Cafedirect Ground Coffee
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I always like to start my day with a cup of good quality coffee, so I’m always on the lookout for new blends to try. I recently came across Cafedirect who are an award winning UK based company. They sell premium small-batch roasted coffee from their roastery in London Fields. However, not only do they offer a wide range of hot beverages, they also have big ambitions to make a difference.
Founded in 1991, their aim was to find a better way to do trade and improve livelihoods following the international coffee crisis. With an interest in climate and communities, they became the UK’s first certified B Corporation coffee company. They act to be transparent in meeting the needs of the workers, environment and customers.
Their goals are to ensure the small-hold farmers worldwide are supported and their resources are maximised. By putting growers and farmers at the heart of the business, their lives and communities can improve.
The company focus on key areas. They are 100% Fairtrade which means farmers are paid a minimum Fairtrade price plus an additional premium on top. 50% of their profits also go towards Producers Direct, which is a charity led by farmers to improve their profits and livelihoods. And they also use more sustainable farming methods to adapt to climate change.
As farming methods have evolved, the use of organic fertilisers have increased. The reduction in pesticides are better for the environment and allow better quality coffee.
50% of the coffee purchased by Cafedirect is organic and certified by the Soil Association.
Cafedirect Mayan Gold
Cafedirect have a good selection of ground coffee, beans and instant (as well as teas and hot chocolate). They have an organic range, exclusive limited edition coffees, decaf and an espresso range.
I chose to try the recently launched Cafedirect Mayan Gold from Southern Mexico. It’s a strength 5 smooth dark roast made with 100 percent organic arabica beans.
It’s produced by the Ejidos San Fernanado cooperative. Crops are grown at high altitude using sustainable organic agricultural methods in a thriving farming community, which was founded in 1984. Over time, the cooperative could see how climate change was damaging to crops, so they moved on from conventional farming methods. The conditions are ideal for growing quality specialty coffee.
When I opened the pack it had a light, sweet fragrance. The texture was also light, which surprised me given as it is strength 5. I made a black coffee without sugar (which is how I drink my morning cup) and it was incredibly smooth. It is described as having a caramel sweetness, and it certainly does.
I later made a cafe latte with the Mayan Gold (without sugar), and it was lovely to drink in the afternoon. It is a good quality coffee with a natural sweetness and no bitterness at all. The Mayan Gold is actually described by green coffee buyer, Matt McDonald as a ‘coffee that you can drink all day’, and I would have to agree. It doesn’t taste strong at all and it’s full of flavour.
Coffee Subscriptions
As well as one-off purchases, you can also opt to have your coffee delivered with a coffee subscription. You can choose either ground or beans and have fresh coffee delivered either weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
Your subscription can be cancelled at any time. Or you can change your order if you’d like to try something new.
There are a selection of specialty coffees available to choose. Or go for a discovery pack and receive a new coffee each time. In addition you will be sent an information pack all about where your coffee has come from. You can learn about each one in regards to its origins and cooperatives. Plus get tasting notes and brew tips.
There are gift options as well for coffee subscriptions. These are either three, six or twelve month subscriptions. Or alternatively there are a range of gift hampers available. Perfect for the coffee lover in your life.
