random coffee facts

1. coffee is the world's second-most traded commodity (to oil);
2. coffee trees can only be grown where there is no winter frost;
3. Only 2 types of coffee plants are actually cultivated - Arabica and Robusta;
4. The average yield from 1 coffee tree is 1 roasted pound of coffee;
5. Brazil is the world's largest producer of coffee;
6. No coffee is grown in the US, except for Hawaii and Puerto Rico

new entries

Coming soon...just picked up a couple of half pound bags from Victor Allan. I think that will be my first VA review.

Grounds for Change

Grounds for Change specializes in 100% Fair Trade coffee. They are a certified organic coffee roaster. During the recently held Java Jive event, I won a pound of Mexico Cafe Femenino. No, this isn't feminine coffee, rather it is coffee grown by women. It is a medium roast, with a bright and clean finish. Low on the acidity totem pole, with a nice initial punch.

Bean rating: 4 out of 5

when I'm too lazy

when I'm too lazy to pre-grind the beans and then microwave the water and wait for the coffee press to finish brewing, I'll hit up Starbucks every once in a great while. I enjoy their Pike Place blend. Some might say it is too acidic, but I kind of enjoy the bitterness. It really seems to pep me up in the morning.

Don't forget

Today, September 29, is National Coffee Day!

Java Jive cont.

On a whim, we bought some raffle tickets at the Java Jive event. Normally, for me, this is just giving money away. I haven't won any sort of raffle event in at least 5 years. However, I WON! I won a stainless steel coffee press and a pound of fair trade coffee from Grounds for Change grown by women (the event is held to benefit women after all). I did not try the coffee yet, but I did make a pot of Atomic Brew which I am presently enjoying. Freshly ground beans and a french press still create the best coffee flavor...much preferred to an automatic drip machine which I ordinarily use.

15th Annual Java Jive

One of the charitable causes we contribute to is the Dane County Rape Crisis Center. Every year they host a coffee tasting event called Java Jive. This year was the 15th event. It is held at the Brinks Lounge in Madison, a very nice looking bar that I hope to visit some day. The event is highlighted by a silent auction and wonderful brunch. But, the highlight is the coffee tasting. This year's event featured coffees from: Ancora Coffee Roasters, Cargo/Ground Zero Coffee, Indie House, JavaCat, Johnson Brothers Coffee Roasters, Macha Teahouse, Michelangelo's, and Washington Hotel Coffee Room.

We had our 3 year old daughter with us, so sampling opportunities were limited. I started off with the Atomic Brew from Cargo/Ground Zero Coffee. Where to begin, as this is my most favorite coffee. First of all, it has a higher caffeine content than a regular cup of coffee. Second, it has the lighter finish and subtle acidity that I adore in a wonderful cup of coffee. Quite simply, this is the best and I need to start making the 20 minute drive more frequently to load up on this. Bean Rating: 5 beans out of 5!!!

My next cup was the House Blend from Java Cat. After the Atomic Brew, this was a huge letdown. It was relatively smooth, but had an earthy taste (i.e. like dirt or a barn floor). Thankfully, I only had a half cup to finish. Very disappointing. Bean Rating: 1 bean out of 5.

Smartly, I went back to the Atomic Brew for my last cup for the road.

All monies raised this day went to the Center. They do noble work.