Tuesday, October 12, 2004


new decaf, oaxaca protest & a consumer event

in an interesting tidbit that could change the coffee industry, scientists are working on a new method of decaffeination, using bacteria that naturally "eat" or break down caffeine.

combined with the recent discovery/creation of a coffee plant that naturally produces almost zero caffeine in the tree, the coffee landscape could shift in just a few years.

many coffee professionals have told me that their experience in the retail market leads them to believe that a good-tasting decaf coffee would fill a market void and significantly increase consumption. and i personally do hear from many people who love coffee, but for various reasons can no longer take any caffeine.

these people to the last one inform me how disappointed they are with the taste of most available decafs. so i agree: a good-tasting decaf would indeed be a great thing!

"they also say instant coffee makers buy lower-quality beans."

listen to them! learn from them! the mexican coffee farmers know whereof they speak!

if after reading this piece, you're interested in buying some fair trade mexican coffee, you can get it, to offer just a couple of many possible links, here, here or here. . .

and speaking of counterculture, those coffee lovers living in the southeast should seriously consider attending their november 20 "espresso fest" consumer coffee event. learn more about it here.

posted by fortune | 10:33 AM | top | link to this | email this: | | | 0 comments