Author: TJ

TJ is the Marketing Director for Camano Island Coffee Roasters. TJ is a wannabe coffee snob, who enjoys writing and photographing coffee, reading books, watching movies with his wife, and hiking with his dogs.
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Little Known Facts About Coffee Strength vs. Coffee Roast

Little Known Facts About Coffee Strength vs. Coffee Roast

Most people confuse coffee strength with coffee roast. A dark roast means increased coffee strength, right? Nope. Think you know the difference between coffee. If you think you know all there is to know about coffee strength versus coffee roast, you may want to check out some little-known facts about coffee strength vs. roast.

1. A Light Coffee Roast Has More Caffeine.

That’s right! Light roast coffee has more caffeine. It’s not a typo. Most people think the lighter color and flavor means less caffeine, but that’s not the case. The longer a coffee is roasted to create a rich, robust flavor, the less caffeine it maintains. When coffee is dark roasted, the bean cracks twice, leaving it lighter and less dense. Light roasted coffee beans maintain more density and naturally occurring caffeine.

2. A Light Coffee Roast is More Complex.

When coffee beans are roasted at a lower temperature for a shorter time, the coffee keeps more acidity and intense flavor that represents its country of origin. On the other hand, a darker roasted coffee boasts the roast profile rather than the true flavor of the bean. A dark roast coffee’s flavor is indicative of the roaster’s ability to create a sweet, decadent taste with a less complex flavor profile.

3. Strong Coffee is Created During Brewing Not During The Coffee Roast.

Contrary to popular belief, coffee strength is determined by the ratio of coffee grinds to water during the brewing process, NOT during the roasting of the coffee. The person behind the coffee pot has the final say in whether the coffee will be strong or weak. It has absolutely nothing to do with the roasting of the coffee beans. Just because a dark roasted coffee may taste bitter, doesn’t mean it’s stronger.

4. Espresso Isn’t a Coffee Roast or Variety of Coffee Bean.

Everyone knows espresso is coffee’s strong cousin, but it has nothing to do with the roast or the bean itself. Espresso gets its strength from the brewing process. Some coffee beans are ground finely to be used in the preparation of espresso, which is created using a high-pressure brewing method with finely ground coffee beans. It can be brewed with light, medium or dark roasted coffee. Any roast can create a delicious cup of espresso when made right. It all boils down to personal preference and has nothing to do with the roast of the coffee.

5. Bold Coffee is Different Than A Dark Coffee Roast.

If your favorite coffee shop sells ‘bold’ coffee, it’s not necessarily made with dark roasted coffee beans. The boldness depends on how the coffee is brewed. For a bold cup of coffee, you’ll need a higher coffee to water ratio when brewing. It’s as simple as that. A bold cup of coffee can be made with light, medium or dark roasted coffee. What makes it bold is the fact that there’s more coffee jammed into that one cup, giving it more caffeine and a stronger flavor.

6. Roasting Shade Grown Coffee Creates Less Acidity

At Camano Island Coffee, we ensure you’re getting the best gourmet coffee online, whether it’s light or dark roasted. We always use the highest quality USDA Certified Organic green coffee beans. The coffee we sell is grown without the use of harmful pesticide, which is healthier for you, the environment and the families that live around the coffee farms.

Growing coffee trees in the shade naturally makes the coffee beans lower in acid. Believe it or not, shade grown coffee contains half the amount of caffeine than regular coffee! So, if you’re looking to buy the best coffee online, you’ve come to the right place. From the Earth to your cup, you can feel good knowing that we’re making a difference in the world with our ethical practices. Each package of Organic Fairly Traded Coffee you purchase from us is organically grown and roasted to perfection for your satisfaction.

BONUS: The Secret To Brewing The Perfect Cup Every time.

So, what’s the secret to brewing the perfect cup every time?
There is not one simple answer but instead a formula.

Personal preference is the key.

  • If you like your coffee weaker follow this ratio: 3 Tablespoons per 10oz of water
  • If you like your coffee medium strength follow this ratio: 4 Tablespoons per 10oz of water
  • If you like your coffee strong follow this ratio: 5 Tablespoons per 10oz of water
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The Art of Roasting Coffee and Why It Matters

The Art of Roasting Coffee and Why it Matters

Taking raw green coffee beans and turning them into delectable roasted coffee is truly an art form. Different roasting techniques can have a big impact on your daily cup of Joe. The difference between mediocre coffee and amazing, knock-your-socks-off coffee comes from the quality of the bean used AND the roasting technique. At Camano Island Coffee, we treasure our coffee beans and use masterful roasting techniques we use to bring out the best in every bean.

What is a Coffee Bean?

Coffee beans start out as the pit of a cherry-type fruit. Once the pits (or beans) are removed, they’re dried before being exported. The milled pits are considered green coffee beans. Once the green coffee is exported, it’s ready to be roasted. Some people believe roasting is the most important step in coffee production.

The Roasting Process

The roasting process involves more than you might think. It can take years of training and practice to become an expert coffee roaster. At Camano Coffee, we use the highest quality organic fair-trade coffee. We also use precise roasting techniques to bring out the very best in every coffee bean. Coffee roasting machines are used to heat the green coffee beans between 370 and 540 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re heated anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour. The time and temperature determine the level of roast from light to dark.

Roast Levels

Most coffee drinkers have a preference when it comes to roast level. Whether you’re seeking a light or dark roasted coffee, most people have a favorite. So, what’s in a roast? Let’s discover what each roast level means for flavor, body and caffeine.

Many coffee drinkers assume dark roasted coffee has higher caffeine content, but it’s not true. Believe it or not, light roasted coffee is slightly higher in caffeine. It all boils down to the roasting techniques, which develop the different flavor profiles and caffeine levels of the coffee.

Light Roast

Light roasted coffee beans are light brown. They also display a lighter, more acidic flavor. Since the coffee from Camano Island Coffee Roasters is from trees grown in the shade, our light roasted coffee will exhibit less acidity than other brands. To obtain a light roast, the bean is heated until the “first crack” at about 375 – 400 degrees Fahrenheit. These beans do not have a shiny or oily appearance, which is developed when a bean is roasted longer releasing the oils. A lightly roasted bean will also offer more origin flavors, which come from the soil, weather conditions and other crops grown around the coffee plants.

Medium Roast

When compared to light roasted coffee beans, medium roasted coffee is slightly darker in appearance. The beans also exhibit a sweeter, more balanced flavor and less acidity. The caffeine level is slightly less than light roasted but higher than the dark roasted variety. This bean is created at temperatures between 410-430 degrees Fahrenheit, between the first and “second crack.” Some of the oils are released, but not enough to give the bean a shiny appearance.

Dark Roast

This level of roasting will give the coffee bean a shiny, oily appearance with a less acidic taste. Dark roasted coffee beans are heated to about 460 degrees Fahrenheit near the end of the “second crack.” The flavor may be slightly bitter or smoky from the roasting process. The roasty flavor tends to overwhelm the source flavor or flavor of origin of the coffee.

Choose the Best Brew

When searching for the best gourmet coffee online, be sure you know how the beans are being roasted. The roasting process is just as important as the way the coffee is grown. You can feel good knowing Camano Island Coffee Roasters are experts in their field, using only the best Organic Fair Trade Coffee and masterful roasting techniques to create the perfect cup of coffee every time.

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Origin Of Taste: Why Your Coffee Tastes So Great

Much like a fine wine, coffee develops varietal characteristics based on the region where it is grown. Here are a few factors that affect the flavor and taste profile of your favorite beverage.

Shade Grown Coffee

When we refer to shade grown coffee, we usually mean that the surrounding land has not been destroyed for coffee-bean cultivation. This means that when you buy shade grown you are not contributing to the negative environmental impacts of deforestation and slash-and-burn agriculture.

The shade also protects the beans from the sun, so they do not develop the harsher flavor profile commonly found in cheap, mass-produced coffees. Coffee plants that are grown in the sun are subject to more diseases and pests than those grown beneath foliage such as banana trees. As a result, sun-grown coffee must be sprayed with more chemicals, and that spraying can lead to chemical residues making their way into sensitive ecosystems.

Weather Patterns

If a region has a growing season where weather patterns are strange, it can affect the taste of the coffee produced that year or the overall yield from the bushes. Damian Carrington, writing for The Guardian, notes that the climate must be temperate and stable to yield a flavorful crop. As a result, the taste of your coffee hinges on the health of the environment, with global warming and climate change threatening bean production.

The Origins Of Camano Island Coffees

We at Camano Island Coffee Roasters pride ourselves on hand-selecting ethically farmed crops from an international cast of planters and growers. Some of the locales from which we source our beans include the following:

Honduras

Honduras is quickly gaining a reputation for producing fantastic coffee. The high elevation of the coffee plantations makes for a cup that tastes faintly of molasses and caramel. Honduran coffee farmers often grow banana trees to shade their bushes, which maximizes flavor while supporting sustainable farming.

Brazil

Brazil coffee beans have a nutty, caramelized flavor that sets this roast apart from the others. With a delicate profile and relatively low acidity, Brazilian coffee is a great choice for those who like a soft, yet bittersweet taste.

Peru

Like Honduran coffee, Peruvian crops are grown at high elevation. Coffee from Peru is great for those that favor a lighter-bodied roast. It makes for a great cup anytime of the day, and during any season; we all enjoy a hot cup of coffee on a cold winter morning, but why not try this blend over ice, as a refreshing summer beverage?

New Guinea

Our New Guinea coffee is grown from seeds brought from Blue Mountain, Jamaica, and planted in New Guinea in the 1930s. As a result, this rich brew, with its chocolatey undertones, is a great alternative to Blue Mountain beans, for the discerning gourmet who wants to sample something a little different.

Guatemala

Camano Island Coffee Roasters has a unique relationship with Guatemala and its coffee. We work with the Agros Foundation in Guatemala to help farmers purchase their land with low-interest or no-interest loans. With every cup you’re helping to create economic sustainability for these farmers and their families. This allows the farmers we partner with to have better control both over their means of production, and the quality of their product.

Sumatra

Sumatra is located in the Sunda Islands of Indonesia. They produce a unique coffee because they use a process called wet hulling to prepare the beans. The beans have the skins removed, but the pulp between the bean and skin is allowed to remain on the bean for 24 hours. Beans are washed and dried until they are at a moisture level of about 30%. Sumatran coffee is full-bodied and sweet on the nose, perfect for the true connoisseur.

Ethiopia

Beans from Ethiopia are the stars of Camano Island Coffee Roasters African Reserve. This coffee will surprise you with its unique flavor profile, which calls to mind blueberry pancakes and maple syrup. This full to medium-bodied coffee is perfect for drinking with dessert, or for those that like highly flavorful coffees.

Supporting Coffee Villages

Camano Island Coffee Roasters is committed to only sourcing fairly traded and organic coffee. This means that the money you spend supports coffee growing communities all over the world. In fact, we give back to non-profit organizations in Guatemala with every coffee club purchase. Sign up today to sample our range of delicious gourmet coffees.

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Peruvian Coffee: In a World of Its Own for Week

Peruvian Coffee: In a World of Its Own for Week

There are two qualities that make Peruvian coffee stand out: the remote, high-altitude location where it grows and the collective work of the farmers who have turned the country into the world s foremost producer of organic coffee. Still, many people don’t think of Peru when they’re in the market for coffee. With a neighbor like Brazil, the world’s top coffee exporter, it’s easy to understand why it sometimes gets overshadowed. For those seeking outstanding coffee that is safe for growers and the environment, though, it will soon become a favorite.

The processing of coffee production in Peru starts with coffee cherries being handpicked off the plants. This is very labor intensive, but it makes it easier to spot ripe ones, and this is a very important step in getting high-quality beans. Through pulping, the outer layer is removed from the bean, and the bean goes through a short self-created fermentation period. The bean is then washed and allowed to dry, either naturally or via a machine until only 10-12% of its moisture remains. The beans have to be carefully stored after this to ensure that they retain their quality.

A Taste of Peru

Generally, Peruvian coffee has a light to medium body, which some drinkers compare to 2% milk because it isn’t heavy but also isn’t lacking taste. It’s also aromatic and incredibly flavorful. Because of its mildness, it’s perfect for blending but the sweet, nutty taste also means it can be savored on its own.

Coffee-Growing Regions in Peru

Peru grows its Arabica beans in the Northern, Central and Southern regions of the country, along the forested eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains. There are three main coffee-producing areas: Chanchamayo in the central highlands, which accounts for 28% of total production, Amazonas and San Martin of the northern highlands, which make up 49% of total production, and Puno, Cusco, and Ayacucho in the southern highlands, where 23% of production occurs, according to a report from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. Three-fourths of the coffee grown in the country takes place between 3,280 and 5,905 feet above sea level. Coffee is Peru’s top agricultural export.

The majority of the coffee growers in Peru are small farmers, and the average farm is only about 3 hectares (almost 7 and ½ acres). Many of these farmers participate in fair-trade cooperatives, and through these groups they have been able to create a sustainable agricultural market, negotiate competitive prices, improve the quality of their products, and get more access to the international market. By one estimate, 15-25% of the more than 100,000 small farmers have joined a cooperative. Some associations can have around 2,000 members and more than 7000 hectares (more than 17,000 acres) under its branch. In fact, Peruvian small-farmer cooperatives became the second largest supplier of certified fair-trade coffee after Mexico. Of Peru’s 21 largest coffee exporters, 4 of them are fair-trade associations. How’s that for teamwork?

A Peruvian Coffee Profile You Are Sure to Enjoy

Camano Island Coffee Roasters sells Peruvian coffee in dark and light roasts. Our dark roast is for the coffee drinker who likes just a hint of sweetness but wants a robust smoky or charred flavor in their Java. The light roast will have a bit of the original, natural flavor of the bean, which is a toasted, grainy taste. Because our beans are 100% shade-grown Arabica beans, they’re low in acidity and never cause heartburn or acid reflux.

A Coffee Company Developed With You in Mind

At Camano Island Coffee Roasters, we know that getting the coffee you want just the way you prefer it is important to you, so we provide a variety of shade-grown, organic flavors from Peru and beyond. Do not forget to try our commitment-free Coffee Lover’s Club, and stock up on your favorite flavors at the shipping frequency that is right for you, or give the subscription as a gift to the coffee aficionado in your life.

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“What does your cup of coffee mean to you?”

At Camano Island Coffee Roasters, we spend a lot of time thinking about what coffee means to the people that rely on it. Coffee producing towns and farmers need our full support to continue their trade, and that’s why we always commit to a fair price for the best coffee beans in the world. Sometimes, however, we take for granted what coffee means to you, our customers. We recently asked for some of our coffee club members to submit reviews and tell us why they love drinking Camano Island Coffee. One of the responses from Carolyn in Seattle blew us away, and reminded us that coffee can mean so much more than just a daily wake-up call.

I first started drinking Camano Island Coffee Roasters coffee in 2002. My Dad was living with us at the time, battling lung cancer, and we received a postcard in the mail offering a trial pound. Up until this time I had been only an occasional coffee consumer–usually from a stand/shop, and only if it was Torrefazione’s Perugia blend. I just couldn’t find any other coffee I liked well enough to drink any more often than just occasionally. But Dad loved a cup of coffee every morning so I’d been making him a pour-over using the Torrefazione’s blend used at stands/shops. With the postcard offer we decided we should give Camano Island Coffee a try and we ordered the Papua New Guinea Medium Roast, and as the cliché goes, the rest is history.

Our mail usually comes late in the day here, but on the day we received our trial pound, it was delivered straightaway first thing in the morning because the mail carrier didn’t like the smell of coffee in his truck. Go figure; I would love to ride around with the smell of your great fresh-roasted coffee in my van any day of the week!

With the first cups of Papua New Guinea Medium Roast I brewed for Dad, he thought it was the best coffee he’d ever had, and at 82 years of age he’d downed a lot of coffee during his life! That’s when I started drinking your coffee every morning with Dad. Not only was the coffee delicious, there was something extra special about that morning coffee time with Dad because that’s when I started to hear stories from my Dad about his life that I had never heard before. Dad passed in late 2004, but I have continued to enjoy my one-cup-a-day even though my coffee-buddy is gone.

The story continues . . .

A few years ago, we were in the Skagit area and we decided to explore Camano Island for no particular reason. As we drove onto the island I saw the sign for Camano Island Coffee Roasters and exclaimed to my husband in the way that I do when I’ve found something wonderful, “Hey, Bill, there’s my coffee roaster, let’s go there!” Bill made a quick turn as he has learned to do, and we ventured in and were met by the friendliest staff. When I exclaimed that we just happened across the shop and I was a mail-order customer, the staff insisted on making us each a complimentary beverage of our choice. They whipped up a double-tall non-fat extra-hot latte’ for me, and my non-coffee-drinking husband enjoyed a wonderful cup of hot chocolate. As we explored the wonderful gift shop it was so great to see the roasting area and enjoy the wonderful hospitality of the people responsible for my wonderful cup of coffee each day.

I love Camano Island Coffee Roasters coffee because the coffee tastes so good and because it’s fresh-roasted and shipped immediately, but also because the coffee is shade-grown, organic and this company goes the distance to make a difference in the lives of the coffee growers and their families. I feel good about drinking coffee that makes the world a better place.

Last but not least, with every cup of Camano Island Roasters Coffee I drink, I also get to enjoy the sweet memory of discovering this coffee with my Dad and enjoying a great cup of coffee together while hearing stories about his life every morning during the time he was with us.

To the wonderful staff at Camano Island Coffee Roasters, keep doing what you are doing, and thank you so much!

— Carolyn
Seattle

Thank you Carolyn, for this wonderful letter. We’re so happy our coffee is your reminder of time with your father, and hope that it brings the same joy to other coffee club members like you.

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5 Diseases Coffee Can Help Prevent

5 Diseases Coffee Can Help Prevent

Nothing beats your favorite morning roast, and it is doing more for you than just giving you the energy you need to get through your day. Coffee has an unbelievable number of health benefits, thanks in large part to all the disease-fighting antioxidants in it. Antioxidants are very important in preventing and delaying cell damage in the body, and coffee now leads as the main source of antioxidant intake for Americans. In addition, a study published in Critical Reviews of in Food Science and Nutrition does suggest that coffee consumption is very effective when it comes to fighting several chronic ailments.

So, every time you take a sip of java, you’re actually drinking for your preventative health! Here are some of the diseases where the risk of development decreases because of the most popular beverage in the world.

It Protects Against Alzheimer’s

Several studies have shown that coffee can ward off the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer’s currently has no cure, but the antioxidants in a cup of Joe can not only slow down inflammation and damage to brain cells, but also boost cognitive function. Coffee drinkers who indulged in three to five cups a day reduced their chances of getting the disease by up to 65%. Other studies show that coffee also aids in delaying the disease by two to four years in people over age 65.

It Staves off Type II Diabetes

An estimated 9% of the world’s adult population suffers from diabetes, and Type II accounts for more than 90% of those cases. Diabetes is a lifelong illness that can lead to other serious ailments, like cardiovascular disease and nerve damage, so prevention definitely goes a long way. According to a report in the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry, people who consumed four or more cups of coffee a day lowered their Type II diabetes risk by 50% 

It Fights Back Against Colon Cancer

According to a study from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, habitually consuming four or more cups of coffee a day can help preventing colon cancer from reoccurring. People who drank this amount were 42% less likely to have their cancer return, and 33% less likely to die from cancer. It was the first large-scale study to make a strong connection between recovery from this type of cancer and coffee. Colon cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in the world, and for those who have survived the diagnosis, drinking coffee is an easy and affordable way to help them stay healthy.

It Helps With Depression

You have probably felt your mood lift after a few cups of java, and that is because coffee has been shown to fight off the blues. A joint study from AARP and the National Institutes of Health found that people who drank four or more cups a day were 10% less likely to be depressed than those who never drank coffee. It wasn’t due to the so-called caffeine high, since other caffeinated beverages didn’t produce the same effect.

Coffee also has a positive impact on depression and all its associated issues. A Harvard School of Public Health study found that the risk of suicide decreased by 50% when people drank two to four cups a day. Researchers suspect that it’s because coffee helps the brain produce “feel good” hormones like serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline.

It is Beneficial Against Parkinsons

Parkinson’s is a debilitating, degenerative disease of the nervous system that affects movement, and like Alzheimer’s there is currently no cure. However, several studies have determined that coffee drinkers are less likely to develop the disease. Coffee’s benefits against Parkinson’s don’t stop there. Caffeine can actually ease the symptoms of people who already have it and help them control their movements more, according to a study published in Neurology.

Live Well, Thanks to Coffee

As a coffee drinker living your healthiest life, you can expect to get high-quality, USDA Certified Organic coffee when you buy from Camano Island Coffee Roasters. There are no pesticides or other elements that cause health problems in our coffee. So, fill up that cup of Joe and cheers to a better wellbeing.

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Brazilian Coffee: World Renowned and Distinctive

Brazilian Coffee: World Renowned and Distinctive

It is impossible to discuss coffee without bringing up Brazil. The South American country is just as well-known globally for coffee production as it is for the beautiful beaches along its coast. Coffee’s rich history in Brazil has even become legend. Back in 1727, Lt. Col. Francisco de Mello Palheta, who was sent by the Portuguese Government to French Guiana under the ruse of settling a border dispute, smuggled coffee plants out and brought them back to his home in Brazil. By 1800, coffee had spread throughout the country. For more than a century, Brazil has been the world’s largest coffee producer and is responsible for a third of all coffee production.

Most of the coffee beans in Brazil are processed using the dry (natural) method, due to the country’s favorable climate of a long dry season; although, the wet-process and pulp-natural methods are also used. During the dry process, the coffee cherries are picked — either mechanically or manually — and placed in the sun for a very long time to dry. The cherries will eventually turn dark brown, and the pods will harden. Then, the green bean is removed. According to Coffeeresearch.org, this is a delicate process and leaves some room for error, like fermentation, but Brazil has in essence perfected it.

Flavors of Brazilian Coffee

Processing plays a huge role in flavor, and dry-processing gives the coffee a very distinctive taste that for which Brazilian coffee is known. Across the country, coffee is usually heavy, fruity and complex, with a bit of spice. This is because the bean dries while still connected to the fruit. Some regions do produce medium-bodied coffees, too.

Coffee-Growing Regions of the Country

Brazil produces both Arabica and Robusta beans, but mostly Arabica. Coffee is grown across many distinct regions in these seven states: Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Bahia, Rio De Janeiro, São Paulo, Parana and Rondonia. Although, according to Coffeereview.com, there are three main regions that produce Brazil’s best coffee: Mogiana, Sul Minas, and Cerrado de Minas.

Mogiana, an area near São Paulo and Minas Gerais, has mountains and rolling hills. It has a lot of small and medium-sized farms, and coffee from here will suit those that like sweet, heavy body-tasting flavors. The Sul Minas region, which is in Minas Gerais, produces the most coffee in all of Brazil. It’s also very mountainous and has a mild climate, which makes it great for farming. Coffee from Sul Minas is medium-bodied and sweet. Cerrado, which is also in Minas Gerais, has a tropical climate — hot, rainy summers and dry winters — and plateaus make up the terrain. The coffee from this region is heavy-bodied and sweet, and the region tends to yield high-quality coffee that enthusiasts praise. Almost half of the production in the country occurs in Minas Gerais. Coffee lovers would surely enjoy visiting this place.

A Brazilian Coffee Profile To Suit All Tastes

Camano Island Coffee Roasters sells Brazilian coffee in medium and dark roasts. Medium roast is very sweet and has some undertones of chocolate or caramel. The dark roast will have a smokier taste. All of our beans are low in acid, which prevents heartburn and acid reflux. No matter which roast you choose, though, you can expect a top-quality coffee flavor that you will love. Join our Coffee Lover’s Club and never run out of your favorite.

An Ethical and Environmentally-Friendly Treat

Here at Camano Island Coffee Roasters we put so much good into our coffee. Our shade-grown organic coffee is free of pesticides and the result of fair trade, so you can enjoy it knowing that you’re not just getting the healthy benefits that coffee provides, but you’re also supporting the people and places behind it.

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Indonesian Coffee: Escape To a Different World of Flavor

Indonesian Coffee: Escape to a Different World of Flavor

The many microclimates and different elevations in Indonesia produce coffee that is highly renowned. With a production level of 540,000 metric tons in 2014, according to the International Coffee Association, Indonesia is the 4th largest producer of coffee in the world. The coffee industry in Indonesia is largely comprised of smaller operations resulting in more than 2 million growers.

History of Coffee in Indonesia

Coffee was introduced to Indonesia by Dutch traders in Batavia. When it became obvious that coffee thrived in the climate and soil of Batavia, they expanded plantings to other areas such as West Java before continuing with plantings in Sumatra and Sulawesi. With over 1.3 million hectares in production, many people around the world pour a delicious cup of Indonesian coffee every morning.

Sumatra

Out of all the Indonesian islands, Sumatra is the top producer of Coffea robusta coffee beans. Sumatra grows half of all the coffee in Indonesia and ¾ of the entire production of Coffea robusta. The coffee farms of Sumatra are very small. The average holding is about a hectare, so there are many private individuals involved in the production of coffee in the region. Sumatra is also known for its unique method of processing raw coffee beans known as wet hulling. Beans are hulled, but the pulp surrounding the bean is left on for about a day. The beans are then washed and allowed to dry, but only until they reach 30% moisture. This process is completed entirely on the farm.

Camano Island Coffee Roasters offers both a medium and dark roast from Sumatra.

Flores Island

Flores Island has some very rugged terrain characterized by volcanic activity. The farms are located on the hillsides and plateaus. This area is known for being fantastic for organic coffee production due to the volcanic soils. High altitudes of up to 1,800 meters produce coffee that is known for having a unique chocolate, yet floral flavor.

Kopi Luwak

One of the rarest coffees in the world is produced in Indonesia by a very unusual method. The Asian Palm Civet eats the ripe berries that contain coffee beans. When the beans pass through the digestive track of the Civet, the outer layers of the beans are no longer there. After being washed and dried, this rare coffee sells for astronomical prices due to its unique flavor. The theory is that passing through the digestive tract removes potassium salts that affect the flavor.

Beautiful green landscape of mount volcano Agung on Bali island, Indonesia.

Supporting Small Farmers

The coffee industry is extremely important to the people of Indonesia. Coffee is grown in remote areas and provides a way for small farmers to make a good living for their families. Organically produced and fair trade coffee production ensures that farmers get paid a fair price for their labor and product. Choosing organic means you are helping promote the rights of indigenous farmers throughout Indonesia.

Unethical Coffee Hurts the Environment

Unfortunately, not all coffee is produced in a sustainable manner. Destruction of rainforest and slash and burn agricultural techniques results in habitat depletion, extinct species, and poor quality coffee. Coffee that is grown under these conditions is usually only sold as bulk coffee that shows up in cheaper blends or instant coffee. Farmers that fall victim to these systems get low prices for their coffee and deplete their land.

Initiatives

A lot of research has been done to improve the production of coffee in Indonesia. Since the plantations are small it can be a challenge to reach out to small farmers. The Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute is dedicated to helping farmers learn how to make the most of their land and improve fields. Their work also includes developing more disease-resistant varieties and techniques for reducing disease.

Camano Island Indonesian Blend

At Camano Island Coffee, we take the finest beans from Sumatra and Papua New Guinea and roast them to perfection to create our signature Indonesian Blend. With a taste of toasted nuts and malt, we are sure you will love this coffee and hope you will share it with your friends and family. Join our Coffee Club for the best deals on organic coffee online. All first time members qualify for a free pound of our organically produced and fairly traded coffee. Try us today and taste the difference quality practices and pride can make in your daily cup.

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Honduras: A Range Of Flavor

Honduras: A Range of Flavor

In 2011, Honduras climbed to the top of coffee production in Central America. This is no small feat considering the challenges that coffee growers have faced. While coffee has been grown here since the 1800s, the industry struggled due to export issues and political problems. A lack of good shipping methods meant that most of the coffee produced was sold as locally as possible, thus commanding a lower price.

Time Investment

A typical coffee plantation in Honduras would take four years to reach a good level of production and up to seven years before it achieves good returns. Having to invest so much time and money into a plantation before seeing a return makes it hard for many to get started. In 1984, only 10% of the coffee produced was being sold outside of Honduras, highlighting the fact that lack of access to shipping and exports was still an issue fairly recently.

Coffee Tourism

There is no doubt that Honduras is a beautiful country. Many of the coffee farms offer tours and welcome guests to see how and where their coffee is produced. The highest quality Honduran coffees are grown under the shade of trees such as bananas, which provide a secondary crop for the farmer to sell. Shade-grown coffees are renowned for having a better flavor and being lower in acids, resulting in a more pleasant experience for drinkers.

A Better Economy

Honduras has struggled with its economy throughout history. The increase in coffee production and availability of shipping has allowed it to grow to be the largest producer in Central America. This injection of money has shown with an increased standard of living for more of the working class. Tourism has increased as coffee has caused more people to become aware of Honduras and all it has to offer. Better opportunities for disadvantaged people are being created thanks to informed consumers choosing fairly traded, organic coffee from Honduras.

Taste That Is In Demand

The finest Honduran coffees are sweet and mild so they make a good cup for drinking throughout the day. The dark rich soil of the rainforest is loaded with nutrients from the naturally decaying vegetation that grows below and above the coffee. Fertilizer isn’t necessary to grow great coffee, and if it is needed, only natural fertilizer is used. This makes Honduran coffee a great choice for those that seek organically produced coffees from sustainable farms.

Camano Island Coffee Roasters Honduras Roasts

Camano Island Coffee Roasters is offering shade grown and fairly traded organic Honduran coffee beans. These beans are used in our signature dark roast, as well as our highly popular Central American Blend, which combines our best beans from the region for a blend we are sure will become a favorite in your home or business. Dark Roasted Honduran coffee beans have flavors of molasses and spice making it a great coffee for fall or winter. Lovers of chai tea will also enjoy this unique coffee. Our Central American Blend is fruity and chocolatey, so you will want to enjoy this blend any time you want to indulge.

We want everyone to be able to enjoy our wonderful coffees no matter where they live. Our coffee club offers the best coffee online with convenient shipments to your home or business. Check out our Coffee Lovers Club for details and choose the shipment size and delivery schedule that is right for you.

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8 Health Perks Of Your Favorite Coffee Roast

8 Health Perks Of Your Favorite Coffee Roast

Coffee: that delicious beverage we all look forward to in the morning and (depending on your lifestyle and relative level of stress) throughout the course of the day as well. While most of us drink coffee for its taste, as well as to boost our energy, there are also many fantastic health benefits to this magical little bean.

Drinking coffee can help you lead a more productive, happy, and healthy life. Amanda Gardner of Health.com references a study conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine, showing that coffee enthusiasts are proven to have a significantly lower risk of premature death than those who abstain. Here are some ways enjoying coffee can improve your wellbeing.

1. It helps you lose and maintain weight

Coffee can help you burn fat. For years, people have used coffee to help decrease food cravings and improve energy levels. This effect is due to the fact that caffeine can boost your metabolic rate, causing you to burn more calories in a shorter amount of time. Coffee can also take the edge off cravings caused by harmful habits such as smoking.

2. It improves athletic performance

If you work at a manual labor job such as construction, or regularly play sports, then you understand the true meaning of exhaustion. After five solid days of lifting, shifting, running, and kicking, it’s not uncommon to feel tired and depleted. Coffee raises natural epinephrine levels in the blood, so you can maintain or exceed your normal activity level for a more extended period of time.

3. Coffee Contains Many Essential Nutrients

Many people think of coffee as a stimulant and nothing more, but nothing could be further from the truth! Coffee contains many essential vitamins and minerals; in fact, just one cup contains a significant amount of Manganese, Magnesium, Potassium, and Riboflavin – also known as Vitamin B2, which helps convert carbohydrates into fuel for your body.

4. It lowers risk of diabetes

Type II diabetes has become one of the most common ailments for younger and older people alike. However, those that drink moderate amounts of coffee have up to a 67% lower risk of developing the condition, according to the American Society for Clinical Nutrition.

5. Dramatically Reduced Odds of Suffering From Dementia Or Alzheimer’s

Coffee has also been found to reduce the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s. Those that enjoy their java have up to a 65% less chance of ever developing Alzheimer’s. Since there is no cure for this devastating health issue, prevention is extremely important. What are you waiting for? Sample our coffee of the month, and keep your brain happy and healthy.

6. Coffee prevents some cancers

Cancer is one of the leading causes of adult deaths worldwide. Enjoying 4 cups or more of coffee per day can reduce your risk of liver cancer by up to 40%, and coffee drinkers reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer – one of the top five fatal cancers in the world – by an average of 15%.

7. It improves your outlook on life

Unlike some of the other illnesses on our list, depression is often an invisible disease. When someone is depressed for an extended period of time they can become listless, unproductive, and in extreme cases, even suicidal. Coffee helps combat depression by boosting your natural levels of serotonin – the chemical responsible for your sense of happiness and wellbeing. Studies have shown that consuming 4 or more cups of coffee per day decreases the risk of suicide by more than 50%!

8. It contains many antioxidants.

Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants. Most of us aren’t as good at eating our fruits and vegetables as we should be, often because high-quality fresh produce is hard to come by, or expensive. Coffee, however, is readily available, and contains a lot of antioxidants to help your body prevent and fight disease.

Perk Up, Give Back

Coffee isn’t only good for your body; it’s good for the world, too. When you purchase healthy, organic and fairly traded coffee online through Camano Island Coffee Roasters, you are helping farmers make a sustainable living for themselves and their families. So go ahead and enjoy your morning, mid-morning, lunch-time, afternoon, and evening cups being healthy never felt so good.