Finding that perfect cup of coffee or tea to get jump start your morning can be difficult. While everyone has their own flavor preference, we can all agree on the importance of Fair Trade and sustainably grown products. As part of their mission to be better neighbors in both the local and global communities, Giant Food recently released a new line of coffees and teas that are UTZ certified, Rainforest Alliance Certified or Fair Trade certified. That means all products were grown with better farming methods that can lead to fewer pesticides and better crops, better treatment for farmers, and a better environment. Understanding this, you can enjoy your coffee and/or tea knowing that your products have been created in a sustainable and transparent way, by hardworking farmers who are receiving fair and equal pay and treatment.
Products that have the UTZ label show you that the coffee, tea or cocoa has been sourced in a sustainable manner. To become certified, farms have to follow the strict UTZ Code of Conduct, which offers expert guidance on better farming methods, working conditions and care for nature. This in turn leads to better crops, a better income, a better environment and a better life for farmers, workers and their families.
The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. The Rainforest Alliance's approach is the understanding that the health of the land is closely connected to the well-being of those who depend on it for their livelihoods. In order for a farm, forestry, or tourism enterprise to achieve Rainforest Alliance certification, it must meet rigorous standards designed to protect ecosystems, safeguard the well-being of local communities and improve productivity.
Fair Trade certified products help people and the planet work together so both are healthy and sustained. Fair Trade USA provides farmers in developing nations the tools to thrive as international business people. Instead of creating dependency on aid, they use a market-based approach that gives farmers fair prices, workers safe conditions, and entire communities’ resources for fair, healthy and sustainable lives. While best known for coffee, Fair Trade Certified has grown to encompass many products, from tea and chocolate to body care and wine.
Giant sent me a few flavors to sample including Organic French Roast, Shore Blend, and French Vanilla. Since I am not really a coffee-drinker, I brought the coffee to my parent's house this past weekend, as I visited them for lunch. Afterwards, we made each flavor and they did a taste test. Here are their thoughts:
Organic French Roast: Available in K-cup pods, made of 100% Arabica coffee beans, this coffee was the darkest, most bold of the three we tried. It had a very burnt aroma, and was my mom's favorite. She loves a strong cup of coffee!
Shore Blend: Available in K-cup pods, made of 100% Arabica coffee beans, this coffee is a medium-roast, that is reminiscent of a Hawaiian Breakfast blend. It was my dad's favorite, and he said he could picture himself enjoying a cup every morning.
French Vanilla: Available as premium ground coffee, this was the lightest of the three and had a sweet vanilla aroma. I added lots of creamer and sugar to my cup to enhance that sweet vanilla flavor.
