At Stooker Specialty Coffee, we make an important distinction: all the beans in our assortment are sustainably grown, but only a selection is certified organic. In this blog, we explain what “organic coffee” truly means, why it matters, and what this means for our organic selections such as Ethiopia Shakisso Organic and Ecotripper Organic.

What Makes Coffee Organic?

Organic coffee goes beyond “sustainable” — it’s defined by a set of farming and processing methods that are stricter than conventional or even standard sustainable practices.

Key characteristics:

No synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers
Organic coffee beans are grown without artificial chemicals such as synthetic fertilizers or chemical pesticides.

Soil health and biodiversity
Organic farming emphasizes soil vitality, natural compost, organic fertilizers, and maintaining a biodiverse ecosystem with a variety of plants and animals.

Environmental and social care
Organic certification often aligns with attention to environmental and social impact — although “organic” does not automatically mean “fair trade”.

Certification and regulation
To be marketed as organic, producers must meet specific certification standards and undergo a conversion period during which no banned substances are used.

In short, organic coffee means that — from plant to cup — the growing process is as nature-friendly as possible, respecting the soil, the plants, the environment, and the people involved.

Why Organic Coffee Might Matter to You as a Coffee Lover

A cleaner flavour profile
With no synthetic chemicals involved, the bean’s natural flavour shines through more purely and honestly.

Environmental benefits
Fewer chemicals mean less strain on soil and waterways, more biodiversity (such as shade trees), and a healthier ecosystem overall.

A conscious choice
Perfect for those who want more than just “good coffee” and want to support responsible production.

Extra assurance
Choosing beans with a clear certification or traceable origin gives confidence in the way your coffee was produced.

What Organic Means at Stooker

At Stooker, we distinguish three levels within our offering:

Sustainable beans (all of them):
Every coffee we offer is grown with attention to the environment, origin, and quality.

Organic beans (a selection):
Some coffees in our assortment are explicitly certified organic, such as Ethiopia Shakisso Organic and Ecotripper Organic.

Transparency in origin and process:
We always share information about origin, processing methods, and key characteristics — so you know exactly what’s in your cup.

Examples:

• Ethiopia Shakisso Organic carries the organic label, meaning it meets the recognized organic standards.

• Ecotripper Organic is likewise organically certified and produced with a strong emphasis on sustainability

Choosing these beans means selecting the highest level of responsible cultivation within our range.

How to Taste the Difference

While taste is subjective and influenced by factors such as origin, processing, roast level, and freshness, organic coffee often shows:

A cleaner aroma
With fewer chemical residues, the bean’s natural character shines more clearly.

A stronger sense of terroir
Because growing conditions tend to be calmer and more nature-friendly.

Consistent quality
Organic beans often come from smaller-scale, carefully controlled production systems.

Tip: Compare an organic bean with a similar sustainable non-organic bean. Notice the differences in aroma, body, and aftertaste.

Our Invitation to You

As a coffee lover, your choice truly makes an impact. By choosing organic beans:

• You support farmers committed to more nature-friendly agriculture.

• You enjoy coffee with more character, origin, and story.

• You contribute to a production chain that looks beyond profit alone.

At Stooker, you’ll find two beautiful paths to a delicious cup: the sustainable route (our standard), and the organic route (an extra step). We invite you to explore that second path — for example with Ethiopia Shakisso Organic or Ecotripper Organic — and enjoy the story and flavour along the way.