First, let’s take a look at coffee cultivation in Tanzania. Tanzania is the third of a trifecta of East African countries known for their coffees (the other two being Ethiopia and Kenya, both to the north of Tanzania). In Tanzania, coffee is grown predominantly on the highlands surrounding majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro. The rich, volcanic soils of Mt. Kilimanjaro provide an ideal climate for coffee cultivation in contrast to the dry African savannah found at lower elevations.

Peaberry coffee, on the other hand, relates not to the geographic origin of a coffee variety, but rather the form of the coffee bean itself. Most – ninety percent or more – coffee beans split into two halves as they mature. This pair of flat-shaped bean is the typical coffee bean. On the other hand, some coffee beans do not split into halves and form a single, rounded bean in the shape of a pea, and, hence, the name “peaberry.” Many consider peaberry coffees to produce the most flavor and intense cups of coffee. Experts do not agree as to why the peaberry appears to yield a superior cup. Reasons vary from more nutrients being packed into a single bean to how the rounded bean rolls more smoothly during the roasting process. Peaberry coffee beans by nature are infrequent and less common among a coffee crop.

Like other African countries, Tanzania’s coffee industry employs a coffee grading system based on the size and form of the coffee bean. Usually the AA grade tops the list in terms of size and therefore quality. Likewise, the PB grade stands for Peaberry. There is some mystery, though, as to why the Peaberry grade is the one grade most frequently found in the United States. Perhaps, the Peaberry grade was simply marketed in the United States to help further distinguish it from its famous competitor – Kenya AA – to the north.

What should one expect from a cup of  Tanzanian Peaberry? As with most peaberry coffees, a drinker should expect a lighter bodied, slightly more acidic and therefore bright taste profile in contrast to regular (non-peaberry) coffees. For Tanzanian Peaberry Coffee in particular, I find the intense and sweetly acidic taste to be often softened by wine and fruit overtones. And without a doubt, it is one of the most aromatic coffees available.

On a personal note, I deliberately limit myself to no more than two cups of Tanzanian Peaberry at a time. I have not had a chance yet to research its caffeine content but two cups of  Tanzanian Peaberry is more than enough to have me buzzing around the house or office. I am not sure that my co-workers and family could handle me if I had a third cup.

Joe Jefferson is the resident coffee expert at World Trader Coffee, where its Tanzanian Peaberry coffee is among the top selling coffees. World Trade Coffee also offers a full selection of African coffees.

A delectable treat! This rich Macadamia nut flavored coffee makes an excellent after-dinner drink. Our famous house blend, with very special flavors and essences.

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Cafe Jerusalem, Kosher Gourmet Coffee Sampler Gift Pack

Price: $25.25

Perfect for Passover, Purim, and Chanukah, this Star-K certified kosher sampler consists of coffees with three different roasting levels: Regular, (Full-City), Espresso, and French roast from lightest to darkest. While these are 100% Arabica beans and certified kosher, they make a full-bodied cup of coffee.

Includes 3 whole bean coffees:

• 12 oz. Breakfast Blend
• 12 oz. King David’s Espresso
• 12 oz. Lion Gate

Roast: This sampler includes 3 roasting varieties: Regular, Full-City roast (Breakfast Blend); Espresso roast (King David’s Espresso), and French roast (Lion Gate). Learn more about our roast levels…

This kosher sampler is clear-wrapped in a white display box, topped with an elastic gold bow. You can include a gift message on your order invoice during checkout.

One of our top seller’s, our Coconut Cream is a delicious, sweet treat without the calories. Not overpowering, but just right coconut and vanilla to create the perfect blend for a wonderful cup of coffee.

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Decaf Chocolate Raspberry Flavored Coffee Price: $17.99

A sinfully delicious decaf treat that tastes like raspberries smothered in warm chocolate.

*Please Note: This coffee comes in a generic, 2-pound, bags only. Simply branded with the Rogers Family Company’s logo, the bag’s not as pretty as our 12 ounce retail package — but it’s delicious gourmet coffee at a very good price!

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Our price: $8.99

This is a satisfying, rich, full-bodied, Water Processed decaf coffee. 100% star-k, kosher coffee.

Over the years, we’ve had many inquiries about coffee and keeping Kosher. Although all our coffee is certified kosher, we took it a step further with our Cafe Jerusalem, Star-K certified kosher coffee – offering an entirely kosher brand.

According to Star K, coffee beans are inherently kosher because water is the only substance the beans come into contact with during harvesting, processing, and roasting process. It is only when flavoring, decaffeination, and drinking coffee in a coffee shop come into play, that kashrut issues arise.

For flavored coffees, flavorings (both natural and sometimes artificial) are added after roasting. Due to the sheer number of types of flavoring, the chances of a non-kosher flavoring or process are higher, so this is an area of close inspection by the rabbis.

Decaffeination is another area of kashrut concern. There are a variety of techniques for decaffeination, but they boil down to two processes: the use of a chemical solvent that dissolves the caffeine and a natural water-based process which uses activated carbon to filter the caffeine. One chemical solvent used, called ethyl acetate, is created using grain, so it is not kosher for Passover. Our decaffeinated coffee is created using the water method.

Lastly, the manner in which milk and sugar are added, and the location of the purchase of brewed coffee have kashrut implications. To be safe, it’s best to buy kosher certified coffee and brew and drink it at home with your own milk and sugar added to taste. But if you’re out and about, it’s best to order plain black coffee in a paper cup.

However, true coffee connoisseurs know that coffee should be good enough that you do not need to add milk and sugar anyway! Give that a try with your Café Jerusalem coffee, and you’ll experience a whole new realm of flavors arising from the quality of our green coffee and the skill of our masters coffee roasters.

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Cafe Jerusalem Kosher Coffee Gift Basket Price: $39.99

This gift basket contains a wonderful assortment of our Star-K kosher certified, Café Jerusalem coffees. We include a King David’s Espresso, dark-roasted Lion’s Gate, light-roasted Breakfast Blend, and our decaf Galilee Decaf. All coffees are 12 ounce, whole bean. It’s a perfect gift anytime of the year, but particularly for Purim, Passover, and Chanukah. The basket is wrapped in a cloud of cellophane and tied with a big bow.

Includes:

• 12 ounce whole bean Breakfast Blend
• 12 ounce whole bean King David’s Espresso
• 12 ounce whole bean Lion Gate
• 12 ounce whole bean Galilee Decaf
• $5 Gift Certificate

Rogers Coffee goes kosher with a capital ‘K’

Enjoy long, lazy summer days with Rogers Iced Coffee or Tea!

Cold-brewed coffee is a simple way of brewing coffee overnight. The cold brewed method extracts the naturally sweet and full flavors of coffee with low acid and no bitterness. See a recipe for cold-brewing coffee below.

And any of our black, flavored, or herbal teas make the perfect pitcher of iced tea!

Organic Iced Tea Recipe
2 Organic Tea Company whole-leaf tea bags
8 c. high-quality water
1 c. sugar
lemon slices (optional)

Teas We Recommend for Iced Tea:
East India Tea “Cinnamon Orange”.

Place the sugar and half the water in a 2-quart serving jug and stir to dissolve the sugar, then chill. Bring the remaining water to boil in a nonreactive pot. Remove the water from the heat as soon as it boils and add the tea. Cover and steep for 5 to 8 minutes. Strain the hot tea into the sugared water. Add lemon slices if desired, or place them in serving glasses as a garnish. Fill serving glasses with ice and pour the tea in them to serve. Organic, Cold-Brewed

Iced Coffee Recipe
1/3 cup ground coffee (medium-coarse grind is best)
Milk to taste (optional)
Sugar to taste (optional)

Coffees We Recommend for Iced Coffee:
Organic Coffee Co. “Java Love”

In a large glass or jar, mix together coffee and 1 1/2 cups water. Cover and let rest at room temperature for a minimum of 3 hours (best is overnight). Strain twice through a coffee filter, a fine-mesh sieve or a sieve lined with cheesecloth.  In a tall glass filled with ice, mix equal parts coffee concentrate and water, or to taste. If desired, add milk and sugar. To make hot coffee, dilute concentrate one-to-one with water and heat in the microwave.

Makes two cups of coffee or one large mug of coffee.

This is perfectly-roasted coffee for those of you who like a strong and satisfying cup of espresso or Turkish coffee. No bitter aftertaste, only full-bodied, well-rounded flavor. 100% star-k, kosher coffee.

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