Certified Organic Coffee

The Certified Organic label/descriptive term signifies that a coffee is grown without herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic chemical fertilizers. To guarantee this organic status the coffee is typically certified by the proper international agency and/or other third-party agency.

Benefits of Certified Organic Coffee

Due to the higher costs involved with organic certification of coffee, and also the lower yields, certified organic coffee usually costs more than non-certified (e.g., non-organic) coffee, though many consumers appreciate the benefits not only to their own health but also to the health of the coffee farmers and to the environment.

Certification of Organic Coffee

For coffee to be certified by the United States Department of Agriculture it must be grown using at least 95% organic fertilizers and without the use of chemical pesticides.

After three consecutive coffee crops are harvested the coffee farmer may request an inspection by a USDA-certified agency to certify the coffee farm and the coffee beans as USDA Certified Organic Coffee.

Certified Organic Coffee and Espresso Brewing Tips

For tips on brewing the perfect cup of Certified Organic coffee see our section on Coffee Brewing. You can also read detailed coffee flavor profiles of Gourmet Coffees and instructions on preparing Espresso Drink Recipes.

For step-by-step instructions see Pulling A Perfect Espresso Shot as well as Barista Guide to Perfect Lattes and Cappuccinos.

For detailed definitions of coffee terminology see the Coffee and Espresso Glossary.  Also check out the World’s Best History of Coffee.