“No sense being pessimistic.  It wouldn’t work anyway.” ~as seen on bumper stickers everywhere

My automatic drip coffee maker stopped working a couple of months ago. I’m happy to report I kept my cool and just went on with my day – that is, right after a run to Quick Trip!

On a serious note, I do take breaks from coffee periodically, so when the coffee machine broke, it was a sign the time for a break was overdue. While I was going coffee-less, I thought I might try my hand at repairing the broken contraption. A few days later, my mother brought over a French press coffee maker and a Moka pot. It was finally time to bury the coffee machine – rest in peace Mr. Coffee!

The Moka pot is great but has more parts to clean, so I opted for the French press. After reading the directions, I was back in business with my daily morning cup of java. The best part about using the French press, I can actually make just one awesome tasting cup at a time, with no leftovers.  Another benefit, for me, is being able to use more or less coffee for a mild or strong brew and still have bold flavor without extra bitterness.

Pour Over Coffee Maker by Veronique

While using the French press I started to notice other types of manual coffee makers, like the pour over type. I saw different types of coffee makers in stores and online.  There are also many ceramic and glass artists who make very attractive and unique pieces. I thought I would try to make a ceramic pour over coffee maker.

All of this thinking whet my curiosity, and I was off on a research journey to learn more about coffee. This is a big topic with enormous amounts of information about the history of coffee, its uses, and how people all over the world make it and enjoy it.  Unfortunately, there are also current stories of human right abuses in the growth and cultivation of coffee. See the last two paragraph for more about this topic.

A fun legend recounts the story of the discovery of coffee, in the 9th century, by an Ethiopian goat herder who found his goats eating the fruits from the strange plant. After eating the fruit, the goats were excited and dancing on their hind legs. The herder tasted some of the fruit himself and was also energized. The legend goes on to say, the goat herder took some of the plant back to his village where the rest of the people also liked it. Soon after, coffee was being traded across the land.

Yama Vacuum Coffee Maker

When it comes to consuming coffee, people around the world developed as many different ways of preparing it as there are different cultures. The preferences range from eating the fruit raw, to roasting and brewing into a beverage. Throughout history, people have acquired varied and specific tastes based on their region and unique preparation methods. It is evident that the obsession mankind has for discovery is not lost when it comes to crafting a quality brew. Who knew there could be so many ways to make a cup of coffee? For example, I’d never heard of the vacuum coffee maker. What an interestingly ingenious design! It uses pressure differential between the top and bottom chamber. Vacuum coffee makers were favored for producing clear coffee. These were popular in the first half of the 20th century and are still sold today.

Let me get back on task and tell you about my pour over coffee maker. I did finally make a functional piece and have been using it for the past month (first photo above). It works great, and is even easier to use than the French press. The version above is ideal for making up to two small servings or fill one 16 oz. mug. I’m in the process now, of making a version that includes a coffee pot that will make enough for at least four (see in-process photos below).  If all goes well, I hope to complete in the next two to three weeks.

Human rights concerns in the production of coffee — I feel it would be irresponsible of me to ignore what is going on in the world of coffee production. In too many cases, there is a devastating reality of human rights abuses. In still too many areas today, farmers and workers, including children, are being exploited or abused. Why aren’t more people aware? The information I found is not hidden. It is not sexy, and therefore, doesn’t make headlines. If you are interested in learning more, a visit to the Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta is a good start. Specifically, the “Spark of Conviction” exhibit highlights global human rights issues that exist in our world today.

The good news is that we can do something about this problem and make a difference. We can educate ourselves and stay informed. We can talk about this with our family and friends. We can also buy and consume products that are “Fair-Trade” certified. “Fair-Trade” certified means the foods were produced using environmentally sustainable methods and the workers are paid fair wages, are free from abusive, exploitative labor practices, and work in healthy and safe conditions.  Fair-Trade certified coffee can be found at local stores like Publix, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and others.  The following are some online resources I’ve found.

Pachamama Coffee Cooperative
Equal Exchange
Café Zapatista ~ Zapatista Coffee
Coop Coffee
Thanksgiving Coffee Company

If you have a favorite, let me know in the comments.

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