Brazilian Coffee

Being an independent Coffee Roaster, we have the freedom to support or not support certain business practices. One particular practice in Brazil that has been going on for decades is their deforestation campaign. If my information is correct, Brazil has been burning tens of thousands of acres of rain forest to make way for cities and coffee farms. By doing this, they are destroying the natural cover for coffee trees. They are destroying the natural habitat of animals and birds that are indigenous to the rain forest. Additionally, the rain forest is an important part of our Eco system.   Individuals and countries must be responsible with their activities and practices. I have always been a “conscientious participant” in the businesses and activities I participate in. We believe in being responsible with our business practices and will do no less. Therefore, Toshi’s Coffee Roasters will not use any coffee beans from Brazil. This is not to say that all the other coffee producing countries are perfect, but Brazil has been damaging their rain forest on such a large scale and for such a long time, we cannot support their practices.

We understand we are a small purchaser of coffee compared to the large corporations, and our impact alone will be a drop in the ocean of coffee purchasers. Our goal is to set an example, and hopefully the larger companies will want to come on board if they care as much as we do. If this happens, we have done a great thing with your help. We will keep on with our practices in hopes of creating at least a hick-up on the coffee industries' buying practices. This might make enough of an economic difference in Brazil to where they make the changes that are necessary for all of us. Everything we do impacts someone somewhere and needs to be done with care and thought.

There are many other wonderful coffees out there that will satisfy your discerning tastes. We will do our best to please and satisfy your demands for quality coffees on a regular basis.

Here are some links for your review:

http://www.rain-tree.com/facts.htm
http://www.mongabay.com/brazil.html

Randy

Recipes

Drinks:

Caribbean Coffee

1 oz Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
3/4 oz Tia Maria
6 oz Coffee
Garnish with whip cream and cinnamon pieces.

Swedish Coffee

1/2 oz Peppermint Schnapps
1/2 oz Creme' De Cocao
6 oz Coffee
Garnish with whip cream and mint leaf

Hot Irishman

3/4 oz Frangelico
3/4 oz Irish Cream
6 oz Coffee
Garnish with whip cream and grated chocolate

Desert:

A no name wonder

In a 6 oz cup, take one scoop ice cream and pull a 3 oz shot of espresso directly over the top. Garnish with whip cream and cinnamon or grated chocolate.

I like vanilla bean ice cream, but you can use just about any type you like.

Coffee Meat Rub

Ground coffee makes an excellent meat rub. For pork or beef, its best to season your meat with your favorite spices first, than take about a quarter cup medium ground coffee for a one pound of meat and rub it in with your seasonings. I like to use a little olive oil while rubbing the meat to incorporate the seasonings with the coffee. It also assists in getting a little crispy on the outside which makes the meat juicy and flavorful. Let it refrigerate over night for best flavor.

Ever have chocolate covered coffee beans? Then you know chocolate and coffee go good together. Try a little course ground coffee in your brownie mix or sprinkled on top prior to baking.