Behind the Beans: The Journey of Our Specialty Grade Coffee
Greetings from the heart of Trash Cat Coffee, where every bean tells a story of quality, dedication, and a journey towards making a difference.
I am thrilled to take you behind the scenes of our specialty grade coffee.
It's not just a beverage; it's a commitment to excellence, sustainability, and supporting the wild souls at Petri's Place, our nonprofit dedicated to rehabilitating wild animals.
What Is Specialty Grade Coffee?
Specialty grade coffee represents the pinnacle of coffee quality, a title bestowed upon the finest coffee beans in the world by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).
These beans have passed rigorous tests and evaluations, scoring above 80 points on a 100-point scale.
They are judged based on their unique flavors, aromas, and absence of defects, ensuring an unparalleled coffee experience.
Our specialty coffee begins its journey in the hands of skilled farmers who nurture their crops in ideal climates and elevations, promising a bean that's not just good but exceptional.
From the lush mountains of Ethiopia to the volcanic soils of Colombia, each bean carries the essence of its land and the stories of its people.
The Promise of Freshness: Roasted to Order
At Trash Cat Coffee, we believe that freshness is key to capturing the true essence of our specialty grade beans.
That's why we've committed to a practice that sets us apart: shipping our coffee the day it is roasted.
This ensures that the complex flavors and delicate aromas of our coffee reach you at their peak.
Why does this matter?
Coffee is most vibrant and flavorful shortly after roasting. As coffee ages, it loses its complexity, aroma, and the subtle notes that define its character.
By roasting to order, we lock in the freshness and ensure that every cup you brew is as lively and engaging as nature intended.
Our Specialty Coffee Journey
As you've probably ready by now on the "Our Story" page, I am a licensed rehabber. Officially and legally able to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife in my state.
I was very fortunate at the time I started Petri's Place to have a full time income and get the sanctuary and rehab set up with my own funds.
What I learned is that operating a rehab, even a tiny one dedicated to only one species (even though we mix it up a little) is extremely expensive.
If you are a rehabber that has non-releasable animals, the options are; care for them for the rest of their lives or euthanize them.
Both of which have a cost.
All of the supplies, medicine, veterinary care, food - all the things - are self funded.
Self funded.
No state money, no county money, no grants, nothing.
The best you can hope for is operating as a non-profit and accepting donations. Something most home/individual rehabbers cannot do.
This is where the creepy tailed little critters with fifty teeth portrayed on the labels of coffee come in.
Selling Trash Cat Coffee provides a way to give back to the rehabbers dedicating their love, homes, blood, sweat and tears to the wildlife around them.
Monetary and in-kind donations to Petri's Place and other rehabs are made possible with proceeds from the sales of Trash Cat Coffee.
We also help by providing donations of coffee and merchandise to raffles and auctions for fundraisers.
Knowledge sharing and education programs are funded by the profits from Trash Cat Coffee, to help as many people as possible learn the truth about opossums.
The animals we support are intelligent, beneficial to the environment, loving and adorable creatures.
For me, the universe spoke, opossums appeared and a creative, quirky solution was developed.
Coffee for animal loving humans to support the trash cats of the night. But not just ANY coffee, the best coffee we could possibly offer.
The journey of our specialty grade coffee from bean to cup is a meticulous process of selection, roasting, and packaging.
We source our beans directly from farms and cooperatives that practice sustainable agriculture.
This not only supports the livelihoods of coffee growers but also ensures that our coffee is produced in a way that's kind to the earth.
Once the beans arrive at the roaster, they are roasted with precision and care.
Our roasting profiles are designed to highlight the unique characteristics of each bean.
Beyond the Bean: Supporting Wildlife with Every Sip
Our commitment to quality and freshness is matched by our dedication to making a positive impact.
By choosing Trash Cat Coffee, you're not just enjoying a premium cup of coffee; you're contributing to the rehabilitation of wild animals.
100% of our profits support Petri's Place, ensuring that orphaned and injured animals like opossums, skunks, and raccoons receive the care they need to return to the wild.
This journey of our specialty grade coffee is a testament to our values: excellence in our craft, responsibility towards our planet, and compassion for all beings.
We're honored to share this journey with you and grateful for your support, which enables us to make a difference in the world, one cup at a time.
Thank you for being a part of our story and for choosing coffee that not only tastes good but does good.