EDGE Boston

Anyone who’s been reading my columns for any amount of time (and that better be you!) knows how much I like my coffee. Without it, well, let’s just say that it’s not a pretty picture and you don’t want to see me around lunchtime unless I’ve had a few cups o’ joe.

If you’re familiar with my background, you also know that I grew up in Seattle: the heart of the (mostly) liberal, hippie, tree-hugging organic/fair-trade/shade grown Pacific Northwest. Seattle’s known for two things (well, four– but this article’s not on flannel and Birkenstocks…): coffee and rain.

For the sake of my sanity (and to protect my hometown from the flocks of Californians that will move there if I give away the secret) I’ll leave the rain issue alone. Let’s talk coffee.

I recently discovered a coffee company that not only roasts really, really good coffee. I’m not talking big-coffee shop-generic-all-tastes-the-same roasts here- I mean excellent, gourmet coffee meant for enjoying (not slugging down so that you can write one more article before giving in to the sleep fairly). The best part? They do it in a way that helps out the people growing it, and the environment!

Jim’s Organic Coffee roasts, packs and distributes exclusively certified organic coffee. Unlike those other giant coffee houses, Jim’s Organic Coffee doesn’t just feature one or two special organic roasts, charging double the price of the non-organic blends. All of Jim’s Organic Coffee is certified organic. And, it tastes great!

But, it doesn’t stop there. Jim’s Organic Coffee is certified organic by Quality Assurance International, certified Kosher, shade-grown, and processed in accordance with the California Organic Foods Act 1990 (the recognized standard in organic foods) and comes form farmers who are paid premiums to grow organically, and thus treat their land, air and water tables with respect and to sustain themselves and their communities.

You may be thinking, “This is just coffee. What’s the big deal?” Well, if you consider how much coffee the world drinks on a daily, monthly, yearly basis, it adds up. By making a simple choice to buy Organic, eco- and grower-friendly coffee, you actually can make a difference– and a statement– that you’re doing your part to help the world become a better place. All over a wonderful cup o’ joe!

What drew me to Jim’s Organic Coffee was Jim himself. No, he’s not a hot circuit boy, he’s a wonderful man with a huge heart who oversees all aspects of his business; from the farmers growing the coffee beans, to the roasting, to the packaging. Each step of the way, he’s there to make sure that not only are the highest standards of quality are met, but that the people along the way are being treated fairly, compensated for their hard work, and that communities are benefiting and being cared for. If only other companies took this approach, imagine what a better world we’d be living in?

So, are you ready to try it? Here are a few of my favorite blends:

WonderBrew A full-bodies blend with cocoa-y and syrupy herbal notes. In a word: Voluptuous!

Sweet Love Blend This dark house blend combines dark and darker for ambrosian aroma and a deep, smoky taste. Uplifting and sensual!

Blend X This brew (also known as Witches Brew) is the most esoteric selection of dark, darker and beyond. In a word: Wicked!

Sweet Nothings Decaff This wonderful Decaf brew is mild and soft in the cup. It whispers in your ear and to your soul. Perfect for late night lingering over a cup of coffee with that someone special.

Jim’s Organic Coffee’s decaf blends are all Swiss Water Processed, rather than using harsh chemicals to remove the caffeine. Additional flavored blends include French Vanilla, Double Chocolate (YUM!), Toasted Praline and Hazelnut Decaff. I think I’m in heaven!

New this month is the WaterAid for Life Blend. With lively notes from Uganda and Ethiopia, this med/dark blend helps support WaterAid’s work by Jim’s donation of 25 cents per pound sold to WaterAid to help partner organizations in Uganda and Ethiopia to maintain clean, sustainable water projects that can be managed by the community itself- could this man be any nicer? I’m seeing a Nobel Prize in his future!

In Boston, you can get Jim’s Organic Coffee at most natural food stores, including Whole Foods and Springwell Market. You can also grab a cup of joe at Espresso Royale on Commonwealth Ave or Gainsborough St. or at Baalin on Tremont.

For more info and a complete list of stores and restaurants that carry Jim’s Organic coffee, go to www.jimsorganiccoffee.com

–Jason Salzenstein