6 Reasons Why Organic Coffee is Better

We want to first acknowledge all the farmers working across the globe to help bring coffee to cups near and far. We know that becoming certified organic can be a costly, prohibitive process deterring farmers from receiving the designation. To the many farmers in remote corners of the world already using organic fertilizer and practicing sustainable farming techniques, we thank you!.

Unlike the United States, most coffee growing countries do not have strict regulations on labor rights, farming practices, or food production. Fun fact, the United States is the largest importer of coffee in the world (the US imported around 8.2 billion U.S. dollars worth of coffee in 2023, Germany followed in second place, importing ½ that of the US), its purchasing power can hopefully help advance the environment and quality of life for workers outside of the United States. Equally important, the USDA Certified Organic certification protects US consumers from inferior products made through bad practices. It also guarantees a higher quality product. 

 Photo Credit: Royal Coffee

Here are 6 reasons why buying certified organic coffee is better for you and for the environment: 

Organic coffee eliminates the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. This reduces the risk of harmful chemicals entering the air, water, and soil. The coffee is grown using natural methods that are more gentle on the environment and promote a healthy and sustainable ecosystem. Instead of chemical fertilizers, organic farmers incorporate compost and approved organic substances to nourish and protect the coffee plants. Organic coffee production also supports: 

Better Soil Health — Organic farming maintains soil health by avoiding synthetic chemicals that can degrade it over time.

Cleaner Water — By not using synthetic pesticides, organic farming reduces the risk of water contamination.

Biodiversity — Organic farms often support greater biodiversity through shade-grown methods that preserve natural habitats.

Protecting Farm Workers - The environment isn’t the only benefactor of eliminating chemicals and pesticides, workers on coffee farms aren’t exposed to dangerous chemicals. Because there's much overlap in the fair trade certification process and organic certification process, farmers who produce certified organic coffee are often fair trade compliant as it is beneficial to become certified in both. This often means better pay and working conditions for workers on certified organic farms.

Organic coffee is better for your health - Certified organic coffee not only tastes better, it is also better for your health than non-organic coffee. 

A European Journal of Nutrition found that organic crops, including coffee, contain up to 69% more antioxidants than conventionally grown crops. In addition to antioxidants, organic coffee contains magnesium, potassium, niacin, B vitamins, and more minerals than conventional coffee. All are needed by the body for several health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, protection from cell damage / various diseases and boosting the immune system. 

Organic coffee also reduces consumption of harmful chemicals as it is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. When you enjoy a delicious cup of organic coffee, you can savor the rich flavors without worrying about any of the unwanted additives. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and your wellbeing. 

What does USDA Organic Coffee certification mean? 

The official definition of ‘organic’ varies somewhat from country to country. In the United States, it is against the law to advertise products as organic that have not been officially certified. The process can be lengthy, during which the coffee producer must, per the USDA website, provide evidence of the following:

• Land must have had no prohibited substances applied to it for at least three years before the harvest of an organic crop.
• Soil fertility and crop nutrients will be managed through tillage and cultivation practices, crop rotations, and cover crops, supplemented with animal and crop waste materials and allowed synthetic materials.
• Crop pests, weeds, and diseases will be controlled primarily through management practices including physical, mechanical, and biological controls. When these practices are not sufficient, a biological, botanical, or synthetic substance approved for use on the National List may be used.
• Operations must use organic seeds and other planting stock when available.
• The use of genetic engineering, ionizing radiation and sewage sludge is prohibited.

In short, the certification process for organic coffee involves proving the absence of artificial fertilizers and pesticides, maintaining soil fertility, and using sustainable farming practices.

Does organic coffee taste better than regular coffee? 

Organic coffee tastes better than conventional coffee! Most conventional coffee is grown in full sun on clear cut monocrop farms. This results in more acidic coffee. Because organic coffee isn’t sprayed with chemical solvents and can be shade grown, it results in less acidic - and less bitter - coffee fruit. It has a deeper, full-bodied flavor. Some describe the taste as more “clean” or “smoother” than conventional coffee. 

Is organic coffee worth the extra money? 

If we haven’t convinced you yet, the answer is “absolutely”! Certified organic coffee is better for the environment, better for those producing it, and has health benefits. Additionally, it tastes better. It has a flavor profile and fragrance that goes beyond anything mass produced. It may be a more pricey purchase, but it is worth it. 

We believe you deserve to drink the best. Either visiting us in-store, or brewing a pot of Carmel Valley Coffee at home, we make sure you are drinking the good stuff! 

Additionally, the impact of drinking certified organic coffee goes beyond your palate. You can feel good that, by enjoying Carmel Valley Coffee, you are part of a global movement devoted to supporting the environment and raising the standards of living for farmers in developing nations. 

We believe doing good and tasting good matters! 

Sources: 

* Statista

** NIH: National Library of Medicine

*** USDA.Gov