From farm, to roaster, to cup
Are you wondering why craft coffee is such a big deal? Scratching your head about why folks pay more when they can buy an extra-large double-double at Tim’s for $2.19? The reason why is a bit complicated, but it will soon become clear to you.
Craft coffee is about a lot of things. It isn’t just about that caffeine fix. And it isn’t just about supporting small business and coffee farmers. Coffee is a meditative ritual, a thought-provoking, creative diversion from your day-to-day. You squeeze the bag and smell the aroma of the whole beans. You read the label and learn where the beans come from, picturing the people who produced them. You weigh them, grind them, and brew them with attention and care. Then, you savour the cup, trying to put exciting flavours into words - “plum”, “floral”, “molasses”. There’s a sense of excitement and wonder every time a new origin comes in!
Once you’ve tried the good stuff, you can’t go back. Here are 4 excellent reasons to drink craft coffee.
1. Craft coffee tastes better… WAY better
People who’ve never tried great coffee have no idea what we’re talking about when we gush about craft coffee. If you’ve tried great coffee, you know those tasting notes printed on the bag are no joke. It’s mysterious and magical how Ethiopian coffees can taste like a strawberry milkshake, or how Mexican coffees can taste like pure cocoa. Like wine and whisky, great craft coffee has a complex flavour profile, with several flavours happening at once.
The climate, soil composition, and processing have a huge effect on the flavour of the coffee. Read about coffee flavour here
2. You’re supporting smallholder farmers and their families
There would be no craft coffee without coffee farmers and producers. These are the people who grow the coffee in the country of origin. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of inequality in the world of coffee. A lot of the world’s coffee gets sold to importers at such a low price that the farmers can barely get by. On top of this, stressed-out farmers are forced to carry out environmentally damaging farming practises to improve crop yield. Many craft coffee roasters are different in that they source Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance certified coffee, or have some manner of direct trade relationship with their producers, where they pay significantly higher than Fair Trade prices. In this sense, purchasing high-quality coffee has an environmental and social impact. If you’re feeling helpless about the state of the world, being a conscious consumer is one of the best ways you can make a positive impact.
You’re supporting the local economy
Just a reminder, folks, that Tim Hortons may not exactly be Canadian anymore. Want to support the local economy? Then buy local! When you purchase local products, you have an economic, social, and environmental impact. Your money goes back into the local economy. This supports infrastructure, helps your community members stay employed, and encourages less transportation of goods. Local businesses also tend to support each other, benefitting the whole community. Don’t forget to support local small business! As the saying goes, “Buy local, or it’s ‘bye local.’”
Fresh coffee has health benefits
Coffee contains the antioxidants hydroxycinnamic acid and polyphenols, the same antioxidants found in berries and other fresh fruit. Antioxidants are responsible for fighting free radicals in the body, which can alter our DNA and proteins. This is what leads to diseases such as cancer. In addition, studies show that coffee may reduce the risk of Alzeihmers, Parkinson’s disease, and type 2 diabetes. You can read more details on the health benefits of coffee here.
So what are you waiting for? Browse the Black Creek Coffee Collection, and join the movement!
If you're not sure which coffee you might like, try one of our Sampler Packs. And if you subscribe to our newsletter using the form on the homepage, you will get notified of new coffee releases and exclusive discounts!