Last week I told you about how coffee roasting is an important step in the whole java experience. This week I’m back with more caffeine-laced stories, including how a village in Thailand made a switch from growing opium poppies to coffee beans. Listen to the 6-minute documentary by clicking here. To the right are some of the principal folks running the Doi Chaang Coffee company, based in Thailand, but with a roasting and distribution operation in Calgary. You will find mail order and store info on their website.
You also heard about latte art from Sammy Piccolo, three-time Canadian Barista Champion and top three finisher three times at the World Barista Championships. He practices his art and teaches other baristas at the Caffe Artigiano locations scattered around Vancouver.
Here’s some of the best art they do at the anchor location at 763 Hornby Street. I also talked about Fair Trade coffee this week. To learn more about what CERTIFIED Fair Trade coffee is, visit the website of the Transfair USA organization or this Wikipedia entry. Not everyone likes the principles behind Fair Trade. Check out this Google Search Page to find out what some of the critics are saying, including this article reprinted by the Organic Consumers Association.
You can also revisit my first take on Fair Trade coffee by visiting this Pacific Palate archive page.