Meet Sara.  Her picture is on our new Espresso coffee package.  A year and a half ago, Sara was sorting coffee at the Mlowo Coffee Factory near Mbozi.  We took her picture and it made in on our Espresso coffee package.  Sara is one of over 300 mamas who work seasonally at the coffee factory sorting green beans for export.  Mamas receive good wages and benefits.  They are also enrolled in a health insurance program established by Level Ground Trading and LIMA, the Tanzanian coffee exporting company that we work with in Mbeya.  We have been funding healthcare for mamas in Tanzania since 2006.

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Direct Fair Trade Espresso

Blind Assessment: Dark chocolate and aromatic wood with a hint of brightness in the aroma. In the small cup light-bodied but delicately plush in mouthfeel, pungently sweet, with continued hints of aromatic wood, dark chocolate, and a complex but muted fruit. The chocolate in particular carries into a rich, rather dry finish. Flavor maintains nicely in three parts hot milk, the chocolate rounding and softening predictably while the aromatic wood notes retain some crisp authority.

Notes: Coffees in this blend are certified organically grown. In regard to use of the term "Fair Trade" on the label, Level Ground is a member of the World Fair Trade Organization, a membership (rather than certifying) organization whose mission is to improve the livelihoods and well being of disadvantaged producers by linking and promoting Fair Trade organizations, and by speaking out for greater justice in world trade. One of the three constituent coffees of the blend also is certified Fair-Trade by an organization representing the Fair Trade Labeling Organizations International (FLO). Based in Victoria, Canada, Level Ground Trading is an importer and roaster focused on fair and direct trade with small-scale producers in developing countries and on marketing their products in North America. Visit www.levelground.com or call 888-565-6633 for more information.

Who Should Drink It: A light-bodied but lively straight-shot espresso that maintains character well in hot milk.

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