Does organic coffee really have benefits on our health?
We all heard about organic products. USA, Canada, European Union, Japan and more other nations have specific requirements regarding the organic products. For an “organic” certification, products have to be grown and manufactured in such way that they can meet the standards imposed by the countries they will be sold in.
The coffee market exists since the 15th century (approximated). It got developed and improved during these years. Today, you can find on market organic coffee. While it is organic it means that it has several benefits on our body and for the environment too. In the last few years more and more people chose organic coffee instead of the regular one. Some might now the actual benefits and why they are paying sometimes extra dollars on them, while some people just because of the fact that it is organic, it’s worth it- but they actually have no idea what they are paying for.
For those of you who don’t know which are the benefits of organic coffee, here are a few of them, briefly explained.
Of course, you have to know that these benefits depend on many things. The coffee can be organic but if it is not consumed as it has to be, it won’t have the expected results. Meaning that an important aspect is the way you prepare your cup of coffee, whether you use a paper filter or a metal one, the machine you use and other ingredients used that might change its value. As well, very important is the quantity you drink.
First of all understand what organic means! Being organic it means that the coffee beans had been grown without additional chemicals or pesticides. The rich soil that they are grown in helps in providing the essential characteristics of it. The coffee has to be 100% natural. Due to its natural state, this coffee contains all the antioxidants, nutrients and vitamins that can keep our heart healthy. Another good thing regarding the organic farming is that by not using those chemical products, organic coffee has a lower risk of consequences on our health.
The studies made over the years show that coffee has effects on reducing the risk of a few diseases, such as: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, cirrhosis of liver and gouts. Of course, this is not applicable on everybody and don’t count only on coffee for preventing or curing them.
Also, some scientists have shown that the smell of the coffee can restore appetite and can refresh olfactory receptors.
Besides this, due to its purity, organic coffee is a natural energy booster that can refresh and reinforce you any time during the day. Sometimes coffee is said to act as an antidepressant and even a weight loss solution.
Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp 1.7-Liter Stainless-Steel Cordless Electric Kettle
As talking in a previous article about Cuisinat kettles, here is another product, indeed much pricier one, but the highest quality out on the market. Using 1500 watts power for fast heating, this electric kettle offers you in a few minutes hot water just as you want it. Featuring 6 preset heating programs, with only one press of a button you will have the right temperature for your specific variety of tea and it can boil you water for hot cocoa, oatmeal or noodles.
While heated-up, the water can keep its temperature due to the special “keep warm” button, which will maintain the set temperature for 30 minutes. In addition, for your convenience you will enjoy a stay-cool nonslip handle, an “open” button for lifting the lid, a blue backlit water indicator window, a concealed heating element to prevent mineral buildup, a removable/washable scale filter, a drip less pour spout, and boil-dry protection with auto shutoff for safety.
This wonderful electric kettle can be bought via Amazon.com for $129.99.
Pros:
The first thing that comes to your eyes is the design. This Cuisinart is very stylish and has a great design. Many reviewers state that it perfectly suits their kitchen.
When used for the first time, and not only, you will definitely get impressed by the lights it has: an illuminated water level (on when the kettle is in use) is very attractive and so are the temperature setting buttons which are clearly marked and lighted.
As talking about the brewing temperature, most persons who reviewed this product highly appreciate the preset temperature levels for different varieties of tea.
It is very quiet and the water is quickly heated to the perfect temperature, and the kettle keeps it at that certain temperature for up to 30 minutes. You can turn it on, walk away, and when you come back you can enjoy your tea.
A plus for this Cuisinart is that it pours very nicely- hot water never runs down the side of the kettle as in other cases- the pouring spout is perfectly-shaped. Even if it is light weight you will find it not flimsy at all even when it is full.
Due to its mobile base you will find it very convenient, as most of its users.
A last positive aspect that needs to be mentioned is the taste- no one complained about it being strange or having different bad ‘touch’.
Cons:
First things that matter are the appearances: the kettle is quite tall and really heavy. Before purchasing it, make sure you have enough space to place it in. Regarding its height, you must know that a few users complained for having problems with fitting it under the faucet.
Some reviewers find the handle uncomfortable because it is wider at the top than at the bottom. While talking about the handle, you should know that it really stays cool, but many users can’t say the same about the outside of the kettle. That is why you have to be very careful when dealing with it. And of course keep it away from reach of children.
Regarding its functionality, there were a few users that complained about it: in some cases Cuisinart CPK was considered louder than other cheaper machines- but this happens only when heating!
There were other minor complaints, most of them singular cases, but you must take them into consideration, ask about them and try to avoid their occurrence as much as possible.
Some persons are not pleased with the timer which in their opinion looks cheaply made and gets hard to hear.
A few users claimed that they felt a strange taste in the water, something like plastic or metal. This can be due to inappropriate usage. We advise you to carefully read the instruction before starting using it!
Some reviewers don’t like the measurement system as it uses the metric system.
A singular case complained about rust problems in only 2 weeks of usage. This is not pleasant at all but in this case you can use your 3-year warranty. It can be applied only if you make sure it is not your fault- maybe you left water in it, for example.
Finally, besides the fact that many reviewers consider it too pricey, a few of them complain about the maintenance which seems to be hard to take care of due to the small top opening.
A suggestion a few users give is to add some type of alarm in order to let you know when your water is ready, not to over-wait with no purpose.
If you are not pleased with the above kettle or if you consider it too pricey, here is another electric machine: Breville SK500XL Ikon Cordless 1.7-Liter Stainless-Steel Electric Kettle sold for $78.60 on Amazon.com. This item has most if the characteristics of the Cuisinart, without the 6 preset heat setting. Other than that, there are two minor differences: this one has a viewing window in the top lid and a “ready” bell indicator.
On the other hand, you can try a more expensive and very high quality kettle: Zojirushi CV-DSC40 VE Hybrid Water Boiler and Warmer, Stainless Steel sold for $151.37 on Amazon. Its biggest advantage is the capacity- the largest amount on the market-4-liter capacity. If the first kettle presented had no finish alarm, you will be surprised when hearing this machine’s funny melody ‘ready indicator’.
Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinders
Many of us heard, and it is true, that grinding your own coffee beans right before using hem in your coffee gives a better taste to the final result. On the market today there are numerous coffee grinders with different characteristics and prices.
Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder has a large capacity of grinding- 8-1/2 ounces of beans at a time and measures 7-2/3 by 5-2/5 by 10-4/5 inches. There is nothing difficult with using it. It lets you adjust the grind to the specific blend of coffee and method of brewing having sixteen different settings, in the four categories of extra fine, fine, regular, and coarse. You also can set it to grind starting from 5 to 60 seconds so you can walk away without having to assist it and press a button to continue the grinding process.
It’s safe and it will not operate until you properly set it into its operation position. Maintenance is easy to take care of and all the instructions come in the users manual.
You can purchase it for $89.00 via Amazon.com and get a one-year limited warranty.
Pros:
First of all you are probably interested in its appearance and the way it holds on the counter. As you can see in its description, this grinder is not very large, and many of its users are happy with the small footprint is has. The design is perfect and it will suit your kitchen no matter what.
One of its best characteristics is that it is heavy enough and it will not walk around your counter, as many reviewers confirm.
The set up is easy and after reading the instructions in 5 minutes it will be good to go. Most persons who use it confirm that is very easy to use and it has all the adjustments and features to make your work easier. It is widely admitted that the grinding process brings out an even grind and of a high quality.
The numerous settings it has are highly appreciated by users as they can opt for various grind settings linked to the coffee they plan on making. Most of them actually state is fun doing it.
You will be impressed by its quiet and clean operation. Many persons also, that used other grinders say that even if it is not a very high priced machine it actually reaches the characteristics, (if not over overcome) of a $160 one, for example.
Finally, cleaning it will not be a problem even if some expected a little more from it.
Cons:
First thing that people say about this grinder is that they wished it had a higher capacity for the hopper. Regarding its look and appearance, no one complained about anything.
Regarding its functionality, there were different comments users made. One unpleasant aspect is that it starts grinding as soon as you start turning the timer knob, rather than when you release the knob and probably this will be annoying for you as you won’t know the precise amount of coffee with each grind.
There were a few persons mentioning that sometimes the storage bin creeps open during the grind- this aspect can become unpleasant indeed but you can avoid it by propping the pot against the bin, for example. Some even said that it happened that the receptacle tended to scoot forward a little while the machine was grinding.
Depending on you and what you are used to, you will probably notice a difference in sound: for some it seemed noisy, for some it was pretty quiet.
In time, there were a few reviewers that stated that the Capresso drawer broke. It is plastic, indeed, and if you jammed the drawer in crooked it will crack, but if you are careful and car about it, you will avoid it.
Finally, regarding maintenance, there were a few users that complained, as mentioned in the first part. Some consider it very hard to do and time-consuming. Some say this because they found pretty good amount of coffee underneath the container, some say that the brush is not helping at all and so on. This is up to you and what you are used to. Mentioning the brush, a few users suggest that it, along with the scoop should be somehow attached to the grinder in order not to lose it.
For the same price, $89.95 you can try the Bodum Bistro Electric Burr Coffee Grinder. This one has 14 grind settings compared to 16 of the others, it also looks great, and does a precise job of grinding at its various settings. This grinder is clean and tidy, and this is one of the biggest problem with grinders. The glass container has a rubber/plastic lid which keeps grounds under control. Its biggest downside is the fact that you can only use it for 20 seconds and have to let it rest for 5 minutes, in order to avoid overheating the motor. If this is not a deal breaker for you, this grinder can also be the perfect option.
Hamilton Beach 48465 Brewstation Summit Ultra
This Hamilton beach is a 12-cup programmable coffeemaker. It is a good option for using when many persons would like to enjoy fresh coffee at the same time. The difference between this one and regular coffee makers is that this one uses an insulated inner tank and no carafe.
It is user friendly as it features a dispensing bar for one-handed serving. Convenient enough it will keep your coffee warm due to its special setting. You can also use it for iced-coffees and it has small-batch brewing options. When finished it has an auto shut-off to ease your work and to keep you out of any incidents.
Measuring around 12 by 9 by 17 inches this Hamilton Beach coffeemaker has a digital display and a water-level indicator to increase its efficiency.
You can purchase Hamilton Beach 48465 Brewstation Summit Ultrafor $47.96 via Amazon.com.
Pros:
Its main advantage is the large capacity. Many coffee consumers appreciate the fact that you can brew this amount of coffee, and due to its other facilities it stays warm for many hours without any burnt taste- it has a 4-hour keep warm feature. This sometimes is the main reason people purchase this Hamilton.
Coming back to the first impression- when you first see it is impossible not to get impressed by its design and the no-carafe system it uses. This is another criteria people achieved it for.
Overall it makes good coffee and the fact that it can offer you iced coffee is a plus.
There are multiple settings for different cup amounts, different timer settings and the digital display makes it easy for you to double check your settings. Even more, some reviewers say that the display is bright and can double as a nightlight. All these features are easy to set up and nobody complained about having problems in this regard.
The machine is very fast and quietand when the brewing process is done, a little beep tells you that your coffee is ready. Some people appreciate this feature, but some don’t.
The final aspect reviewed is the maintenance: easy to clean- you only have to take the filter basket and the holder out, rinse them and let them dry. Also, as the producer says, it has dishwasher-safe parts, so for those of you who don’t have enough time, this might be the perfect option.
Cons:
The most unpleasant downside with this coffeemaker and stated by most reviewers is the spilling problem. The spout is too close to the back of the machine, thus coffee spills on the outside of the cup- once your cup is full, the reservoir will continue to drip and the bottom tray will be full after every batch. This is the most common negative aspect mentioned. Indeed it is very important to have a clean counter and not being forced to wash it everytime you brew a pot of coffee.
Also, another issue claimed by reviewers is related to its functionality: being too tall is very hard to fill the water tank and most of users need to drag it from its original place (if you plan on placing it under a cabinet, you will have to deal with this too). Some of them also complain about loading this machine as it gets pretty messy when removing the two compartments. Last thing here, when filling it, you need to pay attention not to over-fill it because if you do this, water can comes gushing out the back of the machine- as one reviewer stated.
As mentioning in the previous part, when the brewing process is done, it beeps- this tends to annoy some users- if you consider it won’t be pleasant for you either, try some other coffeemakers.
Finally, regarding maintenance there were a few complaints for the fact that it has too many nooks and crannies and cleaning can get difficult.
If the 48465 didn’t convince you, an improved version of it might do it: Hamilton Beach 47454 BrewStation Deluxe 12-Cup Coffeemaker sold for $87.95 via Amazon.com.
Many reviewers compared this improved coffeemaker with the previous one, the 48465. This one has a permanent Gold Tone filter and water filters included. Unlike the other product, this coffeemaker has no complaints mentioning spilling coffee or water and no difficulties of filling the reservoirs. One low mark gets the possibility of seeing the water level especially when using a dark cup.
Compared to other coffee makers, this machines iced-tea option offers you the possibility to set the warming plate to “0″ hours warming time, and you can follow the instructions for preparing your iced coffee.
Aerobie 80R08 AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
This coffee maker might seem a little strange to you at a first glance, but after you get used to its’ appearances, you will be 100% pleased with your purchase. Aerobie 80R08 AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker is a special coffee/espresso maker that uses total immersion and gentle pressure all these depending on you and your preferences.
Checking with the instruction you will see that it can offer you American style coffee and espresso shots to drink alike or in various combinations. This coffee maker is perfect for taking it wherever you go or to use it at home, especially if there is only one coffee drinker in the house. Featuring a micro filtered for grit free coffee, this coffee/espresso maker is almost 12 inches tall.
You can purchase this handy machine for $23.04 via Amazon.com.
Pros:
Besides its’ main advantages, light weight and portability, many reviewers who invested in this ‘strange’ coffee maker state various other positive characteristics.
First of all you need to know that Aerobie 80R08 is very easy to store, both when using it and when not in use. You can take it with you anywhere without being afraid of not damaging it. All users admit that it is very solid, unlike it seems at a first glance.
It is true, without a hot water making machine there is nothing you can do with it. You only need the hot water and the coffee and you can make your fresh cup of coffee as you wish. You only have to follow the instruction in order to obtain a rich, flavorful coffee. Everybody stated that the coffee comes out fresh and not burnt or bitter, tasty with no gunky residue in cup and most important for some- easy on the stomach.
One of its highly appreciated aspects is that it is very quiet, compared to other electric machines, especially when you have a little baby or when you need to wake up earlier than the rest of your family.
It is true you need to get used to the quantities and the temperatures to use, but once you do it, you will enjoy a fantastic smooth coffee. It will not have the rich crema like a traditional espresso, but you will definitely feel the flavor- this is what consumers confirmed.
You can reuse filters if you want, but they’re cheap and no one complained about spending too much on them. After usage, it is very easy to clean, simply rinse it and you’re good to go.
Finally, but quite important, you should take into consideration the fun factor- it can be really fun and fancy to use it with your friends around.
Of course you will discover on your own its advantages and positive aspects, but probably you are more interested in its downsides. Here are the most common ones, as reviewers state.
Cons:
The most unpleasant minus this machine has is that it uses more coffee that regular machines do. At least this is what most users say. The fact that is cheap may attract you very much, but consider the amount of coffee you will spend your money on. But, in case you are getting it only for camping, or for seldom usage, this can be your perfect option.
When starting to make your coffee, you need to pay attention to the water temperature, infusion time and grind size- this is another aspect that persons compare with regular coffee makers which are a lot less time consuming.
The process by itself is very simple, although some mention it requires a little more strengths in order to obtain a perfect cup of coffee. More than that, it will take a little while and practice to get it right: temperature, strength of pressing etc.
Another negative aspect that a few users mention is that it is made of plastic. Even so, it is not flimsy, but some don’t like using plastic for preparing their drinks.
As the producers also say, it is a good option for those looking for a single cup coffee maker. Some reviewers expected to have more than one cup of coffee when the process is done. That is why, we don’t advise you to get it in case you are looking for a coffee maker with a wide capacity. Even so, many people love the taste of the little coffee shot, that is why it is worth to give it a try. If you give it a second though, espresso makers are designed to make small amounts of coffee, and this is one of the reasons why Aerobie has such a small capacity.
While talking about espressos, there were a few reviewers that were completely disappointed by the product: they consider that Aerobie is not a espresso maker at all- it makes something similar to espresso, but espresso is an emulsion from hot water (around 195F) pressed through ground coffee at a pressure of 9 bar (around 135 psi)- pressure which you will never be able to generate.
Lastly, but not the least important aspect is related to security: a few users were concerned about their safety as they might knock over it and create accidents risks.
Cuisinart DCC-2600 Brew Central 14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker with Glass Carafe
Cuisinart DCC-2600 Brew Central 14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker with Glass Carafe is one of the most modern coffee makers around. It has a sleek design and uses a glass carafe having a large 14 cups capacity. The carafe has measuring marks up the side and uses a stay-cool handle.
Like most of high quality coffee makers out there, this one has a water level window and an adjustable heater plate with high, medium, and low temperature settings.
In the early morning you can have your Cuisinart wake you up with a fresh coffee, thanks to its 24 hour programming setting. It also has a brew-pause function which will prevent from mess for all of you hurrying for a fresh sip.
Other features include: a 1- to 4-cup setting, regular and bold flavor-strength setting, built-in 60-second memory in case the power goes out and a self-clean function. For more details check with the site.
You can purchase this Cuisinart coffeemaker via Amazon.com for $89.05 enjoying also a frees shipping to your door.
Pros:
Its biggest advantage is the size: this Cuisinart is one of the few coffeemakers on the market that can provide such capacity. Overall aspect seems to be perfect in customers opinion: high build quality and very sturdy compared to other makers.
Besides the fact that the design is perfect and will definitely suit any kitchen, you will find out that it is also really easy to use. You only have to load it and press the button and you are good to go. As talking about loading, many reviewers confirmed that the wide opening reservoir is one of the best they ever used. Coffee drinkers also appreciate the strength of a fresh cup of coffee, that is why many consumers are pleased with its coffee strength selector.
Many people appreciate the fact that it has the “stay-hot” feature, as there are multiple coffee drinkers who don’t drink it at the same time.
The programming features is also one of the most praised, as reviewers, like you too probably, like to wake up in the morning with a fresh cup of coffee ready for you. It is very easy to program it, but if you encounter difficulties, just check with the instructions.
The design of the carafe is also a plus- you will not have problems with pouring the coffee, less mess, more fun! When left on, the plate underneath the pot can have controlled temperature. This is a perfect setting for when multiple persons drink it at different hours.
It comes with a charcoal water filter plus a gold tone filter so you don’t have to get one separately. Maintenance is very easy. Price is considered to be OK taking into consideration the life period reviewers mentioned.
Cons:
Even if it doesn’t have major downsides, there are a few small aspects that affect the overall opinion related to this coffee maker. Here are the most common ones.
Regarding its appearance, there are four important negatives: a few reviewers state that the carafe lid is prone to leak on rare occasion and does not go on and off easily, the fit is tight; Also, you need to be careful not to put it into the dishwasher because the heat will alter its shape. Some consider the on/off toggle switch from the DCC-1200 a better choice. The power cord is too short in some users opinion, but this happens for all Cuisinarts; Last thing that people complained about is the clock- it would have been better if it had a backlit and if it would have been bigger.
Regarding its functionality, there were some buyers that complained about reservoirs’ size and position- that is why we recommend you to try it before purchasing it, if you have the possibility. Also, the fact that the coffee loading hopper does not swing out is considered inappropriate and disadvantaging.
Some users say that is quite unpleasant for them to double check if the carafe is in the right position- for all machines you have to make sure everything stays correctly in order to avoid incidents. Another downside mentioned is that the feature that stops the brewing the second you take off the pot is not instantly activated.
Finally, there were persons complaining about the brewing speed- which seems to be lower than of other machines they used; and the “ready” beeping being too low and hard to hear. This is, definitely, up to you and what you are used to.
Another Cuisinart coffeemaker is Cuisinart DTC-975 Programable Auto Brew 12-Cup Coffeemaker sold for $89.99 via Amazon.com. The only differences between the previous one and this one are the height and its capacity: 17 x 13 x 10 inches compared to 10.9 x 16.2 x 9.6 inches and 12-cup compared to 14 cups. The same downsides mentioned for the previous one, such as: slow brewing, small clock, easy fingerprinting, short power cord are stated for this machine too.
To avoid most of these problems carefully read the instructions and follow them strictly.
KitchenAid Gourmet Essentials Porcelain Teakettle
Making tea is considered by some, a true art. Whether fruity, green, white or black, in order to get the best taste for your tea, you have to heat-up the water at a certain temperature.
KitchenAid Gourmet Porcelain Teakettle is one of the most fancy and useful kettles out there. Featuring various colors from white to red, black or green, this teakettle can perfectly suit any kitchen décor.
This KitchenAid has a 2-quart capacity and even if it seems fragile, it will prove its strength in time. It has a triple-ply base for fast heating with an 8 inches diameter. It uses phenolic handles ‘stay cool’ even when the water is at the boil which are protected by a heat-resistant silicone padding. The whistling feature will conveniently let you know when water is at a boil.
Get this for $49.85 via Amazon.com and you will also benefit of a free shipping to your door.
Pros:
Even if many people purchase it for its appearance, this teakettle is really useful. At a first glance, many users admit they didn’t trust it as being solid nor durable. But they were wrong: it is not very heavy but not light at all.
Thanks to materials it is made of it heats up quickly even on medium gas stove heat. This is one of the most appreciated aspects by users.
Another plus this teakettle has is the large space between the handle and the pot: when in hurry we all know accidents can occur, but not with this wide space. It has an easy flip spout and all users confirm that it cleans easily both on the inside and outside.
The whistle feature is also valued by reviewers: it is loud enough to hear it from wherever you are in the house.
Last but not least important aspect is the price: considering it can be a design item and also functional, many users admit that the price is excellent.
Cons:
Most of the complaints this kettle got refer to the whistling function. Some users consider it too loud and annoying while some don’t even hear it. But the real reason for both cases is related to the amount of water and the way you seal it: if you fill-up the whole kettle you will have to wait longer for the whistle to be heard, and in the same time, if you don’t seal it properly you won’t hear none. That is why you have to double check it before it starts heating-up.
A few reviewers mentioned that even if the handle seems protected by the rubber padding, it can still get hot and risky. By the time water is boiled the handle will become hot too, the rubber grip doesn’t cover the entire handle so this could be an issue. Many of them suggested for the next model to use a full rubber handle.
Another person mentioned that he got tricked with its look: he thought that the device connected to the spout looks like it can be flipped and it can keep the spout open while you pour. But you have to know that you still have to hold it with your hand.
There were a few reviewers complaining about the rust. It is advised not to leave water in it and also not to keep it on the top-stove while cooking something else.
A few users stated problems with removing the lid, both to pop it off and to put it back on. Other singular cases mentioned dripping, leaking or spitting- this usually happens right after the water has come to a boil, many kettles do that, especially when being full. Also, some mentioned that it can be really difficult to get all the water out when you’re done- this, of course, depends on the amount of water you boiled.
Another fancy and still high quality kettle is Le Creuset Tea Kettle, 1.5 Qt. Halo sold for $54.95 on Amazon.com. In comparison to the previous one this one has a lower capacity, only 1-1/2-quart. The other difference is the material it is made of- enamel-coated steel. Other than this and the overall design it has, the Le Creuset has the same features: heat-resistance, “floating” handle for a secure grip, whistle for end-boil, removable round-shaped lid with stay-cool phenolic lid knob.
Hamilton Beach 40911 2-Quart Electric Iced Tea Maker
Making your own tea gives tea lovers a certain pleasure that only they understand it. That is why, having a tea maker of your own can become a bless.
Hamilton Beach 40911 is one of the best electric tea makers on the market today. Measuring around 17-1/2 x 11-1/2 x 4-1/2-inches, this tea maker has a special design and shape. It is very slim and uses a 2-quart pitcher that perfectly fits in refrigerator door. Very simple to use and it has various adjustments and features: brew-strength selector, you can use loose tea or bags, indicator light and self shut-off after the brewing is complete.
For more details you can check it on Amazon.com. It will cost you around $20.
Pros:
This article is based on customers reviews. You have to know that they state both positive and negative aspects even though you must be especially interested in its downsides.
First thing that pleased customers say is that this tea maker is very practical. The design is great and it has a great size, perfect for a family and easy to refrigerate.
The final product has the expected quality, as users admit: the tea is dark and vibrant as soon as dispensing starts and by the end you will have your dreamed tea, fresh and well flavored. It will be suitable for you even if you are used to prepare your tea using loose tea-there is a built-in mesh filter in the brew basket. If you use tea bags, you will have no problems with disposing them.
The fact that you can modify the strength of the tea is highly appreciated by most tea consumers. And no matter how strong or weak you want it, your pitcher will be full within 10 minutes maximum.
This Hamilton tea maker works smoothly and none of the users were complaining about its functionality in this concern.
All reviewers state it is very easy to clean: less messy (no paper filters needed) due to its improved design.
Last but not the least important aspect is the cost: when comparing it to the cost of a commercial-grade tea maker, this Hamilton is cost-effective, despite its finite lifespan.
Cons:
Regarding its look no one complained, but when it comes to storing it, a few persons mentioned that they had problems with fitting it in various spaces, due to its uncommon shape. Because the pitcher seems too long and narrow, many reviewers say that they always feel like it will tip over to the front when lifting it up.
Also some reviewers mentioned that they wished the pitcher was a little bigger or that the place where they put the teabags was a little larger. This last issue was justified with the fact that they needed to put the bags in front in order to get enough water through them and get a strong tea.
As talking about the flavor of the tea, there were a few users that consider the brewing process too short for a full flavor. There were complaints mentioning the necessity of a cover for the spout. Other than that nothing related to its functionality.
Cleaning is easy, they all admit it, but if it would have been dishwasher-safe it would have been even better. Plus, some of them say that the tea stains the plastic which in time can become really unpleasant. But in this case, you have to admit that it depends on the type and quality of the tea you drink.
Finally, many users advice you to wipe it down and keep it dry at all times, because if not, it will have rust problems.
If these characteristics don’t fully satisfy you, you can try Cook Pro 3-Quart Tea Kettlesold for $16.99 via Amazon.com.
This one, compared to the previous one can hold 3 quarts but, it is not electric and you can’t adjust the brew strength. Besides the good aspects the producer mention on the site (well pouring, no dripping, slightly warm handles etc.), it also has some downside, which of course, may not apply to your needs and preferences and it can be perfectly suitable for you.
Some persons say that it doesn’t really whistle, and you have to be careful opening up the pour spout because it will splash steam or spit water on you sometimes. 
On the other hand, some say that it is too loud and annoying. Well, this actually depends on how much water you use and how well you seal it up. Its best advantage is that is one of the largest sized tea maker on the market. This product also is appreciated for being easy to clean and nice looking.
If this type of tea maker doesn’t still please you can always try Revere Copper Bottom Teakettlesold for $29.99 on Amazon. This one’s big advantage is the amount of tea it can offer you- 3-1/2-quart teakettle for boiling water. The design is different but other than that it has the same characteristics like the previous one.
Aroma AWK-115S Hot H20 X-Press 1-1/2-Liter Cordless Water Kettle
Boiling water was never easier than with a kettle. We all know it is sometimes inconvenient to use the top stove just for getting hot water.
This Aroma AWK-115S kettle is one of the bestsellers in its category. It is an electric hot-water kettle heating up to 1-1/2 liters at cup-a-minute speed. The design is simple: measuring approximately 8 x 8 x 9 inches, it has a 360-degree swivel base for cordless pouring, a polished stainless-steel housing with a comfortable stay-cool handle and a non-drip spout.
Perfect for your kitchen it will quickly offer you hot water for your tea, instant coffee, oatmeal or instant soup. You don’t even have to stay next to it as it shuts off by itself when reaching a boiling point. You simply have to take it off the swivel without having a cable getting in your way. Other features include a water-level indicator, a flip-back lid for convenient filling or cleaning, and a removable spout filter to ensure the purest results.
You can purchase this item via Amazon.com for $29.96 and get a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros:
Even from the first glance you will fall in love with this kettle: the design is chic, fancy and very attractive.
Smaller size makes it easy to fill at low sinks which is one of the most unpleasant issue for other kettles.
Its highly appreciated characteristic is the fast heating process. And this is liked to other important characteristics, as reviewers mention. This Aroma kettle is very easy to use, fact that makes it well worth it. When the water reaches the needed temperature it turns off automatically- aspect that is highly appreciated by many reviewers as they can do various other things in between. The water in the pot in boiled in less than five minutes and when lifting it the base unit can remain plugged in. It will not affect you!
A very important thing is that, as customers say, the fact the boiled water has no strange taste, due to the stainless steel interior.
It is very light weight, and even if this may seem a downside you will admit that it is not flimsy at all. It can also be returned to its power source from any direction which makes it great for right- and left-handed users.
For your convenience it has a useful water level window in order for you to know exactly the quantity you will boil.
You will probably say that due to its “chrome” appearance, it will spot when drying. But none of the reviewers mentioned such thing.
In fact, it is very easy to clean and dry as on the inside it has smooth contours and the outside only needs a rinse.
Finally but definitely not the less important aspect is the price- convenient price compared to similarly-rated electric kettles.
Cons:
The most inconvenient aspect, as most of its users mentioned is the fact that being stainless steel on the exterior, you have to be very careful and keep it out of reach of children. Even if the water is not boiled the outer part is still hot, that is why you have to beware of accidents.
Some users consider the design inappropriate and not quite user friendly. Why? Because of various reasons. The most common ones were related to the opening which in some cases is thought to be too small for filling with water or cleaning; the hinged lid has a tendency to shut during filling which can be very unpleasant. The electric switch under the handle is not very well positioned as some users often feel like they could easily snap it off. Another issue, still related to its design focuses the water level indicator build into handle which can be very hard to see.
When talking about the inside, you need to know that there is a small plastic ring that comes in contact with the water, so, if you are very sensitive and you get easily annoyed by light plastic smells, this kettle is not for you.
Another difficult to see (use) features is the on/off indicator light which many reviewers admit is not the best quality.
Regarding its functionality, there were also a few downsides. It seems to be very loud and noisy- this is what majority says. Also, if we’re talking about noise, it will be OK to mention that a few users claim the fact that it makes a very soft noise when the pot is “ready”, and not hearing it well leads to a second heating of the water.
A few users mention that there is a good amount of steam escaping from around the lid which can sometimes cause injuries. There was also a singular case where the kettle had small leakage- that is why you need to check twice the returning policy.
Its overall appearance, seems for some, very flimsy and not long-lasting. Some consider it not heavy enough, some think that it is cheaply made. In addition to this, the electric cord is considered to be too short which can be a source of incidents if you link it to the fact that it is very light weight- it can be dragged of with no effort, especially by kids.
A little more expensive kettle, $32.94, is Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Stainless Steel Electric Kettle. This one has almost the same advantages like the previous one: it boils water very fast and is very easy to operate; it turns off by itself and you don’t need to unplug it when you’re done. Doesn’t take up a lot of space, it is easy to fill up and pours fine and clean. The price is still affordable and compared to the previous one it has the advantage of easy reading the water level indicator, positioned on the side and not “under” the handle.
But, positioned “under” the handle is the lid. So, if it is open, the hot steam can come out and burn your hands. And still related to this aspect: you can’t place it underneath a canet due to amount of steam expended.
Overall, it looks good, easy to use and clean. And if care is taken it can be really safe.
Another Hamilton but this time a very expensive one, is Hamilton Beach 40898 Cool-Touch Cordless 8 Cup Electric Kettle, sold for $45.85 on Amazon.com.
Unlike the first one, even if it as all stainless steel, there is no exposed heating element. The interior has no plastic, only the lid is plastic but it doesn’t come into contact with the water.
If you considered the handle on top, of the previous one hard to use, this Hamilton has a side handle which makes it easier to pour. It features a wide mouth making it easy to fill it up and a lid that pivots in the middle. Its only downside is clearly explained by the producer: it has no water level indicator as it should have been made of plastic.
Other than that, it has the same positive characteristics of the previous ones.
Cuisinart DCC-1200 12-Cup Brew Central Coffeemaker
Nowadays many of us are addicted to coffee, one way or another. Some prefer making it on their own, some drink it when going out. Having a coffee maker at home is still a good thing.
Cuisinart DCC-1200 is one of the highly rated coffee makers today. This retro-styled, brushed stainless-steel finished coffeemaker brews 12 5-ounce cups at a time. It also has the facility of 1-to-4- or 5-to-12-cup brewing options to provide maximum flavor, a programmable shut-off and a 24-hour clock/timer for wake-up coffee (using its LCD Digital Clock). Whenever you want there is an option of brew-pause although the producer recommends not to use it in order to have the best taste for your coffee.
The reservoir has its own cover for your convenience and easy filling. Inside, it features a water filter for making sure your coffee is pure and bad-tastes free. The easy pour, no drip glass carafe has an ergonomic handle and is placed on a heating plate for controlling the temperature of your coffee.
Finally, it has a smart clean setting which tells you when it’s time to clean your coffeemaker. It measures 14-1/4 x 8 x 10-3/4 inches. You can purchase this Cuisinart for $65.97 via Amazon.com and get a 3-year warranty against defects.
Pros:
Of course there are good aspects mentioned by the producer, which probably you don’t trust until you actually hear users confirming it. When talking about this coffee maker, you need to know that most of the characteristics listed by the producer are actually confirmed by the reviewers.
Regarding its appearances first: many reviewers mention, among with other good aspects, the fact that this Cuisinart is solid and sturdy and all its components are in perfect shape and size. The whole thing is heavy and stable: the carafe is well constructed and fits perfect and securely in the square body so there is no risk of accidents knocking it. The handle is user friendly and it also has a lid that fits perfectly, for your safety and easy and narrow pouring. Overall, its retro/stainless look complements most modern kitchen décors.
When talking about its functionality, most reviewers confirmed that is very easy to use. It is very easy to fill up and the basket fits precisely inside the housing instead of swinging free like in other cases. It uses a conical basket which accepts both paper filters and gold-tone, although some persons mentioned that they tried some gold ones that didn’t work.
To start a brewing process was never easier.You will not encounter difficulties with setting up the timer. The brewing is quick and efficient, with the process taking around one minute for a cup. When the brewing process is done, you will find the beep very useful as it warns you that your fresh coffee is ready: you will hear five short beeps. With all its facilities, e.g. the 1-4 cup setting to make sure such small amounts stay hot, the carafe warmer which can be set at low, medium, or high for the temperature is highly appreciated by users no matter the quantity of coffee brewed; you can also select how long you want the warmer to remain on.
Last but not least important is the maintenance. Unlike other coffee makers with the same price tag, the Cuisinart DCC-1200 has a cleaning system specially design for your safe and convenience.
Cons:
The most unpleasant issues mentioned by most reviewers are related to its appearance and less regarding its functionality. The most stringent one is its size: you will need quite a lot clearance in order to use the Cuisinart easily- 7.5″ wide by 8.5″ deep of counter space with no overhead obstruction to pull out for filling. In case you have enough space it requires about 21.5″ of overhead space to fully lift the top. Without the top open, the coffee maker measures 7.5″w x 8.5″d x 14.25″h. So, if you don’t have this space, don’t purchase it because it will be very challenging to use it.
A few reviewers mentioned that they didn’t like the fact that the water reservoir is located on the right side, in the back, aspect that makes it difficult to use for lefties- to dump the final bit of water inside. There is a solution for this, but unpleasant to do it every time you fill the reservoir- drag it closer to you.
Regarding its functionality and the final result- your freshly brewed coffee- there were a few customers unsatisfied. A few of them complained about the brewing temperature of the coffee, 175F instead of 185 to 195F- which is the perfect temperature for brewing coffee. For some it seems that coffee Cuisinart brews is not hot enough.
Besides the temperature, people complain that it requires fairly wide amount of coffee, compared to other coffeemakers. Even though, the coffee it brings up is not as strong as some expected- it is not even adjustable in strength like for other machines. Some complain about its overall taste and blame it on the plastic parts inside. This aspect depends on you and how sensitive you are to various tastes. If you have the possibility, check it and try the taste of a cup of coffee brewed with it.
Three last aspects related to its functionality are: the water indicator, which is not visible from outside- it is considered rather useless. So, if you are interested in a coffeemaker very precise in quantities, you must give it a second thought. The second one is the clock which could really use a backlight- it is inefficient and sometimes hard to read, as a few reviewers state. The last one regards the lid which in some cases seems to be very hard to take off. So, beware, if you have the possibility, try it first!
A few users don’t appreciate the end-of-brewing beeping, but you can find it convenient and it’s only five beeps after all.
Clean up is easy, you just have to follow the instructions.
Another Cuisinart, still high quality and of course, a little more pricey, is the Cuisinart DTC-975 Programable Auto Brew 12-Cup Coffeemakers sold for $82.49 on Amazon.com.
Check with the product descriptions on the site, but besides those you are probably interested in its downside rather that the positive aspects.
It has many positive sides, compared to the previous one: the carafe is thermal and you can keep the same temperature for your coffee even having it next to you- some even state that even after 12 hours the coffee still tastes perfect, it doesn’t have so much plastic on the inside, the water indicator level can be easily seen and many others.
But, you must know that a few users complained about the duration of a brewing process- it can take 15-20 minutes to brew a full pot, and also about its strength. This is the most unpleasant downside, but there were other complaints too, such as: the size which is actually a little wider than the DCC-1200, the power cord being too short, the lack of a filter basket and of course, the final beeping which some find annoying.
DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker
The DeLonghi Espresso Maker follows the process of traditional Italian espresso. The pump-driven machine uses a patented dual-function filter holder for ground espresso mixing air into the brewing process to produce a perfect cream. which is the essence of an authentic espresso. In addition to it, DeLonghi EC155 also accommodates E.S.E pods. This great Espresso machine provides a swivel jet frother for making cappuccino, latte or any other frothy milk beverages.
The 35 ounce capacity (up to 8 cups, depending on their size) removable water is designed for an easy usage and fast refill. With two thermostats for controlling water and steam pressure, offers you the appropriate temperature for your espresso or cappuccino.
There are some other features that make this Espresso machine a convenient investment. Even if it does not have a built-in grinder the brewing process is not annoying at all and does not take a lot of time. It has a ON/OFF button with an indicator light and it cleans easily due to the removable drip tray. The stainless steel boiler is made of durable, high quality stainless steel and the warranty of the item reaches one year.
Usually is a black machine and measures 7-1/2 by 9-1/2 by 11-1/8 inches. You can get it for $78.74 on Amazon.com and you can also enjoy a free on time shipping.
Pros:
One of the most important things about this stunning espresso maker is that it is actually made in Italy and that is why, most of the people who have basic knowledge regarding espresso and coffee in general, would rather prefer an item that has a higher probability to match the original ones.
This machine feels solid.The aspect and size first of all, are a plus- it does not take a lot of space having such a small footprint and the color can suit any kitchen furniture; it’s silver metal accents look pretty nice, also- the top is stainless steel and is wonderful for warming your cups.
The water recipient is perfect, not too big, not too small and it does not need refills very often and there is a clear section behind the basket which shows the water level. Besides this it does not take a long time to warm up and is easy to handle- few people claimed technical problems on it.
The frothing wand works good enough for providing you a tasty drinks. The tamping need to reach a certain pressure, if so you will be offered a nice and creamy espresso. Regarding the cream- it is thick and golden brown just as it should be. You can also use E.S.E. pods which will definitely save some time.
Finally, the cleaning and maintenance process is easy to take care of- filter, water container and the removable trays don’t require laborious cleanup.
Cons:
For the espresso lovers everything matters: the aspect, thickness, smell and of course taste. It is very hard to satisfy all the needs with such price. For an item in its category, it seems pretty good.
But still, there are a few complains regarding a few technical aspects.
Some people consider that the frother is not the best feature on this machine, its short wand limits how much milk you can froth at a time but this can be avoided by using smaller and fitted cups/recipients.
Another issue seems to be its construction- there is a too little space between the area where the cup sits and the output nozzle. Also the steam wand could be longer in some people opinion.
As it has no cup warmer, there is another problem concerning the temperature of the drink which is not always perfect for all the users.
Eventually, a few people state that it requires cleanup too often, but this requirement is for your own benefit- a clean espresso maker will offer you a tastier drink.
These are the most important aspects you should know before achieving this machine. Keep in mind that it is not a professional item, is for home usage and within this price range you seldom can find something better. The deals on Amazon.com actually can save you some extra money with a pretty good product.
Mr. Coffee ECM160 4-Cup Steam Espresso Machine
Mr. Coffee ECM160 4-Cup Steam Espresso Machine is one of the cheapest espresso makers on the market. At a first glance you will most probably not even think of purchasing it, but if you thing forward just make a short estimation of how many dollars you pay on your regular off-house coffee per month. After that, sum up the average of $37 dollar for this item, plus some other accessories and the coffee bag and make the difference.
Mr. Coffee is a quite small espresso machine, only 8 by 6-1/2 by 10-1/2 inches. Being so small it brews 1 to 4 cups (20 ounces) of delicious espresso, cappuccino, or latte at a time, and its simple controls make it easy to use. The included coffee pod is marked with helpful icons up the side and has a generous stay-cool handle and a drip-free spout for graceful pouring.
Even if it seems so small and fragile this machine comes equipped with a removable frothing aid and a milk frother for your creamy cappuccinos. It also includes a cup warmer up top, a removable drip tray and a cord storage underneath for keeping excess cord stored out of sight. As an accessory a handy measuring scoop comes included.
It has an ON/OFF light to ensure you its functionality.
Pros:
First of all you need to know that this machines is not a high-class or deluxe item. It is just an useful gadget for small rooms and is not made to last forever.
It is very easy to put together and that is why it can be a good choice for a portable coffee maker.
It is very easy to operate as it does not have many features. The water heats up and filters through fast and it doesn’t take a very long time to warm up before brewing the coffee part.
Separate steam/brew mechanism is very nice compared to some of the cheaper machines.
Overall, this Mr. Coffee item is quite nicely designed, small, simple and easy to use. It is affordable and that is the main reason why it is not very fancy. It fits in any small spaces and more, you can even hold few things on top of it.
Regarding the maintenance, all parts are removable which makes it really easy to clean-up.
Cons:
As mentioned before, you have to keep in mind that this product is designed and sold as a lower quality product- think of the price- that is why you need to limit your expectancies.
The negative aspects mainly stated by the users are the fact that the wand is immobile and that the machine wouldn’t steam properly. More, you can’t steam an brew coffee at the same time.
Some people consider an issue the lack of an appropriate tamper- which is understandable; also the lack of frothing jug, but both of them can be easily rectified by buying your own. Besides this, some people require a water level indicator- indeed that might have helped.
Finally, a technical problem, the power cord seems to be inappropriate for a small espresso machine.
Another Mr. Coffee espresso machine is Mr. Coffee ECM250 4-Cup Espresso/Cappuccino Maker and even if it sells at almost the same price, $39.99, its reviews say that is not even as good as the first one having multiple leaks, being considerably slower and more, putting a risk on users safety- shooting steam out of the top or splashing the user.
First of all when you thing of purchasing an item like this you need to think about the budget you have, the functional requirements and the durability wanted. This espresso maker, Mr. Coffee ECM160 4-Cup Steam Espresso Machine, is not a high class item and that is why the price is lower than for others. Even so, considering the price/utility ratio we would say it is a good investment and you can recover your expense faster than you thought.
Keurig B-70 Platinum Single-Cup Home Brewing System
This is one of the best home brewing systems on the market today. This machine is perfect for both everyday use and for entertaining, its 1500-watt countertop appliance brews one fresh cup of gourmet coffee, tea, or hot cocoa at a time. For this, you can use K-Cups, which offer over 200 varieties of pre-measured gourmet coffee, tea, and cocoa from a wide range of premium brands.
The backlit LCD display offers you the information you need for a proper usage. It offers five brew-size options including a 3-1/4-ounce iced beverage, small 5-1/4-ounce cup, 7-1/4-ounce small mug, 9-1/4-ounce large mug, and an 11-1/4-ounce travel mug. It also has an adjustable brew temperature which can be easily controlled- temperature from 187 degrees F to a hotter 192 degrees F. More, it has a digital clock which will help you program your coffee maker to turn on at a pre-determined time, this way avoiding the extra minutes of waiting for it to heat up; it can also be set to turn off automatically from one to nine hours later for energy-saving convenience. It also includes a blue-lit removable 60-ounce water container (for up to 10 cups).
When the machine states ‘ready to brew’, you just need to open the lid, insert a K-Cup, close the lid, set your preferences and push the button. It will take approximately 4-minutes for the water to be heated and after that you will have your fresh cup of coffee.
This machine is easy to clean due to the removable drip tray.
You can get this home brewing system from Amazon.com at $166.49 and will benefit of free shipping an 1 year limited warranty.
Pros:
Many users consider this the best item on the market, regarding the quality of the coffee (taste, smell and aspect) and that is why it is still one of the bestselling coffee machines.
Firstly used, this machine will not take more than 15 minutes to setup.
The first and probably most important thins about a coffee maker is the speed it operates. This machine goes from cold to “ready to brew” in about 3 minutes. Once it starts to brew, the cup of coffee is ready in less than a minute, with about 15 seconds to load more water for another shot.
The useful aspect of it is that it offers you the possibility to customize drinks, since one guest might prefer regular while another decaf or hot tea. Some might think is suitable for the office too, it only depends on your necessities.
Keurig B-70 B70 is very easy to use and it is a clean machine due to its features. You can go for various K-cups, you can adjust the capacity of your coffe, the temperature also can suit your need very easy, the water container is as big as it has to be and it doesn’t need frequent refills. You can even use it to obtain plain hot water for oatmeal, for example. It also provides the Reusable Coffee Filter option as you don’t want to use the K-cups.
A beautiful option is stated to be the automatically ON/OFF option- is specially designed for waking you up with having your machine ready to brew. Also, there is a ‘turn-off-after-a-set-amount-of-time’ option, which is helpful in saving energy.
Overall, users consider this machine sturdy, easy to use and not least beautiful.
Cons:
The good aspects of this coffee machine are not generally approved by all users. For some, it needs some more improvement or, in other cases, even replacement. The most common complains, though, concern the noise and the vibration it puts off. It is a powerful machine and being so fast is understandable to make some noise.
Another issue seems to be the fact that after a while of constant usage it may have some technical problems: the water is not pumping at all, from the water container. If it happens to occur your provider will definitely exchange it with a functional one.
The other complains are not really related to its functionality: most people state that for this price $166.49 on Amazon.com it should have the K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter included. Regarding the price, most of the customers consider that it is a little too high for a home unit.
Taking into consideration this final negative aspect, there is another option for you to choose, Keurig Signature B60 Bundle, which is $175.94 on Amazon.com and besides the most of the features the earliest version has, the package includes the My K-Cup reusable coffee filter and 60 K-cups of various coffees. Finally, it is you who decides what better and more affordable to you.
How to differentiate organic from regular coffee
The production of organic food is strictly regulated at a worldwide level. Even if some nations allow certain chemicals to be used in farming, producers are required to obtain special certification in order to sell their products as “organic”.
This state is available when talking about coffee too. In the last few years the demand for organic coffee increased substantially. A reason for this might be population’s awareness regarding the organic product’s benefits, on them and also for the environment.
A thing many people don’t know is how to differentiate the organic products from the regular ones, when seeing the packaging or the product itself. While this article is about coffee, here are some tips for distinguish the two products:
- When you want to purchase organic coffee, check the label. Starting with 2002 all the products that are sold on the market and are at least 95% organic, must have a USDA seal which proves their authenticity. If it doesn’t have the seal, you should have second thoughts about purchasing it.
- If you want to purchase coffee that is not packed and still is called “organic”, smell it. Specialists say that organic coffee has a more intense smell. The aroma is stated to be relaxing and sleep inducing. Organic coffee has these specific characteristics due to the clean farming and special care. So, before paying for it, take a deep breath and analyze: do you feel something special
- It happens the same when tasting it! When you have a change run a simple test: drink from two cups of coffee- one organic and the other non-organic- you will see that the taste is different! The organic coffee has a softer taste and a specific aroma that regular coffee doesn’t have.
A thing you need to keep in mind: don’t get misled by the price! Usually people think that organic farming is more costly comparing to the regular one. It is true, organic products, generally speaking, have higher prices, but you can also see on the market non-organic coffee that can be pricier than the environment friendly one. This happens with the high rated brands, they have the reputation and even if it is not organic coffee you pay extra actually, just for the name.
Of course, these are just a few tips, the easiest way to get organic coffee is to ask the provider which one is the healthy one.
Organic coffee farming
Today, more and more people become aware of the negative effects an inappropriate alimentation has on human body. And by inappropriate you have to understand healthy and with as low as possible chemical ingredients. Thus, organic food is one of the priorities when it comes to improving the quality of alimentation. As well for the drinks, natural juices and organic drinks are the most valuable drinks on the market now.
Organic coffee is one of them. But you have to know, that growing organic coffee implies a lot more details than you might know. The organic farmers have to obtain different certificates from different levels: shade-grown, organic and fair trade. Thus, in order to be sold on the market as “organic” the coffee has to meet certain standards imposed by the national regulations.
Organic coffee is produced in various countries, famous in coffee production, such as: Ethiopia or Peru and Mexico- which are the most important ones. Organic coffee production attends the organic farming standards. There are various techniques for organic farming, but the basic idea is that farmers are not allowed to use chemicals or any kind of pesticides in order to keep their production healthy and clean of non-organic substances. The final result is a coffee bean that has all the vitamins, nutrients and minerals the human body needs. And of course, these organic practices keep the environment healthy and don’t harm it at all.
Though, organic coffee farming is not as large as it should be. The certified producers for organic coffee are not so many. This is because when starting a business in this domain is very costly, the first investment (certification, land, maintenance-up to the first production); it is not more costly then starting a business with a regular coffee farming- in this case you have to pay and purchase the pesticides and the fertilizers- which in the organic farming are not allowed. The thing is that usually you yield smaller crops and you make less money comparing to the surface of the farm. The profit you get in time is not worth it, up to a certain point because the range of population that prefers organic coffee over the regular one, is not as high as it has to be, yet!
But, let’s hope that in the future there will be more people who would rather choose organic coffee instead of the regular one.
Frequently asked questions about organic coffee
Many of us are now interested in purchasing organic products instead of the regular ones we were used to. This is because population, generally speaking, is more aware of the benefits organic product’s have on their health and as well, on the environment. Being a relatively new product on the market, some people are not fully convinced about their benefits or even more- they don’t actually understand the differences between the regular coffee and the organic one. The most frequently asked questions regarding organic coffee are:
Where is it produced?
You have to know that coffee was first produced in 15th century, in Ethiopia. Today, this country is one of the most famous producers of organic coffee. Together with it are the South American countries, Peru and Mexico. Almost 75% of the worldwide organic coffee production comes from Latin America.
Why is it called organic?
It is called organic coffee because of one main reason: this coffee is environmental friendly, meaning its production does not harm the environment at all, comparing to the regular farming which uses fertilizers and pesticides that in time, affect the soil making it lose its natural components.
What does it take to get an “organic” label?
Producers who use organic farming methods are not allowed to use dangerous chemicals or fertilizers for protection or enhancing their crops. They are growing coffee in the shade- like at the beginnings in Ethiopia. Besides this, they have to obtain a specific certification. In order to receive it, the law imposes three main requirements: it should be grown on land without synthetic pesticides or other prohibited substances for 3 years, sufficient buffer should exists between the organic coffee and the closest traditional crop and it must accomplish sustainable crop rotation plan to prevent erosion, the depletion of soil nutrients, and control for pests.
What is the difference between organic and regular coffee?
The easiest way to find out what is the difference between them is to smell it. Organic coffee’s aroma is more intense. Also, the organic products must have a USDA seal. Sometimes, it can even be pricier than the traditional coffee.
Why to pay extra for organic coffee?
The most important reason should be the overall benefits: on you, on the environment and the birds also. Even is it is said that during the roasting process the chemicals are burnt, why to risk? After all, the difference in price is not very big.
Positive aspects of organic coffee
Most of us drink coffee every day. Some of us can not even wake up without a coffee. This is not a bad thing because coffee has a various benefits on the human body.
In the last few years, a new product draw the attention of population which is more and more concerned about their health: organic coffee. People are becoming health conscious and that is why they prefer the organic products and they are willing to pay more for them. While being an organic product, many people believe that it is healthier than the regular one and it is worth consuming this one, instead of the traditional one.
This article will strengthen this believes and it aims to determine more people to switch to the organic coffee.
1. Organic coffee is natural. It is not genetically altered and has no modifications. We don’t know for sure the effects a GMO can have over the human body.
2. Organic farming is not using pesticides, it uses shade-farming and they are also called “bird-friendly”- this is because they use birds in order to protect the plants from insects. The pesticides used in the traditional farming, enter the soil and the water and it can easily be taken up by the plants too. Even if it doesn’t reach the soil, through the leaves, the insecticides can also enter the plants. So, in the end you will ingest that insecticide, right?
3. The fertilizers used for enhancing the production can enter the plants too. We all know that the specialists link cancers and other serious diseases to the toxic ingredients foods and drinks have. So, if you have the possibility of avoiding them, why not try to do it?
4. The naturally decaffeinated coffee is the best for people who don’t tolerate caffeine or who have certain restrictions. Caffeine is known for increasing the blood pressure and can even cause heart palpitations, in this case is better to choose the decaf one.
5. Everybody knows that coffee has various benefits on the human body: decreases risk of diseases like Alzheimer or Parkinson, gout or heart and liver diseases. So, being all natural increases the chances you have for overall benefits.
Our lives are stressed out enough, we have such bad customs and seldom think about the side effects of all we do; wouldn’t it be better at least to try and protect our health as much as we can, if we have this chance?