What is an organic coffee bean?

Well the answer to that is fairly straight forward. An organic coffee bean is one which has been grown under strict conditions which have been put in place by governments and industry organisations to ensure the quality and purity of the end product.

These conditions state that organic coffee growers cannot use any chemicals like for example pesticides or fertilizers on these crops. The land on which the crop is planted must have been allowed to lie fallow for between 3 and 10 years, so that any previously used chemicals can be broken down and degraded over this time. Genetic modification of the beans is forbidden as is the use of chemicals to enhance the growth or quality of the coffee beans.

The regulations even extend to the processing of the coffee – any flavorings added in the case of flavored organic coffees must only be from natural sources, the same applies to colourings and preservatives. Packaging is also included in the regulations which state that the packaging used must not contain any chemicals which are likely to break down or form metal salts thus contaminating the beans.

All varieties of coffee beans can be grown organically and all of the main coffee providers will have organic beans available, these will usually be sold using their own label.

How do you know you are buying true organically grown coffee?

The extent to which a bag of coffee beans are organic can vary but they must display the appropriate label on the packaging. You should find one of the three statements on the pack:

1. 100% Organic Coffee Beans – If you see this you can be certain that the beans you have purchased are completely organic.

2. Organic Coffee Beans – To be allowed to display such a claim a minimum of 95% of the beans have to be organic.

3. Contains Organic Coffee Beans – Buy a pack of coffee beans with this label you are guaranteed that 75% of the beans in the packet are organic.

The main advantage which draws avid coffee drinkers to buy coffee produced organically is the knowledge that the beans they grind to make their morning coffee are totally unadulterated and the flavour they get is one of pure coffee. The one disadvantage which may prevent some from purchasing 100% organic coffee is the cost – good things always come at a price.

The biggest barrier to purchasing organically produced coffee is that it is not always widely available at local stores – although you will most likely find them in your local specialty stores.

It has to be said that sales of pure organic coffee beans still only make up a very small proportion of the coffee bean market. However, buying on-line is a great option. Top quality organic coffee beans delivered directly to your door.

If you are an organic coffee drinker visit Best Coffee Beans.Net and discover truly organic coffee beans at reasonable prices as well as lots of information on how to find the best coffee beans to suite you.