Whenever I walk into a Starbucks - which is as infrequent as possible - I often wonder why they can't make a good cup of coffee. (Obviously, I'm in the minority considering their huge sales figures and the number of stores that pop up on every other corner in Manhattan where customers flock to the counter for high-fat frappuccinos and overly sweet caramel macchiatos.) But, as a coffee lover, I'm always determined to find the perfect cup. So, it was to my delight when I spent several days at the
Argovia Finca Resort, a sustainable and organic coffee plantation in the mountains of Mexico's Chiapas province.
I just wrote about my stay at Argovia for
National Geographic Traveler - Intelligent Travel. After reading this, you'll never wonder again what makes a great cup of coffee. (It takes a lot of care, work, knowledge, and thoughtfulness, qualities that are in abundance at this coffee plantation.)
20 comments:
I live on the Big Island of Hawaii where Kona coffee is king. There are other regions that grow here, too - Ka‘u makes a great coffee, too. Good to read that Argovia farms their beans sustainably. I appreciate that.
Hi Kris, The Big Island is such a wonderful place. I've had some great coffee there. It's always great to find sustainable plantations, that's for sure.
I appreciate reading about sustainable practices for coffee. Innkeepers need to stay abreast of these things.
Fascinating you got to go to a sustainable coffee plantation. I always try to buy free trade organic coffee when possible.
I can't stand Starbucks coffee... flavored or otherwise. My husband and I actually belong to a coffee-of-the-month club -- Citizen Bean -- that send out beans from independent, sustainable roasters around the country. Delicious AND socially conscious!
I'm with you on the Starbuck's, too. They over-roast the beans, which is a nice way of saying that they burn them. But they have a cult following and if they sold dirt, their followers would buy it.
I'm very impressed that you got to visit a sustainable coffee plantation
I just interviewed a guy this afternoon who is at a professional conference in Kona. We had a good giggle about good coffee.
I can smell the coffee wafting through the air. Great story! Would love to get there...
Hi Irene, Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the story.
Hi Roxanne, It's so hard to find good coffee. I love discussing all the factors that go into making a good cup.
Hi Heather, I agree. Starbucks certainly does have a cult following. I just don't get it. I avoid Starbucks at all costs and I try to never drink their coffee even when I'm forced to meet someone at a Starbucks.
Hi Alexandra, I enjoy staying at inns and finding out that they serve fair trade coffee at breakfast.
Hi Living Large, I was really glad to have found this place. It's such a gem.
Hi Steph, Wow, never heard of Citizen Bean. I'll have to check it out. Thanks.
You explore the most fascinating places. This sounds both exotic and educational.
Hi merr, I'm very partial to places where you can really feel in touch with nature and have a learning experience as well. This place is perfect for the whole family.
I love finding out of the way spots to visit--this just sounds amazing. I heart Mexico
Hi MyKidsEatSquid, It's sad that Mexico has to constantly battle bad reputation issues. There are so many lovely venues worth exploring.
This place looks really cool - a coffee lover's resort. We always buy free-trade organic from our local food co-op.
Hi Jane, Great that you buy free-trade coffee. Me, too.
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