Thanks for checking out Tangled Blue Coffee. You might think this is a rather strange thing for your average traveling folk-rock duo from Wisconsin to be selling over the internet... and you would be right for thinking this.Thanks for checking out Tangled Blue Coffee. You might think this is a rather strange thing for your average traveling folk-rock duo from Wisconsin to be selling over the internet... and you would be right for thinking this.
But if you ever spend any time with us (especially in the morning), you will come to know that we are passionate about good coffee (this is REALLY good coffee), and purchasing this coffee guarentees a fair market price for the Tzu'tujil families who grow and harvest it in a way that is ecologically sound. Want to know more? Read on. Need coffee now? We understand this need... click here to view the mail order form or use our web store to order with your credit card.
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It started simply enough. We were getting lunch at a coffee shop in Menomonie when we noticed a sign advertising coffee from a local organization called Farmer To Farmer. I was curious, so when we got home I went to their web site (farmertofarmer.org). I got an education on the economics of coffee growing. It wasn't long before Aimée and I were talking about how we could help get the word out about their coffee. After a few conversations with Stephanie at Farmer To Farmer, we became members in their organization and ordered 20 pounds of freshly roasted Guatemalan coffee beans.
Who are the Coffee Growers?
The growers are a group of 25 Tzútujil (pronounced, tsú-to-wheel) families. They are farmers and weavers. Farmer to Farmer has been assisting them to purchase land, seed, tools and supplies in order to grow corn, beans and now coffee!
What is Fair Market coffee?
Fair market means that the growers make much better wages than they would on the open market. As the price of coffee on the open market continues to fall, our growers can count on our price remaining steady. Currently the growers are receiving almost three times the current market price.
This coffee is grown at an altitude of over 5000 feet near Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. The deep volcanic ash soil and warm days with cool nights make the area perfect for coffee growing. Although the coffee isn't certified organic, the coffee is grown with minimal or no fertilizers or pesticides. Because the coffee is shade grown, the forests are preserved and the growers are encouraged to plant more trees.
The coffee is sent to Farmer To Farmer dried but not yet roasted. It is then roasted in Minneapolis in small batches so the coffee is as fresh as it can be. And most importantly, it's absolutely delicious. Two roasts are available, Guatemalan Medium Roast and French Roast (dark).
At left: Concepción is holding a basket of ripe coffee beans. This basket represents a half day's work for a seasoned picker and about 3 lbs. of roasted coffee.
Farmer to Farmer was organized in 1980's in response to the U.S. farm crisis. In 1984 several U.S. dairy farmers traveled to Nicaragua at the invitation of the nicaraguan farm organization UNAG. Out of this visit Farmer to Farmer was formed. Farmer to Farmer has worked with farmers in Nicaragua and Guatemala. Some of the projects include:
Nicaragua
•developing a dairy cooperative
•working with a woman's flower growing cooperative
•helping with a soy and chicken project
Guatemala
•working with Maya farmers to grow corn and beans
•buying land for farming
•coffee growing and selling
We purchase our coffee from Farmer To Farmer at the Bulk Membership rate of $7 per pound. We are selling the coffee at $10 per pound plus shipping.
How much is shipping? We are charging $4 for the first pound and $1 for each additional pound.
Can I purchase coffee directly from Farmer To Farmer and save a few bucks? Yes! We aren't trying to make a living through coffee sales; these people are... Of course, the $3 from each pound does help keep us out on the road and sharing our music. Whether from us or directly from Farmer To Farmer we hope you support this organizations work by ordering a pound or two. Also, please consider becoming a member in Farmer To Farmer to help support their other projects. Information on membership can be found at farmertofarmer.org.
How is the coffee delivered? The coffee is in whole bean form; in a sealed, one pound bag.
Can you grind the coffee for me? Yes, and we will ship it the same day it is ground... But please be aware that the shelf life of ground coffee is greatly reduced and coffee grinders can be very affordable. For the fullest flavor you should grind your own (See; I told you we are passionate about good coffee).
Can I purchase coffee in different amounts? One pound bags are the smallest. You can also purchase in 5 pound bulk bags at a slightly reduced rate. Details are in the order form.
How long will it take for my order to reach me? Because of our busy travel schedule we may not receive your order right away. Typically orders will be sent within four weeks (often much more quickly). Please email us if you have any questions about your order.