• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Edible Times
  • About
    • Hire
  • Recipes
    • By Diet
      • GAPS
      • Gluten Free
      • Keto
      • Paleo
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
  • Just Cook
  • Macarons
  • Op Eds
  • Start Here
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Mother's Day Brunch
  • All Recipes
  • How To
  • French Macarons
  • About
  • Hire
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Op Ed

    Op Ed: All about fair trade coffee + what it taught me

    Originally Published: Dated: January 24, 2012 Last Updated: Dec 15, 2020 By: Christina

    At first whiff

    By the extraordinary scent wafting through the car as I drove home with several pounds of Dean's Beans, I knew this was not going to be ordinary coffee.  It all began when a lovely member of my church coordinated a "buy fair trade coffee" movement. In effect providing members the opportunity to purchase organic, fair trade coffee for the same price as conventional.  I couldn't resist the chance to explore a new caffeinated horizon.

    Bags of Dean's Beans Moka Java blend coffee in a row.

    Until now, I'd only understood the fundamental human rights purpose of fair trade. But thanks to my four bags of coffee (and a lot of reading), I now understand the fair trade purpose. Like who certifies it, and even the latest arguments over it.  According to Fairtrade International, an association of 25 organizations worldwide, fair trade practices include fair wages (more than minimum wage), no child or forced labor, small-scale requirements, and prices set to support sustainable agricultural systems and collective bargaining.  WHOA. I know. I'll give you minute.

    Sniffing out successful fair trade

    Ultimately, it boils down to a few regional and international organizations (below), that promote fair trade and offer third-party certification.  It's up to you the consumer to determine if what a particular certifying organization defines as fair trade is fair enough for you. Heavy, I feel you.

    Fair trade coffee beans on cutting board.

    The added bonus of fair trade coffee

    And just like these beautiful coffee beans, many fair trade foods are organic, even if only by default.  But the real question: Am I willing (and able) to go out of my way to find fair trade products beyond coffee? The answer for me, I'll shamefully admit, is not yet.  

    Brewed fair trade coffee in mug, next to cronut.

    But that doesn't mean I can't support fair trade when possible, and become a regular member of the church coffee clan.  Because the coffee does taste better - figuratively and literally. The Moka Java brew we've been enjoying exudes lovely fruity notes I've never before experienced in my mug.

    A moderated approach to fair trade

    So I've decided to approach fair trade the way I approach organics. Not in strictly buying only organic products, but by seeking out specific ones with a greater overall impact, such as thin-skinned fruits and earth-friendly cleaning supplies.  Even by making a few fair trade choices, you can send a message to the market.  And consuming fair trade makes me feel better about life in general. Even when I pair my morning Moka Java with a very indulgent, and no doubt fattening, croissant. I knew this was no ordinary coffee.

    Decide for yourself! A few resources worth perusing.

    Fair Trade USA
    Fair Trade Federation
    Fairtrade International
    World Fair Trade Organization

    Related Posts

    • Pizza on a cutting board.
      Op Ed: Blaming Paula Deen for the diabetes epidemic? Why not blame Winnie the Pooh?
    • Bags of Dean's Beans fair trade coffee in a row
      Op Ed: All about fair trade coffee + what it taught me
    • Mardi Gras King Cake, a long way from home
    • Sadie Mae at Edible Times
      My dog keeps invading my food photos, so introducing 'Sit, stay, drool'
    « Alfajores + learning to 'bring it' one Argentinian cookie at a time
    Why you don't need to worry about over-mixing dough + a scrumptious strawberry shortcake recipe »

    Filed Under: Drinks, Op Ed Tagged With: coffee, fair trade

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Your Online Coffee

      February 27, 2012 at 3:44 pm

      Great learning when learning through a median that you love, such as Fair Trade Coffee. Coffee is such a passion and is to be shared. Fair Trade is ethical and right!

    Join In Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome to
    Edible Times!

    Chef Christina Bailey, Boise Private Chef, Creator of Edible Times

    I'm Christina, a classically trained, Michelin-star restaurant alum and private chef. And more importantly, Chef Mom to two little boys.
    I'm here to empower you in the kitchen and in health. I share way more than delicious, chef-tested recipes. I explain the professional formulas, ratios, and techniques, too.
    So if you the endless scrolling: You can ditch it.
    And if you love collecting reliable recipes, I'm here for you, too.
    To read about me and my food philosophy, follow this.



    4th of July

    • How to make any flavor homemade ice cream
    • How to cook sockeye salmon, or any salmon, to perfect doneness
    • Orange-Balsamic Marinated, Grilled Asparagus Recipe
    • Why I love sugar cookie dough, and for way more than cookies + fruit tart recipe

    Most Popular

    • The Original Pat O'Brien's Hurricane Drink
    • The truth about setting absinthe on fire + how to properly enjoy this notorious green elixir
    • How to make no-bake (and no fail!) chocolate-peanut butter cookies
    • Chef Thomas Keller's Roast Chicken of Bouchon Fame
    • How to Make French Macarons, Seriously
    • How to make espresso at home without a machine

    my foodgawker gallery

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Christina
    • Private Chef Services
    • Privacy & Disclosure
    • Nutrition Notice

    Subscribe

    Looking for free cooking, baking and macaron tips?

    Sign up!

    Recipes

    All Recipes
    Breakfast
    Dinner
    Dessert
    Macarons

    By Diet

    GAPS Diet
    Gluten-Free
    Keto
    Paleo
    Vegan

    Copyright © 2009-2021 Edible Times