Cold Organic Coffee Perfect for Hot Summer Days

31/05/06 To help coffee drinkers switching from hot to cold coffee during the hot summer months, the Organic Coffee Collaboration, a project of the Organic Trade Association (OTA), is providing seven delicious cold organic coffee recipes. These include iced coffee, malteds, and even cold coffee shakes blended with avocado! The organic coffee drinks can be made with organic decaffeinated, caffeinated, flavored and instant coffees widely available at retail outlets nationwide and direct from roasters via the Internet.

"With a cup of cold organic coffee, consumers can enjoy a delicious, high-quality summertime treat while supporting organic agriculture in the U.S. and around the world," said Caren Wilcox, OTA executive director.

Wilcox notes that in 2005, organic coffees won Cup of Excellence competitions in Bolivia, Brazil and Nicaragua. The prestigious award program, managed by the U.S.-based Alliance for Coffee Excellence, results in the selection of the best coffees produced in a particular country on the basis of their smell, taste and other exemplary characteristics.

Data from the soon-to-be-released Organic Trade Association's 2006 Manufacturer Survey indicate that United States organic coffee sales totaled $89 million in 2005, up 40 percent from the previous year. Similarly, awareness of organic coffee among American adults jumped 9 percent from 2003 to 2006 (from 42 to 54 percent), according to the National Coffee Association.

Organic coffee is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organizations verify that organic farmers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production. Organic coffee is grown in more than 30 countries, including the United States.