Coffee Plus

The coffee industry has come up with certifications that place emphasis on ecological and environmental standards. Learn about these standards on coffee plus educate yourself on the quality of your coffee beans.

Bird-Friendly (Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center)

This is the only true shade-grown certification. Developed by ecologists at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, this certification requires that coffee plants be at least 12 meters high, have a minimum of 40% shade cover, and contain 11 species of shade trees. The coffee must also be certified organic, making it one of the biggest indictors of quality coffee.

Rainforest Alliance

The Rainforest Alliance certification covers environmental issues as well as that of the workers. There is not a criterion for shade as with the Bird-Friendly certification, but there is an optional area for this criterion. There is no organic requirement for this coffee and because there is not a requirement for growth in the shade, it may not be. The certification from the Rainforest Alliance is awarded based on a score for meeting a minimum number of an array of different criteria.

Organic

Anything with the label “organic” must be certified by the United States standards that are established by the USDAs National Organic Program. Some of the requirements are:

• No use of prohibited substances on the land for at least three years
• A buffer between the coffee and any other crop not grown organically; and
• A plan that demonstrates methods that prevent soil erosion

Coffee that is USDA approved must not be grown with herbicides, fertilizers, and most synthetic pesticides. These chemicals are shown to produce harmful effects on the environment.

Fair Trade

The Fair Trade certification is only available to democratically-organized cooperatives of small producers, and excludes individually-owned farms, estates, or farms with hired labor. They are primarily concerned with alleviating poverty through greater equity in international trade as coffee farming is often cited for unscrupulous practices against its laborers. Fair Trade does not require an organic certification for the coffee plus no standards for shade growth.

UTZ Certified

UTZ certification looks into the agriculture practices of the production of coffee plus things like soil erosion prevention, minimizing water use and pollution, responsible use of chemicals, and habitat protection. UTZ places mandatory control points in place that are required for certification with this number increasing over a four-year period. There is no requirement for using shade trees with this certification.

No Comments »

The Green Mountain Starbucks Deal

A recent story by Bloomberg, the financial magazine, cited the Chairman of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (GMCR), Robert Stiller, for insider trading related to knowledge that a competing product would lessen his stock value. There has been a maelstrom of media reporting on the matter and accusing the nearly 70-year old of insider knowledge that was the reason for his recent sale of stock.

Stiller sold 500,000 shares of GMCR on the 15^th of February for $65.93 and 500,000 on the 24^th of February at $66.68, a total of one million shares. The allegations come as Starbucks would release a press release indicating a competing product to Green Mountains ever-popular Keurig brewers on March 8. Starbucks also released information that Stiller had knowledge of the product release which led many to believe that Stiller used this information to sell off stock before the product was mentioned publicly.

Keurig owned something like 85% of the single serve coffee market at the time the competing product press release went public. This is a market Starbucks clearly wanted to break into as Starbucks has been trying to ink a deal with Green Mountain Coffee Roasters to package and distribute Starbuck’s coffee in the highly-successful K-cups. As this deal has not been inked since early 2011 and Green Mountain has continued to dominate this market and release its second generation brewer the Vue, Starbucks would introduce its competing Verismo brewer. They have no distribution network for the brewer and the product is actually a renamed brewer that has already been on the market.

Coffee Plus Back-Stabbing

After the Starbucks coffee plus espresso brewer was announced, the trading day that followed resulted in the stock of GMCR falling 16 percent, or $9.81. To make matters worse for Stiller, Starbucks claimed that that they had been fully transparent to notify Green Mountain of the new brewer as well as indicating that the machine would brew coffee plus espresso, putting the machine in full competition with GMCR. GMCR immediately filed a regulation FD (fair disclosure) with the SEC, acknowledging the apparent claims that Starbucks was making public. This all came at a time when Starbucks was in the process of signing a deal with GMCR to have its coffee offered in the competing machine.

What it seems is that Stiller sold his stock before the news of the Starbucks- Green Mountain negotiation which would likely have boasted his stock value, not lessened it, thereby avoiding the appearance of impropriety, not endorsing it as the media has claimed.

No Comments »

If you had a door that was repeatedly broken into would you fix it? According to a survey that examined how much companies spend on the security of their website applications compared to that of coffee, coffee won by a landslide. 88 percent of the companies questioned indicated that the website attacks are a large concern for their businesses but admitted that they spent more on coffee than on anti-hacking initiatives.

This brings up a couple of questions to the companies that we are using to conceal our personal information: What are you thinking and where are you getting your coffee? While it is slightly encouraging to see that the companies involved believe that web application security is important, there is no action being taken while these companies get their coffee plus caffeine addictions taken care of in the morning.

We have covered the amounts spent on Coffee Plus as the U.S. is somewhere in the $18 billion dollar a year area, but never have we seen a company seemingly sacrifice their wellbeing and that of their clients for the beverage. While it should be obvious that these companies are not deliberately selecting coffee over their network security in a side-by-side value comparison, it does seem ridiculous that these figures would be in question.

Are These Numbers Really that Shocking

After further consideration of the numbers mentioned above perhaps it is not completely shocking that coffee consumption trumps the web application security. Consider that over half of all Americans over 18 drink coffee and the average price of coffee is near $1.38 with the average espresso at $2.45. Taking espresso out of the equation, let’s say a one of these companies has 100 employees who between the 100 drink 100 cups of coffee per day (most people drink one and a half cups which compensates for those who do not drink). Calculating this into a five day work week and a 52 week year that number would equate to $35,880 dollars a year on coffee. Is that number relative to the amount a company should spend on web application security?

It is difficult to say with any certainty as we at Coffee Plus are not in the business of web application security nor could we find any credible averages for these types of numbers. The bottom line is that these organizations should better learn to manage risk as it has become increasingly common for them to become hacked, 73% in the last year in fact. What are your thoughts, what do you spend on coffee each year?

No Comments »

In our last article in Coffee Plus we took a look a “Sustainable Coffees” and mentioned countries that grow coffee in the sun by mass production methods and those who grow coffee naturally using methods in the shade. These natural or sustainable methods of growing coffee preserve native forest and biodiversity and use few if any chemicals. The reason that these sun-growing production methods were employed can be compared to the production methods that are used on livestock in that farmers got greedy and wished to make the process more efficient as well as lucrative.

To achieve this goal, coffee in some locations is no longer grown in natural environments like the forest and is grown in the sun to intensify production, maximize profits and increase efficiency. These are trademarks of a focus on money and a decrease on quality. In fact, in an attempt to help keep up with the world’s demand for coffee plus to increase yields, the U.S. Agency for International Development gave $80 million to select Central American plantations to replace their natural shade grown coffees with sun grown coffees. This type of growing is called a monoculture, and is a method to produce large harvests with minimal labor.

Monocultures can lead to quicker spread of disease as well as require fertilizers and pesticides to be added to prevent common diseases from ruining crops. In the natural shade grown method, these chemicals are not added to the coffee plus don’t result in unsustainable products such as these that monocultures produce. When different crops are mixed or coffees are left to grow naturally, there is much more likelihood that one or more of the crops will be resistant to disease.

Pesticides are bad for the environment as well as are responsible for degrading nearby soil and water sources that put people at risk for contamination. Forests are being lost due to farmers removing the natural land and replacing it with monocultures and pesticide-containing crops to help corporations make millions each year. The commercial middlemen who are paying the growers low wages are allowing these workers to endure extremely poor working conditions to turn a profit. These farmers in countries like Guatemala earn approximately $500 to $1,000 a year and suffer from wages equivalent to those in sweatshops. These families are so poor that the young are forced to begin working in the fields and are deprived from sufficient education that would allow them to improve their quality of life.

The coffee plus the local communities that work to bring us our beverages every morning are suffering as a result of this growing method. Next time you choose a coffee, make sure it is grown in sustainable environments that are beneficial to the coffee plus the farmers.

No Comments »

Given the recent growth of the coffee industry, there has also been an associated growth on the concern for sustainable coffee. Sustainable coffee is considered to be coffee that is kind to the environment and its people. Increases in the production of coffee plus changes in the manner in which coffee is grown, have caused consequences that go beyond costs or quality. Where coffee was once only grown in the traditional, sustainable growing method in the shade of diverse native trees, the influences of production has grown to production in large monocultures that use harmful fertilizers and pesticides that deplete the land.

Selecting Sustainable Coffees

It can be difficult to find coffees that are grown using sustainable standards given the nature of the industry and its continued growth. One indicator of a sustainable product is the method of certification of the coffee plus its country of origin. If a coffee is considered bird-friendly, is certified organic by the USDA, or is 100% Rainforest Alliance certified, you can be confident that the coffee is sustainably grown and is a great assurance that the coffee plus the environment in which it was grown is cared for in a sustainable nature.

Countries that are known to produce more sustainable coffees do so under the cover of shade, preserving native forest and biodiversity and using few if any chemicals. For products grown under these natural and traditional methods, seek coffee plus growers from the following regions: Bolivia, El Salvador, Ethiopia, India, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Papa New Guinea and Peru.

Other ways to select quality coffees plus products that are grown in sustainable nature is to select coffees by bean. There are two major commercial coffee beans- Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is the higher quality of the two whereas Robusta beans are low quality, mass produced, and grown in the monoculture method under the sun with lots of chemicals. When shopping, look for coffees that say “100% Arabica” to be sure you are getting the best product.

One of the final indicators of quality, sustainable coffee is price. Like with most products that are mass produced, they are done so to maximize revenue. These coffees are not grown with the concept of quality in mind as much as they are to create cheap products for the masses. Coffees that are less than $5.00 a pound probably fit into this category of growers who use less ecologically-friendly crops and should be avoided.

No Comments »

Have you heard of the Indonesian Green Dragon coffee that comes from Flores Island of Indonesia? This area, called the Manggarai Region, is located in the Eastern Sunda Island Archipelago and is one of the few places in the world where Komodo Dragons are still found in the wild. The interesting thing about this coffee is how it is grown. While most coffee trees in Central America are kept at five to six feet tall, the Indonesian Green Dragon trees get as high as 30 feet tall. The locals harvest the coffee by carefully placing a bamboo pole through the trees branches so that the pickers can walk and pick the beans. The coffee beans are then sent through a bamboo trough that meanders down the forest to a central collection area. Talk about wild!
The trees grow as high as they do because they are not pruned as they age and are used to create shade for the younger coffee plants below. On average, the beans are cultivated at an altitude of about 4,900 ft. and are processed organically. The farming process uses no chemicals and the beans are dried in the typical Indonesian manner that contributes to the taste and robust flavor of the coffee plus aids in its bold smell. The coffee is pulped after picking and dried down to about 25% moisture, benefiting from the full contact of the mucilage. The coffee is removed from its parchment using a wet hulled method and dried in the sun.
Some critics have compared the coffee to the Indonesian Blue Java that is available at Starbucks. This comparison seems to be a bit off as the Green Dragon is roasted a little bit lighter than the Blue Java Coffee plus contains more nuances in flavor. Green Dragon is said to intrigue drinkers with its “Natural complexity and bold, heavy body with nectar-like sweetness and fruity finishing note” said manufacturers from Java City.
Drinkers of the Green Dragon will come to appreciate the manner in which the beans are grown from the unpruned trees and the difficulties in which are used to collect the beans. Imaging pickers casually walking on a circus-like tight wire of a bamboo pole while reaching for the perfect beans almost contributes to the character of this rare coffee. Combine this with the manner in which the coffee is dried in the sun and you have a very primitive coffee plus one that is made by the most organic process one can imagine.

No Comments »

Coffee and caffeine are harsh on our teeth, and considering that we only have one set it is important to ensure the longevity of them. Coffee is a drink that is obviously packed with caffeine but also a chemical called tannic acid. Tannic acid is the chemical in coffee that makes the dark color and can cause your teeth to discolor. But what is the real reason coffee and caffeine cause our teeth to become stained?

The reason is the breakdown of enamel, or the white protective layer that as a child starts out bright and healthy. Over time enamel can weaken, becoming porous because of coffee plus every day wear and tear. Once enamel becomes porous it allows stains from coffee plus other caffeinated beverages like soda and tea to become etched in our teeth.

Stain Prevention?

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, you can minimize the effects of coffee by rinsing your mouth with a glass of water after every cup. This works for coffee plus other stain-causing drinks such as wines or juices. If you are an iced coffee drinker or a heavy juice drinker, we suggest drinking through a straw to minimize the effects of tannic acid on your teeth. If you are really extreme you can try to wipe your teeth down with a napkin but this may be uncomfortable for some.

Too Late to Prevent Coffee Stains?

If you have been drinking coffee plus caffeinated beverages for a long time your teeth may already suffer from discoloration. This is perfectly normal and common for most adults when you consider that age, drinks, diet and genetics can all be factors in the breakdown of enamel. If you wish to restore your teeth to a white state consider an in-office bleaching or take-home whitening kit from your dentist. These two methods are more effective than anything you can purchase over-the-counter and can quickly help you to look younger and more attractive.

Caffeine & Other Dental Issues

In addition to being associated with stain-causing beverages, caffeine users may also suffer from teeth clenching. Large consumption of coffee plus the byproduct of caffeine a few hours before bedtime can cause you to clench your teeth while you sleep. If you clench your teeth at night it may help you to reduce your caffeine consumption during the hours before sleep. Your dentist may also be able to provide you with a nightguard to help you prevent the problems that are associated with teeth clenching such as tooth or jaw pain.

No Comments »

While most Americans now know that coffee does in fact boast health benefits such as offsetting the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s they still managed to get lost in the fact that certain coffee concoctions are simultaneously affecting their health. New takes on coffee from our favorite providers are packed full of sugar and the average caloric intake from these drinks has increased from 45 calories to 330 calories since 20 years ago. The following are some of the most popular yet harmful coffee drinks that contribute to obesity in America.

McDonald’s Large Mocha

McDonald’s has made some traction in the coffee industry by providing gourmet coffees plus specialty coffees such as this mocha delight. As good as they may be the reason for the flavor explosion is because these drinks are nothing more than hot chocolate with espresso. This drink slaps you with 400 calories, 14 grams of fat, and 49 grams of sugar, giving your brain the caffeine rush it needs and your body the additional fat it doesn’t.

Starbucks Venti White Chocolate Mocha

Do you see the trend with the mochas? While this is the largest drink (venti) that Starbuck’s offers it doesn’t mean that ordering a smaller coffee won’t pack the bad stuff. This drink comes stock with 580 calories, 22 grams of fat and 75 grams of sugar! You could get the same nutritional value by eating six tablespoons of mayo.

Large Dunkin’ Donuts Frozen Cappuccino with Whole Milk (Coffee Coolatta)

The name is about as long as your waistline will be if this is your drink of choice. While delicious, these frozen drinks pack 610 calories, 8 grams of fat and 105 grams of sugar. For drinkers who can’t stay away from these frozen coffees plus their indulgent flavors, consider swapping out the whole milk with skim milk to cut the caloric intake by a third. Cappuccino coffee plus whole milk in the large Coffee Coolatta is equivalent to eating four Twinkies.

Cold Stone Large Lotta Caramel Latte

The king of all caloric coffees plus the calories of 10 slices of Pizza Hut Thin Ham and Pineapple Pizza, this is essentially a coffee flavored milk shake, probably which is why it is sold at an ice cream parlor. If you are trying to avoid excess calories you should probably stay away from drinks that sound like they can pleasure the palate of a dead man.

No Comments »

Brazil has set itself up for successful revenue generation with its role as the world’s largest coffee producer. For over a decade and a half, Brazil has maintained responsibility for about a third of the world’s coffee production, controlling prices and placing an exclamation point on the country’s ability to generate revenue from this popular bean.

Brazilian Coffee Plus Beginnings

The coffee bean is not indigenous to South America and legend has it that in the early 1700s the Brazilian government, wanting a piece of the growing coffee market, sent a military officer to French Guiana to smuggle seeds. The officer faced coffee farms that were reportedly heavily guarded and instead used his charms to persuade the First Lady of French Guiana to supply him with seedlings on his trip back to Brazil.

The decision to get coffee beans from French Guiana was an economic success story that eventually led to the importation of 1.5 million slaves to fill the demands of coffee production in southeast Brazil. As slavery began to face scrutiny and was abolished in 1850, the country opened up its borders to European immigrants to meet the demand of labor. This demand soon spurred large economic growth and transformed Sao Paulo into the largest industrial center in the developing world, even more so than Rio de Janeiro.

Coffee Plus Prosperity

Brazil used its influence in the coffee market to its advantage, as they used their production capabilities to influence the global market. Their large surplus of coffee plus ability to easily meet demand, initially decreased the price of coffee significantly until the government established a way to fix the exchange rate and hold on to their surplus until the international market presented a better selling opportunity. The plan worked and sparked a rise in coffee beans and led Brazil to economic prosperity until the Great Depression in the 1930s. A decline in global market share hit but occurred at a time when Brazil had already benefitted from tax revenues that were generated and allowed for a positive trade balance from the construction of modern roads, ports and communication systems.

Today Brazil still sees much economic and social benefit from coffee production and there are nearly 3.5 million people that are involved in the production of coffee plus the many direct and indirect jobs that are developed. The Brazilian states of Sao Paulo, Minas Gerais and Parana are amongst the top producers in the country because of the rich soil and ideal climate.

No Comments »

February is American Heart Month and marks a time to bring awareness to cardiovascular disease and educate Americans on what we can do to live healthy. The good news for coffee drinkers is that there are more studies showing the benefit to drinking coffee in the form of positive health effects. A Harvard Nurses Study that followed over 50,000 people for 10 years showcased findings that the beverage is heart healthy and cuts depression in women.

Another study from Harvard reported that there are other mental health benefits of coffee plus a lowered risk of gallstone development and colon cancer. Other benefits included improved cognitive function, reduction of liver damage, and reduction of Parkinson’s for others. Athletes who drink coffee have been shown to have improved endurance in long-duration physical activities.

The link between coffee and its impact on cholesterol has been debunked as well. Filtered coffee removes oils that raise total and LDL cholesterol levels. Coffee has also been shown to cause arteries to relax, rather than make them stiff as some studies have suggested.

There are still negative myths that are associated with coffee plus misleading information that make people avoid caffeinated coffee. There is evidence to support that drinking coffee habitually will increase blood pressure but new research shows that the effect is temporary and blood pressure increases don’t exist for regular coffee drinkers. Myths that heart rate increases with coffee consumption have also been dispelled, as studies show coffee is not to blame for abnormal heart rhythms.

Coffee research will no doubt continue to debunk notions that coffee has negative health effects as researchers dig deeper into why the chemicals in coffee plus caffeine are safe and beneficial to the heart. Caffeine remains the world’s most widely used central nervous system stimulant, with approximately 80 percent of consumption coming from coffee.

American Heart Month is sponsored by the American Heart Association and helps to bring awareness to men and women who are unaware of the risks of leading unhealthy lives. In addition to the health benefits of drinking coffee plus proper management of your stress levels, heart disease can be prevented by:

• Watching your weight
• Quitting smoking
• Controlling cholesterol and blood pressure
• Drinking alcohol in moderation, if at all
• Being active and eating healthy

Heart disease kills over 600,000 Americans every year and is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Let your friends know about American Heart Month and share the health benefits of drinking coffee with them.

No Comments »