When you are sipping on your usual morning coffee, chances are you are not thinking about the potential chemicals and synthetic substances that have been used to create the coffee beans you’re consuming. While most of us are aware of the widespread use of synthetic fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides for food farming, conventional coffee actually remains one of the most chemically treated foods in the world.
In recent years there has been a surge in demand for organic fruits and vegetables due to several health, social and environmental reasons – and the case for organic coffee is just as solid, if not more so.
Just like other organic agri-food crops, organic coffee is grown free from synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. The coffee beans have not been genetically modified (no GMOs) and are free from other potentially harmful chemicals. In general, all organic food tends to have higher standards and qualifications to meet to be certified, ensuring they are safer for human consumption.
But in order to be labelled as organic, at least 95% of the beans must have been grown organically. As the coffee beans are grown without using these synthetic substances, this tends to have a positive impact on the coffee farm and the surrounding ecosystem. Without using any potentially harmful chemicals, farmers must use more sustainable practices to grow coffee. These practices have been proven to significantly increase nutrients in the soil create cleaner water and air, helping preserve the local ecosystem. In turn, this helps combat deforestation and reduce carbon dioxide levels. Organic coffee beans are safer for the coffee farmers, too, as they do not come into contact with toxic chemicals and contribute to a better work environment. What’s more, because the coffee beans are grown and then processed in a more natural way, the beans themselves are healthier to consume. Organic coffee beans are richer in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants because they have not been treated with toxins. Many people can even taste a difference when consuming organic coffee and claim it has a better taste due to the soil it’s grown in—planting organic coffee trees in chemical-free, nutrient-rich soil results in the purest flavour profile, ensuring the best coffee.
So why not make the switch to organic coffee today and see if you can taste the difference?