What is coffee?
"Coffee" comes from the Latin form of the genus Coffea, a member of the Rubiaceae family which includes more than and 6,000 species of tropical trees and shrubs. Species of Coffea range from small shrubs to trees as tall as 32 feet high and the leaves can range in color from purple to yellow. There are about 25 major species within Coffea, but the typical coffee drinker is likely to be familiar with two: Arabica and Robusta. After planting, trees mature in 3 to 4 years, when they produce their first crop and can continue to produce fruits for 20 to 30 years. Coffee beans are the seeds inside of the coffee "cherry". It takes approximately 5 pounds of ripe cherry to produce 1 pound of processed green coffee beans.

What is Organic Coffee?
Organic coffee is coffee produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water, to enhance environmental quality for soil life, plants, animals and people. Organic coffee is produced without using pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation.  Before a product can be labeled "organic," an approved certifier inspects the farm where the coffee is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet required organic standards.  All companies that handle or process organic coffee before it gets to your supermarket shelf must also be certified.  At Brown Gold®, our organic coffees are certified by “gold standard” organic certifiers – OCIA and USDA.

What is Fair Trade Coffee?
Fair Trade coffee empowers farmers and farm workers to lift themselves out of poverty by investing in their farms and communities, protecting the environment, and developing the business skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace.

Fair Trade principles include:

	Fair price: ensures a guaranteed minimum price and a premium for certified organic products. Farmer organizations are also eligible for pre-harvest credit.
	Fair labor conditions: ensures freedom of association, safe working conditions, and living wages. Ensures forced child labor is strictly prohibited.
	Direct trade:  eliminates unnecessary middlemen, empowering farmers to develop their own business skills.
	Democratic and transparent organizations: ensures that all revenues for Fair Trade programs are managed in a democratic fashion by the Fair Trade farmers and farm workers.
	Community development: enables Fair Trade farmers and farm workers to invest Fair Trade premiums in social and business development projects, ie. scholarship programs, quality improvement trainings, organic certification, etc.
	Environmental sustainability: promotes the use of environmentally sustainable farming methods that protect farmers’ health and preserve valuable ecosystems for future generations.

What is the difference between Arabica and Robusta coffees?
All Brown Gold® Organic coffees are made with 100% Arabica certified organic beans.

Arabica is descended from the original Ethiopian coffee trees. The coffee made from this variety is mild and aromatic. When roasted, Arabica beans have a fragrant, fruity aroma with sugary tones. These coffee trees grow best in higher altitudes, between 2,000 and 6,000 feet (610 and 1,829 m) above sea level. Mild temperatures (60 to 75ºF / 16 to 24ºC). All Brown Gold® coffees are made with 100% Organic Arabica beans.

Robusta coffee trees produce beans that are smaller and rounder than Arabica beans. It is a heartier plant and can withstand warmer temperatures, up to 85ºF (29ºC). Robusta trees can also thrive at lower altitudes than the Arabica. Robusta beans produce a heavier cup of coffee with about 50 percent more caffeine than Arabica. You'll find Robusta coffee trees in Southeast Asia and Brazil.

How is the caffeine removed from Brown Gold® Organic decaffeinated blends?
All of Brown Gold®’s organic decaffeinated blends are made exclusively using the Swiss Water® process. In this natural decaffeination method, green coffee beans are placed in heated pressurized water. Under water, the coffee beans swell up and their pores open, releasing caffeine. Carbon filters remove the caffeine from the water, but allow the flavor essences to return to the beans. The coffee is then dried and prepared for roasting.

What portion of every sale does Brown Gold® Organic donate to wildlife charities?
Brown Gold® donates $0.10 from every 10oz organic coffee sold to worldwide registered wildlife charities. For further information on how you can help, visit our links page.

What is the best water temperature for brewing drip coffee?
The ideal water temperature is 197.6 to 204.8ºF (92-96ºC). If the water temperature is too low, the essential oils and caffeine will not be extracted from the beans properly. Brewing with water that is too hot greatly increases acidity. Since coffee is at least 98% water, remember to use good quality water to produce the best possible cup of coffee.

How much ground coffee is needed to make 1 cup of coffee?
We recommend using 1 rounded tablespoon of ground coffee for every 6 fl. oz. of fresh cold water. The amount of grounds used should be adjusted according to your personal taste.

How should I store my coffee?
To keep your coffee fresh after opening it, close the flap on the bag, roll down the top and store it in the refrigerator.