What’s the Real Difference Between Organic and Conventional Coffee?

Coffee beans are one of the most widely consumed commodities in the world, with over 12 billion pounds produced annually worldwide. Because of coffee’s sky-high demand, coffee farming methods have developed over time to maximize efficiency, sometimes at the expense of human and environmental health.

Organic coffee uses no harsh fertilizers or chemicals in growing or production. Certified organic coffee means that the grower takes care to ensure that the both the beans and soil are chemical- and fertilizer-free, which usually takes about three coffee growing seasons.

Anyone who has tried it can attest that the flavor of your morning cup of coffee is improved when you go organic, but that’s just the beginning. Read on to learn more about the many benefits of switching to organic coffee.

Environmental Benefits of Choosing Organic Coffee

In order to meet the high demand of coffee production and keep costs low, some non-organic coffee growers clear-cut rain forests to create full-sun coffee plantations that seriously damage the environment.

Many of these coffee plantations will use chemical fertilizers to feed the plant, and pesticides to keep the pests away because along with deforestation, the nutrient-dense soil and natural predators of coffee pests are gone, too.

Choosing to purchase organic coffee helps to lessen this environmental damage since most organic coffee growers use the shade-growing method, taking advantage of the natural canopy of the rainforest. With this method, the biodiversity within the ecosystem itself provides adequate nutrition and protection for plants.

Additionally, organic coffee farmers steer clear of chemical pesticides or fertilizer, which means no nasty chemicals seeping into the soil, water, or air, to cause harm to farmers or nearby communities.

Further Health Benefits of Organic Coffee

Still not sure if you’re ready to make the switch? You’ve probably heard that consuming coffee has health benefits, but you won’t get any of those benefits with over-processed instant coffee. You’ll only obtain those health benefits from drinking high-quality organic coffee, and trust us, you’ll want them. We’re talking benefits like protection from Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and more.

Conversely, the harsh chemicals used in the production of non-organic coffee can actually harm you, causing cancer, hormone imbalances, and nervous system troubles.

Ready for Organic Coffee? What Can You Do?

As a consumer, you have a right to feel good about what you’re putting in your body. Yes, it’s a little more expensive, but it’s cheaper than you might think to make a substantial positive impact on the environment as you enjoy greater health benefits, by choosing organic coffee.

So what do you say? Ready for a big upgrade to your daily cup of coffee? Make organic coffee a staple in your home today.