BuzzFlash Reviews

BUZZFLASH REVIEWS

We've tasted this wonderful blend of medium and Vienna roasts and highly recommend it.

Equal Exchange, the Fair Trade provider, describes the "Mind, Body & Soul Blend" as "Popular on both coasts and points in between. Two roasts promote the hardiness of our Mexican beans and highlight the chocolate and spice that make this coffee a connoisseur's favorite. We blend the distinct characteristics of Oaxaca and Chiapas to bring true meaning to this smooth, soft and soulful cup of black gold. Our multi-roast blend accentuates the mellow body and light acidity along with the dark chocolate finish that beans from these two states are known for producing."

"Equal Exchange uses traditional drum roasting technology to roast our coffee and to release the intricacies of each bean. Our blending techniques allow the distinctive characteristics of each coffee to compliment one another, thus crafting harmony in the flavor profile."

These two 12 Oz. Whole bean bags are post-roast blended, in which "two or more green coffees are roasted individually and blended after they have been roasted. The color difference between the roasts is distinct, and this method creates an exceptional flavor profile."

Here's a little more about the Fair Trade Partner responsible for working with coffee growers to produce this coffee: "La Coordinadora Estatal de Productores de Caf� de Oaxaca (CEPCO, or the Oaxacan State Coffee Producers Network) was founded in 1989 in the midst of a severe crisis in Mexico's coffee industry. Originally formed through the efforts of more than 7,400 small coffee producers, today CEPCO is the largest association of small coffee producers in Oaxaca. They coordinate 39 regional organizations of small, community-based coffee producers in seven indigenous regions and are also very involved in regional and national social movements that address poverty and marginalization in indigenous communities.

"CEPCO's primary objective is to build a permanent organization of small producers with the ability to resolve the needs of its members. In order to help the farmers develop economic security, CEPCO works with them to improve their coffee production and processing techniques, as well as developing marketing strategies for coffee sales. While CEPCO is focused on the production and marketing of coffee, the multi-ethnic organization also works with its members to strengthen and empower their communities, address issues of social justice, cultural autonomy and grassroots democracy."

To those who are concerned about creating incentives for potential immigrants to find economically viable jobs in their homelands, Fair Trade is an important part of the solution.

BUZZFLASH REVIEWS