Have you ever tried Shade Raised Organic Coffee? If not, you're missing out on a coffee experience that's truly one of a kind. This company is dedicated to providing the highest quality coffee while also protecting the environment and supporting local farmers. Allow me to share what exactly makes Shade Raised Organic Coffee so special.

Let's start with the basics: Shade Raised Organic Coffee is a coffee company based in the United States that specializes in organic, fair-trade coffee. But what sets it apart from other coffee companies is its commitment to sustainability. Shade Raised Organic Coffee sources its beans from shade-grown coffee farms, which are farms that grow coffee under a canopy of trees rather than in direct sunlight. This method of growing coffee has a number of benefits, both for the environment and for the coffee itself.

First, shade-grown coffee farms provide important habitats for various species, including birds and other wildlife. By preserving the natural forest canopy, these farms help maintain biodiversity and prevent soil erosion. In addition, shade-grown coffee plants grow more slowly and produce less fruit than sun-grown plants, which results in richer, more flavorful coffee.

But Shade Raised Organic Coffee doesn't just source its beans from shade-grown farms – it also works with local farmers to ensure they are paid a fair price for their coffee. By buying coffee directly from farmers and cutting out the middlemen, Shade Raised Organic Coffee is able to pay farmers a higher price for their beans, which helps support their livelihoods and their families.

So, what does all of this mean for the coffee itself? Well, if you're a coffee lover, you're in for a treat. Shade Raised Organic Coffee offers a variety of single-origin and blended coffees, each with its own unique flavor profile. Whether you prefer a light, fruity coffee or a rich, chocolatey one, there's something for everyone.

One of Shade Raised Organic Coffee's most popular blends is their Organic Mountain Blend. This medium-dark roast coffee has a rich, smooth flavor with notes of caramel and dark chocolate. It's the perfect coffee to start your day.

If you're looking for something a bit more adventurous, you might want to try Shade Raised Organic Coffee's Conventional Camaroon. This single-origin coffee has a bright, citrusy flavor with hints of floral and berry notes. It's a great coffee to enjoy on its own or paired with a light dessert.

The coffee plants are shaded by banana trees; this fruit is harvested, some is sold fresh in Costa Rica, and the rest is dried and exported to the United States. The efficiency of this method is amazing - using banana plants provides the farm with another means of income, has a lesser impact on the environment, and the trees produce minerals and compounds that enrich the soil - yet another example of the harmonious nature of Hacienda La Amistad and its ecosystem.

"La Amistad" means "friendship" in Spanish, and this serves as a perfect description of the relationship between nature and humans in the Reserve. 

La Hacienda La Amistad is located in Las Mellizas, Costa Rica, near the Panamanian border. While some land is used for farming, its main job is acting as a natural reserve. This Reserve conserves approximately 10,000 hectares (just under 24,000 acres) of virgin rainforest. The land is divided into ​small areas for coffee growing and organic agriculture, with the majority of it devoted to conservation and ecotourism. 95% of this land is dedicated to being a natural reserve, while 5% is utilized for coffee and fruit production. 

La Amistad Reserve is considered one of the most extraordinary forests in all of Costa Rica. The United Nations and UNESCO declared La Amistad a biological corridor, a World Heritage Site, and a biosphere reserve. La Amistad acts as a gatekeeper for the 2.3 million-acre biosphere. 

Hacienda La Amistad has operated an organic, direct shade-grown coffee estate since 1940, set deep within rainforests they actively conserve. The coffee and fruit project is one of the largest and oldest continually certified organic projects in the Americas. Established in 1937, the farm has been growing organically long before there was even a certification process. The owner of La Amistad's lodge and reserve, Roberto Montero, has enacted changes in his coffee and fruit production in order to ensure that he leaves a zero-carbon footprint. 

It is truly a one-of-a-kind gem, and we feel so fortunate for our 23 years of business and personal relationships with both the farm and Roberto Montero.

But Shade Raised Organic Coffee isn't just about great coffee – they're also committed to educating people about the importance of sustainable farming practices. They offer a variety of resources on their website, including articles and videos about the benefits of shade-grown coffee and the impact of fair trade practices.

If you're interested in trying Shade Raised Organic Coffee for yourself, you can order their coffee online or check their website. And if you're in the mood for something extra special, you can sign up for their coffee subscription service, which delivers a different bag of coffee to your door each month.

Shade Raised Organic Coffee is a coffee company that truly makes a difference. Their commitment to sustainable farming practices, fair trade, and delicious coffee is evident in every cup. So why not give them a try and see for yourself? Your taste buds – and the environment – will thank you.