the release of gastrin (a hormone that makes the digestive system more active and causes food to move through the system quicker.) This means coffee can prevent weight gain and bloat that a sluggish digestive system would normally cause (and this is a common problem – unfortunate, we know). (The Gut – Journal of gastroenterology) In short, be thankful your caffeinated friend is here to save the day…especially after a big meal!

The information we just mentioned came from studies that used plain tea and coffee…not fancy caramel mocha Frappuccinos with 3 tbsps. of sugar, syrup, chocolate, milk, and cream. Although we do respect fancy coffee drinks, guzzling them every day probably won’t support weight loss any more than eating cupcakes every day would. If plain coffee and tea aren’t your “cup of tea” (wink), but you want the low-cal benefit, there are plenty of flavors that will spice up your drink without adding calories.

Stevia is a great natural low calorie sweetener. For flavor, try cinnamon, vanilla extract, or mint oil to add some punch to the plain coffee or tea. Also, when you’re buying Joffrey’s coffee and tea online, remember, we have many tea flavors to choose from. Not to mention, teas rarely taste plain, even if you don’t add anything to them. If you’re a coffee fan, try flavored Joffrey’s coffees to start, and add other low-cal flavors to taste.

 pexels-photo-123354-large

Skin & Beauty

Anti-Aging

Coffee skin rub and tea bags are popular in the beauty market, and we couldn’t be happier. Coffee rubs are now being used as anti-aging remedies, which makes sense because coffee has tons of antioxidants (which fight signs of aging). Also, caffeine boosts blood flow to the skin, which fights aging too. (An anti-aging double whammy! Yippee!)

Puff-Free Morning Skin Mask

We all know that putting tea bags under the eyes is an age-old remedy, but the tea bags  do reduce puffiness and leave the eyes looking brighter and more awake. You can take this a step further and de-puff your whole face in the morning by making a facemask out of coffee or tea. You may look like a scary swamp creature with a mask on your face, but once you take it off, you’ll be look radiant, flawless, and fabulous! After you buy Joffrey’s coffee and tea online and drink it up, don’t forget to put some aside for your morning beauty routine.

Fresh Glowing Skin

Another reason coffee impresses us is that it’s a great exfoliate for the skin. Rubbing the skin with coffee grounds can reduce dryness and  the appearance of fine lines, which will leave your skin with a fresh youthful glow!  That along with the kick of energy you’ll get from drinking the coffee, could make you feel a decade younger. You never know!

Cellulite, be Gone!

If you thought the beauty benefits of coffee and tea were over, you were wrong. Coffee and tea can also reduce the appearance of cellulite, but only temporarily.  Because coffee and tea both have caffeine and caffeine is a diuretic, you can rub it into your skin to draw out the excess fluid build-up that causes the dimply appearance of cellulite. Need a beach body in a hurry? We’ve got your back.

Drink it, Rub it, Mask it, Love it

With so much evidence suggesting coffee to be a great part of your day why not have a cup or three? Coffee and tea have been around for centuries and both get lots of love from all around the world. As science discovers more and more about coffee and tea, it’s safe to say that they’re the gifts that keep on giving. Knowing this, nobody would fault you for stocking up on coffee and tea online, keeping some for yourself, and sharing the rest of these fabulous drinks with the ones you love.

 

 

[i] As mentioned by Dr. Laura Klein, Ph.D., associate professor of biobehavioral health at Penn State University

[ii] Via Heidi Skolnik, M.S., sports nutritionist

[iii] Sourced from John Weisburger, PhD, senior researcher at the Institute for Cancer Prevention in Valhalla, N.Y., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, National Institute of Health

[iv] Dr. Jeffrey Blumberg, professor of nutrition at Tufts University, European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University studies

[v] Dr. Seinbaum, a cardiologist and Director of Women’s Heart Health at Lennox Hill Hospital in NYC

[vi] Harvard School of Public Health

[vii] Dr. Seinbaum, a cardiologist and Director of Women’s Heart Health at Lennox Hill Hospital in NYC

[viii] Michael Schwarzschild, MD, PhD, of Massachusetts General Hospital

[ix] Nutrition Bulletin & Journal of Psychopharmacology

[x] Mayo Clinic

 

Website References:

https://www.academia.edu/4980787/Cosmetics_with_caffeine_real_benefits_versus_marketing_claims

https://www.parkinson.org/find-help/blogs/whats-hot/january-2016

https://www.fastcompany.com/3050478/are-coffee-based-beauty-products-a-cellulite-miracle-cure-or-social-media-fueled-bunk?utm_source

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-002-1175-2

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-3010.2007.00665.x/full

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00210835

https://phenol-explorer.eu/contents/food/552

https://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/79/5/727.full

https://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/diet/drinking-tea-diabetes-prevention/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21045839

https://www.teaguardian.com/tea-health/how-many-cups-of-tea-a-day/

https://www.newsmax.com/Health/Health-News/coffee-heart-disease-hopkins/2015/03/03/id/627908/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/expert-answers/caffeine/faq-20058459

The Many Uses of Coffee – Mary, Mary Quite Contrary 

 

What Gives Organic Origin Coffees Their Taste? It's The Attitude of the Latitude & The Flavor of the Land

A trained roastmaster can taste a coffee and tell you what region of the world it comes from, without even looking at the label. Impressed? We are, because a great roastmaster isn’t easy to find…but somehow, we were lucky enough to have found Chris DeMezzo. He has been sourcing and roasting the best coffees for Joffrey’s from all corners of the earth for over 30 years. Our very own Roastmatser Chris shared with us why coffees from different regions of the world taste different, and what flavor experience you will have drinking each of Joffrey’s Organic Origin Coffees.

What is Organic Origin Coffee?

Organic Origin Coffee is organic coffee that comes from a certain area of the world, and the beans have unique flavor commonly found in that region. These coffees are organic, which means that the beans are produced without artificial flavors, or artificial pesticides, and non-organic fertilizers. (Read more about USDA organic standards here.) Also, on top of being organic, many of the coffees below are certified fair trade.

All About the Beans

So, the flavor of our Organic Origin coffee comes from the beans, but where do the beans get their flavor? They get it from the nutrients and minerals in the soil and in the other plants that grow around them. Roastmaster Chris explained in detail what coffees from different parts of the world taste like.

Central and South American Coffees

Coffees from this region are usually medium bodied, and a bit tangy. When you sip the coffee, you can taste hints of citrus and milk chocolate (if the coffee is from Central America), or dark chocolate (if it’s from South America). Both regions grow beans that make beautiful medium bodied coffees (a few examples are coffees like Joffrey’s Brazil Cerrado, Colombia, Costa Rica, or Guatemala). What’s great about coffees from these regions is that they play nicely with coffee flavors, which is why Roastmaster Chris likes to use these beans to make Joffrey’s flavored coffees.  Make no mistake though, these beans make delicious coffees on their own. Stay tuned! We’ll describe some of the Central and South American Joffrey’s Organic Origin coffees below.

Southeast Asian Coffees

Coffees from Southeast Asia have quite the personality! If you’ve ever had Joffrey’s Sumatra coffee, you know what we’re talking about. These earthy, heavy bodied, savory gems have notes of dark chocolate and citrus, and a certain smoothness that will put a smile on your face.

African Coffees

In Africa, the coffees are as diverse as the people! Roastmaster Chris says it best, “In Africa, you can find anything and everything! Coffee started in Africa, so every species of coffee grows there. The weather and landscapes are so diverse, and can make many different types of beans.” (If you’re a Joffrey’s coffee drinker, just think of the diversity in our African coffees, like Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, Kenya AA, and Tanzanian Peaberry. The one characteristic many African coffees have in common is that they’re slightly tangy and astringent, like a dry red wine.

Hawaii

Hawaii is the only U.S. state that produces large amounts of commercial coffee, and boy is it good! Hawaiian coffee a medium bodied drink known for its fruit notes and signature buttery, silky, smoothness.

Unique as a Finger Print

Coffees from the same regions can have a lot in common, but, like wines, no two coffees are exactly alike. Joffrey’s Roastmaster has handpicked his favorite organic coffees from all regions of the world, and appreciates them for their unique characteristics. Let’s see which ones he picked.

sumatra-permata-gayo

Organic Sumatra Permata Gayo  

This coffee, from a cooperative of small coffee producers, is what Roastmaster Chris calls “an earthy, heavy bodied coffee, with hints of sweetness.” The flavor packs a punch, with notes of dark chocolate and vanilla bean. Chris roasts the beans medium/dark, which fits perfectly with their flavor. Organic Sumatra Swiss Water Decaf is the decaffeinated version of Organic Sumatra Permata Gayo, and Swiss water refers to the process used to decaffeinate the coffee.

guatemala-cafe-femenino

Organic Guatemala, Café Femenino

This fully-washed sun dried coffee has a clean snap, and a tangy tartness to it. When you drink this, you’ll taste hints of chocolate and walnut, and you’ll notice a clean smooth finish.

colombia-cusarca

Organic Colombia Cosuraca

This sun dried coffee also has a tanginess to it, with noticeable notes of citrus, apple, coco, and a nice floral aroma.  Roastmaster Chris roasts it medium/dark, and this coffee falls right between medium and light flavored.

costa-rica-la-amistad

Costa Rica La Amistad

This fully washed, sun dried coffee will deliver a clean, super tangy taste with notes of cedar, hazelnuts, caramel, and dark chocolate (clean-tangy). Tea drinkers will also notice a hint of black tea taste.

peru-cajamarca

Organic Peru Cajamarca

Cajamarca is another beautifully tangy coffee with notes of citrus, dark chocolate, and maple syrup. The flavor is rich and the aroma is beautiful. It’s roasted medium to maintain the citrus flavor.

A Little Something for Everyone

Many of these coffees are similar to one another in terms of certain flavor characteristics, but not all. Each coffee has its own distinct personality, and each coffee drinker has different preferences. Roastmaster Chris says it best. “Choosing a favorite coffee is a personal decision because everyone’s tastes are different.” So, which coffee should you buy first? Grab one of each, try them out, and find your perfect coffee match!