61 Beans Coffee-of-the-Month: February We hope you've enjoyed Winter Seasonal from 61 Beans. Now we're excited to bring back a 61 Beans favorite, Last Nubes, which comes from the Mamani Apaza group of coffee farmers, high in the Andes Moutains in Cruz Pata, Peru. Las Nubes is a winey coffee with waves of delicious fruit: watermelon, peach and green tea, syrupy mouthfeel, and pointed and sparkling-clean acidity! This coffee is super unique with a refreshing profile and is sure to become a 61 Beans classic. 3, 2, 1... Tea Launch We are proud to present our revamped tea line, with 12 teas from our small farmer partners in India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and the U.S. Tea farmers face very similar challenges to those of coffee farmers: little access to markets, unfair pricing, and no control in trade. However, unlike in specialty coffee, the vast majority of tea found on grocery shelves comes from large-scale (colonial-era) plantations, including teas that are labeled "Fair Trade." Due to the feudal nature of these plantations, workers are often trapped in a system of dependency and have little control or voice. Equal Exchange is unique in that we've been working with small farmer groups since 1988, and have seen firsthand the difference between these groups and large-scale plantations. The small farmers are making decisions, taking risks, building their own businesses, and improving their lives and communities. To celebrate the new tea line, on Thursday, Feb. 3, we'll give out free small cups of tea (1 per person) all day. In addition, we will be handing out samples of some of our new tea-based drinks and iced teas. Try a London Fog (Earl Grey, steamed milk, honey) or some mint Jasmine Green iced tea. Below are the profiles for just a few of our new teas! You can read more about all 12 of them at: http://www.equalexchange.coop/organic-tea Organic Earl Grey Tea This malty, full-bodied cup is a blend of black teas from Sri Lanka and India. A fine morning tradition, add a splash of milk and sweeten for a truly English experience. Organic Jasmine Green Tea A sultry, soothing blend of green tea leaves and the fragrant essence of jasmine. An elixir for the mind and soul. Organic Vanilla Rooibos Sweet, inviting vanilla accents this red bush tea from South Africa. It's almost like dessert in a cup. **naturally caffeine free** Organic Peppermint Tea Restore yourself with the invigorating aroma and flavor of peppermint. Cooling and sparkly. **naturally caffeine free** Meet Our Staff: Kat Cook, barista Where do you call home? Home is where the heart is! And due to a lot of moving, I must say, home is wherever I am at the moment – whether that's at the café or snuggling with my cats or visiting friends in Maine. Last book you read: The Dark Tower series by Stephen King. I thought I wouldn't like it since, let's face it, newer Stephen King is a lot of the same, but it was surprisingly enchanting. All-time favorite movie: "Dead & Breakfast," "Planet Terror," maybe "Shawn of the Dead." Something with zombies, I'm sure, but I'm a little indecisive. What's currently on the iPod? Puscifer, MIA, Gorillaz, Sage Francis, & Da Moth. Most influential role model: Every random stranger that I see who cares to make another stranger's day a little better. Favorite Boston Eatery: Brown Sugar Café. Mmm-mmm, tasty Thai. Espresso drink of choice: Honey latte with cinnamon or an iced peanut butter mocha. Ideal vacation: Time spent on the beach with friends, a good book and a tasty drink. Forget the Roses – Pair Your Valentine's Day Chocolate with Coffee! Let us recommend Organic Extra Dark Panama Chocolate paired with Organic Love Buzz. A Guide to Chocolate and Coffee Pairing By Beth Ann Caspersen, Eqaul Exchange Quality Control Manager Chocolate: Begin by breaking the chocolate into squares and putting them into a ceramic or glass bowl. Placing your hands on the bottom of the bowl, bring your nose to the rim of the bowl and inhale deeply to experience the aroma. Feel free to write down your thoughts on your Chocolate and Coffee Pairing Form. Coffee: Using a freshly brewed French press*, pour the coffee into clean ceramic or glass cups to cool. Much like smelling the chocolate samples, bring your nose to the rim of the coffee cup to smell the aroma and write down your thoughts. *If you don't have a French press, substitute a drip brewer. The Pairing: When the coffee is cool enough to drink, begin by taking one square of chocolate and put it into your mouth. Chew the chocolate and coat your tongue with the chocolate flavor to feel the texture and let the chocolate partially melt. Think about the flavors you are experiencing and then take a sip of your coffee. Write down your thoughts or share them with the other participants in the tasting. Take your time and taste the chocolate and coffee combination again. Did anything change? Are there new flavors? Check It: Equal Exchange's Small Farmers Big Change blog. Become our fan on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.