WHAT IS REGENERATIVE ORGANIC?

Regenerative Organic is an approach to agriculture that is better than sustainability and starts with the best practices of organic farming. This type of farming is the way of the future and will help fight climate change. Regenerative Organic aims to improve the health of the soil, ecosystem, and the community. Ampersand is proud to be one of the first to offer Regenerative Organic Certified Coffee. Check out our ROC coffees and our latest blog to learn more about Regenerative Organic coffee farming.

WHAT IS AN ORGANIC COFFEE BEAN?

Coffee is the first thing that most of us consume to get us going for our day, and the source of the coffee is vital to our health. Organic beans are regulated by the USDA to set a standard of quality ensuring that our coffee beans are grown in soil that is free from pesticides, fertilizers and chemicals that are harmful to our health. Not only are organic coffee beans healthier to consume, but the growing process prioritizes environmental sustainability and the well-being of the farmers and their communities.

ARE ORGANIC COFFEE BEANS BETTER?

Yes! Organic coffee beans are better for the environment, farming communities, and our health.

WHAT IS BIRD FRIENDLY COFFEE?

Bird Friendly Coffee is more than just a label; it represents a commitment to conserving precious ecosystems, promoting biodiversity, and supporting the livelihoods of coffee farmers. Developed by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC), Bird Friendly Coffee is a certification that ensures the cultivation of coffee in a manner that benefits birds and their fragile habitats. In addition, because this certification requires canopy crops above the coffee trees, the coffee matures more slowly, resulting in a superior quality coffee bean.

WHY IS BIRD FRIENDLY COFFEE IMPORTANT?

Traditional coffee farming practices often involve clear-cutting forests and using chemical pesticides, resulting in the destruction of vital bird habitats. Many bird species, especially migratory ones, rely on shaded habitats provided by native tree canopies found in tropical forests. Bird Friendly Coffee fosters the growth of these forest ecosystems by requiring that coffee farms maintain a minimum of forty percent tree canopy cover. This ensures that migratory birds have a suitable habitat during their annual journeys. Moreover, these trees provide a range of important ecological benefits, such as soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and water regulation.

HOW DO I STORE MY COFFEE?

1. Keep it airtight! You want to prevent moisture, air and odors from reaching your coffee. So a container with an air tight seal lid is perfect for your coffee.

2. Protect your coffee from direct sunlight and from heat. Best stored in a cool dry place like your pantry as an example. Avoid the refrigerator or freezer after you break the seal on the bag since the coffee will absorb the odors.

3. If possible, grind your coffee beans right before brewing for the freshest cup of brew.

IS THERE AN IDEAL WATER TEMPERATURE FOR BREWING COFFEE

Ideally you want to have your coffee between 195 F and 205 F, which is right below boiling. If your water is too hot, then you could over extract which could lead to a bitter taste. If the water is too cold, then you will have under extraction causing sour taste. So, to have a perfectly brewed cup of coffee aim between 195 F and 205 F.

HOW SHOULD I GRIND MY COFFEE? COARSE OR FINE?

This all depends on your method of brewing your coffee.

-For espresso you will want a finer grind because this is a fast brew time and fine ground will give you better extraction in a short period of time.

-For an aeropress brewed coffee, you will want between a fine medium ground. This method takes a little longer than espresso and will release the flavors better with a fine medium ground.

-For drip coffee or flat bottom pour over a medium ground is more suitable.

-Chemex brew will do best when using a medium coarse ground.

-French press takes a longer time to brew and does well with a coarse ground.

-Cold brew takes the longest and extracts the most so using an extra course setting for your grounds is going to result in best flavor. Plus, it results in less silt in your cold brew. :)

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIGHT, MEDIUM AND DARK ROAST?

The roast depends on how long the beans are roasted. The roasting process takes the green coffee bean and turns it into the brown coffee beans we are so familiar with.

-Light roast coffee is roasted for a shorter period of time, and this roast preserves the natural bean’s flavor. This roast results in lighter bodied coffee highlighting a bean’s delicate bright, fruity and floral flavor notes.

-Medium coffee roast is a little longer causing a slightly darker bean generating a more rounded flavor profile that has more caramel, nutty and chocolate notes.

-Dark roast coffee is the longest roast. The bean will be roasted until it is a dark brown or black in color. This roast will give rise to a rich bold flavor profile, expressing richer caramel or chocolate notes.

WHY IS SUBSCRIBING TO AMPERSAND COFFEE SO BENEFICIAL?

We all love to feed our need for coffee all while saving money! With a subscription you save 5% plus orders over $25 get free shipping. You no longer have to remember to order more coffee because it will be set to ship to you. You can choose to have your coffee delivered weekly, every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks.

CAN I CHANGE THE COFFEE I AM SUBSCRIBING TO?

Yes! This makes the subscription even better because you don’t have to stick to just one type of coffee. You can change your subscription whenever you need to spice up life with a change of brew by setting up a new subscription.

ARE THERE PENALTIES FOR CANCELING MY SUBSCRIPTION? Absolutely not. There are no cancellation fees or strings attached.

DO YOU OFFER WHOLESALE COFFEE?

Yes, we do! If you are interested in seeing how Ampersand can serve your business, just reach out to us at orders@ampersand-coffee.com.

DO YOU ROAST COFFEE FOR PRIVATE LABEL?

Yes! If you are interested in having your coffee under your own private label, we can help. We frequently work with other companies to roast delicious coffee under their own label. For more information, email orders@ampersand-coffee.com

WHERE CAN I BUY AMPERSAND COFFEE?

Great question! You can order online and have the best coffee delivered right to your door or you can check out our locations here. You can find us at your local stores, and also stop into our tasting room to have one of our amazingly talented baristas brew a drink made especially for you.

WHAT IS THE PROCESSING TIME FROM WHEN I ORDER TO WHEN MY ORDER SHIPS?

Your coffee will be roasted fresh and shipped within 2-3 days! We ship using UPS and USPS Priority Mail. Once your order has shipped, a label will be sent to your email where you can track your order all the way to your door.

DO YOU SHIP INTERNATIONALLY?

We can ship internationally but because of the complexity involved we need to talk to you about it. Send us an email at orders@ampersand-coffee.com!