Organic coffee and cocoa
Making every cup a little ritual
For many people, the aroma of freshly ground coffee is part of a good start to the day. Coffee varies significantly in flavour profile depending on the growing region, variety, roast and processing method. The flavours range from mild and nutty to full-bodied and chocolatey. Whole coffee beans and ground coffee as well as coffee pods are suitable for different brewing methods, such as an espresso machine, a fully automatic coffee machine, a French press or a filter coffee machine. In addition to organic coffee and organic cocoa, the Violey range also includes fairly traded coffee produced and marketed according to defined social and economic standards. Decaffeinated varieties complete the selection for coffee drinkers who prefer the taste of coffee with a significantly reduced caffeine content.
What does the roast level of coffee mean?
The roast level describes how intensely the coffee beans have been roasted. It is mainly determined by the roasting time, temperature and roasting profile. Light roasts often taste fruitier and more acidic, allowing the beans’ original aromas to stand out more clearly. Dark roasts develop stronger roasted notes and may, for example, be reminiscent of chocolate, nuts or caramel. Which roast level is most suitable depends on the brewing method and personal taste: light to medium roasts are often used for filter coffee, while medium to dark roasts are commonly chosen for espresso.
How is coffee decaffeinated?
During the decaffeination process, a large proportion of the caffeine is removed from the unroasted coffee beans. There are three decaffeination methods: in the carbon dioxide method, the coffee beans – which have been pre-treated with steam – are flushed with liquid carbon dioxide under high pressure. Carbon dioxide binds the caffeine and evaporates once the pressure is released. In the water method, the coffee beans are soaked in hot water. The caffeine is transferred into the water. Activated carbon filters then remove the caffeine from the water. In the solvent method, the steamed coffee beans are treated with solvents. The solvent extracts the caffeine from the beans. To prevent any residues, the beans are finally cleaned thoroughly with steam. In the case of organic coffee, chemical solvents are strictly prohibited. A small amount of residual caffeine may remain after any of these processes. Decaffeinated coffee is therefore not completely caffeine-free.
What does Fairtrade actually mean in the context of organic coffee?
Fairtrade guarantees producers a minimum price regardless of the world market price, as well as an additional premium for local community projects. Compliance is monitored by independent certification bodies and can be recognised by the label on the packaging. There are various labels and certification schemes for fair trade. They differ in whether they certify an entire company or only individual products, which priorities they set, such as organic farming or living wages, and how they regulate mass balance. The best-known examples include the classic Fairtrade label, Fair for Life, Naturland Fair, GEPA and the World Shop label. Fairtrade does not automatically mean organic. These are two separate certifications that complement each other well but are awarded independently.
What is the best way to store coffee beans?
Coffee beans should be stored in an airtight container, away from light and at room temperature. This helps them retain their aroma for as long as possible. Light, air and heat cause the aroma to fade more quickly. The refrigerator is less suitable because of the moisture and the risk of the beans absorbing other odours. Whole beans retain their aroma much longer than ground coffee. The reason is simple: in whole coffee beans, the oils and aromas remain protected inside the bean. Grinding increases the surface area exposed to oxygen, which speeds up oxidation and the loss of volatile flavour compounds.
Tip: Enjoy Coffee at Its Best for Longer
If possible, grind the coffee beans just before brewing your coffee. This helps preserve their aroma for longer, as ground coffee loses its fragrance and flavour more quickly due to its larger surface area. A small hand grinder or a grinder built into your coffee machine offers two advantages: a fresh aroma and exactly the right amount of coffee whenever you need it.
