If you're not sure what you taste, start by reading some of our terms.

Certified Organically Grown:
Refers to coffee beans that are grown and processed according to a rigorous set of guidelines that are monitored at each stage by an independent certifying agency. The guidelines specify the type of allowable inputs of organic fertilizers, integrated pest management, and other organic weed and fungus controls.

Sustainable agriculture:
A very broad term referring to farming practices that emphasize the long-term health of the soil and the environment. Sustainable agriculture methods include erosion control, composting, shading and biological pest control.

Shade-grown:
Shade-grown coffee refers to coffee trees that are interspersed with various species of trees that intermittently protect the coffee from the direct rays of the sun as shadows are created throughout the day. Most high-quality coffee is grown in the shade because the old varieties (which typically produce the best flavor) require it. The newer, high-yield hybrids are "self-shading" and grow in open sunlight, consuming more nitrogen from the soil.

Bird-friendly:
Used almost interchangeably with "shade-grown." The shade trees that protect the coffee plants from the sun provide shelter for migrating birds. In turn, the birds help control insects on the coffee plants.