Organic Tea & Coffee

The debate on caffeine continues, fueled by a recent study that daily consumption of coffee might help prevent Type II Diabetes.  I've given up the cream, but I won't give up the bean!   

Big River Coffee Company Rainforest Blend

100% shade grown organic coffee  sold in a bright pink package to support the fight against breast cancer.  You can't miss it on the grocery shelves! www.bigrivercoffee.net

Newman's Own Organic Cafe Almond Biscotti Coffee

In case you didn't know this, Paul Newman donates all of his royalties to education and other charities.  This is a mellow, delicious coffee that will make your mouth water when you smell it brewing.  It makes me feel like I am helping the environment when I purchase a Fair Trade coffee.  More information about this certification is available at www.TransFairUSA.org.   

more Newman's Own reviews....

St. Dalfour Organic Darjeeling

Something about the flavor of a nice Darjeeling makes me want to sit down with a good book and relax.  I take a splash of milk in mine.  This tea does have caffeine, and comes from the Himalayas by way of France.

Numi Ruby Chai Spiced Rooibos

This organic South African brew is nothing short of fabulous.  Let me share my miserly tea tactics with you: I fill my freshly scrubbed coffeepot with distilled water, then hang a chai tea bag in the pot and brew the water through the coffeemaker.  Wait ten minutes, remove the tea bag, and presto!  A whole pot of chai to swill with milk and honey!  Rooibos is as high in antioxidants as green tea, but has no caffeine- making it a perfect companion when I'm up late working.  www.numitea.com

more Numi tea reviews....

Organic African Red Bush (Rooibos) Tea from Eastern Shore Tea Company

This is my new favorite tea!  You can also find brands that are NOT organic, but the price difference is negligible.  It's so tasty I don't even add honey, and it has more antioxidants than green tea, plus flavonoids and minerals.  Naturally caffeine-free.

Brassica Red Bush Tea with SGS

Interestingly enough, this organic tea has been patented by Johns Hopkins.  In addition to the usual delightfully easy to drink rooibos,  there's an antioxidant compound that's been extracted from broccoli and thrown into those little bags.   Seems like a good way to boost my immune system this winter!  You can learn more at www.brassicatea.com.

Magnum Organic 100% Arabica Hazelnut Reflections Coffee

Magnum strikes out with this blend of coffee and hazelnuts- do not drink this straight!  Cut it by 50% with a non-flavored coffee and it'll be tolerable.  www.magnumcoffee.com

This roast gets my vote for "best of the bunch!"  Luckily the local Price Chopper has a Green Mountain display, which intermittently stocks this delicious coffee.  Mellow, nutty, and full-bodied, with a touch of sweetness.

more Green Mountain reviews....

The Organic Coffee Company Zen Blend

Wow this one is a real eye opener!  Perfect for those winter mornings when you really don't want to slip out from under the covers... get one of those coffeemakers with a timer, wake yourself up to the delightful smell of this melange of Central American coffee, and enjoy the "perks" of being an environmentally aware consumer.  www.o-coffee.com

Thanksgiving Coffee Company's Vanilla Bean Flavored Coffee

Although the package claims this Arabica coffee is shade-grown in a manner that doesn't hurt the environment, it also does NOT claim to be organic.  Good news though!  A quick visit to their attractive and easy to navigate website revealed that 80% of their beany product is not only organic, but available directly from the company!  Rather pricey,  but no more so than your average natural market.  If you're looking for a bargain, try sneaking a peek in the gourmet food section of a TJ Maxx or Homegoods.  You just might find a bag of this mellow flavored coffee for $5.99.  www.thanksgivingcoffee.com

more Thanksgiving Coffee Co. reviews....

Song Bird Shade Grown Costa Rican Coffee

Shade coffee farms provide habitats for migratory birds, hence the name... this coffee has an edge to it, and makes a nice morning cuppa.  Find out more about shade coffee farms at www.songbirdcoffee.com

Melitta World Harvest Organic Morning Bliss Coffee

Organic coffee from shade coffee farms, this blend of arabica beans has been expertly roasted for a smooth welcoming cup of joe.  Rivals Starbucks for flavor intensity! www.melitta.com

Melitta World Harvest Organic Sun & Moon Coffee

Intense, complex flavor that's the perfect companion to a  pastry or other sweet desserts.  Bears the USDA organic seal.

Javana Organic Fair Trade Colombian Coffee

This brand is smooth but robust, and handily available in my local  supermarket a scant ten country miles away!  The bag bears the USDA organic seal.

Magnum Organic 100% Arabica Mexican Mountain Coffee

So smooth and sweet that even a cream lover like me can sip it black and enjoy! Rich flavor that lingers on the tongue- appropriate for any time of day.  The bag bears the USDA and OCIA organic seals. www.magnumcoffee.com

Magnum Organic 100% Arabica Nicaraguan Tress Volcano Coffee

Bitter and strong, this brew will wake you up!  There's nothing mellow about this bean. I usually blend it with a flavored coffee. www.magnumcoffee.com