Permaculture
In order to ensure that our workers are either adequately compensated or volunteering for educational purposes, we feel that it makes best sense that our coffee production zone be located in Hawaii—specifically in Ohipikao. In order to ensure that we are working in alignment with the ethics of earth care, it is crucial that our coffee be planted with a variety of other perennials that are intercropped among shade-producing trees. Some of these might include–very similarly to cacao—waiwi, lychee, banana, avocado and a number of citrus trees. Additionally, outsiders that we are, we are committed to preserving local tradition, and therefore employ the practice of Polynesian Polyculture, which states that no plant is “planted in clusters over 1/10 of an acre” (Permaculture Foundation of Hawaii).
Favorite Coffee
Photo by Alex Fonseca
It’s hard to say what my favorite coffee has been since the program began our three week study on the plant and its fruit, but if you were to ask me on the street I would probably tell you about the ‘Sumatra’ blend I tasted at the Batdorf & Bronson tasting room.
It was one of those nasty Olympia afternoons. The rain was pouring and hitting pedestrians in downtown Olympia from every direction. I was craving something warm in my belly; I was thinking either tomato soup or a nice Frech press when I got home. I decided to wait for about half the time in the Batdorf on Capitol Way, where I sat at the bar counter and sipped on a blend noted for its fruity undertones and sharp finish. Admittedly, it didn’t satisfy, as I thought and remember telling my friend that it wasn’t agreeing with my palette. The minutes passed and we contained on to the tasting room, (again running through the downpour), only to be greeted by the rest of the program and roasters with fresh coffee and paper for our wet heads. The Sumatra blend was ultimately the satisfactory treat I was looking for. It’s aromas were rich and warm, and reminded me of star anise, dried juniper berry and chocolate. It pleased the craving I had for something hearty and rich, and especially hit the spot my mind construed from the bitter Oly weather.