Black Gold

The other night, coffee-less but awake, we watched Black Gold. The movie focuses on the Ethiopian coffee market and the push for fair trade practices. It was quick glimpse into the lives of coffee farmers and their communities. Although not surprising, i was surprised at how very poorly the coffee farmers are treated by the open market.  Yesterday, I drove by a "McCafe Espresso" sign and wondered what pressure, if any, this will add to the general market. The Black Gold web site now highlights the progress that the fair trade co-op has made post-film.

The movie also made contrasts between North American and European coffee consumption. In Europe, everyone was sitting with friends or family, drinking espresso in ceramic-ware. In the American shots, there were several clips of the "to-go culture" of Starbucks, etc. 

Inspired by all the 'espresso shots'  in the film, i tried making myself an espresso today. Hmm. I can make a reasonable-good cafe latte but have definite room to improve in the espresso craft. I'm hoping to find my grandparent's espresso cup in my treasure trunk (inherited grandmother's hope chest). I'm not sure which grandparent used the cup, or if it was purely ornamental.  If i can work to make a reasonable-good espresso to sip in their blue cup, then i'd really have something to savour in the morning.

I buy my fair trade organic espresso beans at the nearby Tully's Coffee.  Based on management issues, I'm worried that Tullys won't be around forever.  I've gravitated to their beans because my taste buds are happy,  i don't have to go far, and I'm not getting them mailed to my house. Timely marketing or not, I dig their compostable cups and the fact that they are now using organic fair trade beans for all their espresso-based drinks.

I should go look for the cup, or go to sleep. Good night.