Shade-Grown Coffee Ensures A Future Cup-a-Joe
by Jaymi Heimbuch, Central Coast, California on 10. 2.08
Photo Via Melinda Shelton
Coffee is grown in two main ways: in the sun or in the shade. But three University of Michigan researchers show that if we want to look forward to a nice hot cup of coffee a few years from now, shade-grown coffee is where its at.
In a recent edition of BioScience, the researchers point out that shade-grown coffee has some major pros compared to sun-grown coffee that will help ensure future crops. Shade-grown coffee is raised under a canopy of diverse trees, encouraging biodiversity of flora and fauna.
Additionally, the canopy acts as a buffer between the coffee plants and major changes in climate like droughts and powerful storms, protecting the plants from harsh sun and heat, as well as erosion from water run-off. With predictions for common major weather shifts as the globe warms, this kind of buffer is vital.
With all these cons to sun-grown coffee, why is the method practiced in the first place? Two words: Big Yield. High-yield spices of coffee plants grow in the sun. So farmers thin out the canopy and plant the high-yield species in order to have more to harvest and more to sell.
Photo via R Stanek
The U-M researchers warn that while sun-grown coffee plants yield a lot now, they might not yield much at all with the coming of climate change. Researchers in England are experimenting with how plant life will change with coming climate shifts. I sure hope the landscape will include coffee!
Via EurekAlert
More on Sustainable Coffee:
How to Green Your Coffee & Tea
Thank Your Lucky Bat for Shade-Grown Organic Coffee
Citizen Bean: Organic, Fair-Trade Coffee-of-the-Month Club
Drink Shade-Grown Coffee
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
- Shade-Grown Coffee Protects Tree Biodiversity
- Quitting Coffee is One of the Easiest Ways to Help The Planet and Yourself
- Warm Up with Greener Coffee Drinks
- What is thermal technology?
Video: New York CityRacks Design Competition Finalists
|
Read Green Initiative Aims to Cut Deforestation, Trash Creation
|
In case any one else is wondering U-M in this case refers to the University of Michigan
TrollPatrol, we're not senile. The University of Michigan was mentioned in the second sentence.
Say Good bye, farewell, to bad coffee forever. I have a 100% Organic ,fair trade, pesticide free, Shade grown AA Arabica coffee that is not Flame roasted but infrared roasted as not to burn the beans or change the flavor with charred beans. Low acid and awesome flavor. Once you taste it you will never go back to the old stuff again. Find free samples at http://drinkcoffeegetpaid.com Thanks from Dr Robin aka Dr Coffee
That's very informative. I don't drink coffee, but my hubby does and I know he'll be interested in this. I don't think many people think past the coffee or decaf question, they just want what they want - no matter what the cost to the environment.
We drink very little coffee, but I keep it on hand for guests, and I buy Fair Trade, organic.
But I'm curious, years ago I read that sun grown coffee is rarely organic and that shade grown coffee is almost always organic -- anyone know if this is true. If it is, it's another plus for shade grown.