We're looking forward to expanding our presence in South Florida and beyond.
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Would you like to go on a journey to change your morning routine? Would you like to take the first step to develop new possibilities? Let’s create a new morning, a better day and a new you.
Many of us can feel that we are rushing through life. The alarm sounds and immediately we are running steered by our (morning) habits. It’s Monday morning, what is the first thing we think about? What should I wear to the office? Did I prepare enough for the meeting? Will I have to speak with my boss today? Am I really achieving my company goals? Is this where I thought I would be? and Gosh I’m going to get caught in rush hour traffic again! Between swirling thoughts and emotions, we hastily stuff our face with breakfast and head to work. Does this ever happen to us? Do we fret and then obsess about events projecting what may happen in the given day or week? Deadlines, meetings, family obligations. Fear, stress and anxiety and the icing on the cake, bombardment from social media and a pinging smart phone.
Did you take time to stop and smell the coffee? Do you give yourself 5-10 minutes at any point in the day to quiet the mind, to savor the present moment, to discover who you are, what you have become, or what you would like to be? Research has shown that we can break the old self, our routines to create new possibilities. Take a step back from the constant distractions and the illusion of the stressful future.
Are you one of the 64% of people who drink coffee? Do you wake up to your alarm, robotically trod to the kitchen, half asleep, mind racing of the upcoming events for the day? Do you make the coffee quickly, guzzle it down hoping for the caffeine high to instantly awake you from your morning fog and energize you for your morning? If so, that is okay. I’ve been there and we’ve been programed to behave this way.
If this is you, now is the time to do something different. It is time to gift yourself at least 5 minutes to make a mindful cup of morning coffee. Coffee is a sensory experience. If you grind your coffee or have ground coffee, take a moment to smell the product. The aroma is beautifully complex. After you have brewed your coffee, take a sip, and taste the combinations of flavors. Take a moment to close your eyes and block out the competing noises cluttering your mind. Realize that the coffee you are sipping was likely grown many thousands of miles away from where you are sitting. Tucked far away from noisy cities, it was cultivated by farmers who dedicated an entire year to produce the harvest that you are enjoying. Savor the flavors and appreciate of the effort and care that went into your morning brew. Allow yourself to be whisked away to the tranquil mountains and jungles of where the coffee is grown.
As you feel yourself become less distracted by the future, upcoming meetings, or the possibility of traffic, continue to focus your energy on you. With each passing moment continue to quiet your mind. Focus on the flavors that awaken your tongue. As you become more at ease, slowly disconnect from your surroundings. While this sounds easy, it may take multiple efforts to achieve the quiet, the stillness and the peace in your mind. Do not give up if it does not happen the first time you try this. It’s time to wake up and smell the coffee. It is time to break old habits and to create a new day with endless possibilities.
]]>The Hero Foundation is a young adult driven grassroots nonprofit organization based out of Napa California with a daunting quest; Save the World. With their ever growing volunteer pool and community support, they create and implement service projects, activism centered operations, and charity fundraising events that alternate based on the most pressing matters and causes of the communities they serve.
Their projects generally alternate seasonally so be sure to check in with them as they may have a community service project in need of volunteers that you may be passionate about! Moving into their second year operating as a certified 501c3 tax deductible organization, they have plenty more work to do and any support certainly helps them on their quest! Don’t hesitate to reach out to them!
You can check out their website at theherofoundationus.org
Their social media handles are:
Instagram: @theherofoundationnapa
Facebook: @TheHeroFoundationUS
They can also be found on LinkedIn!
Reach out to them with any questions or comments you may have!
Emails:
michaelrupprecht@theherofoundationus.org
Phone number: (707) 225-7792
*excluding subscriptions
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We consider farms that exist in harmony with the environment. By this we mean farms that are compliant with Rainforest Alliance or with Organic Certification. These farms work with nature to produce products that are not contaminated with harmful pesticides nor harm the environment.
Regarding our coffee community, it is important to have a team that understands quality, conservation and has access to a wholesome diet, housing, education, and healthcare. These things cannot be taken for granted and promote the passion to cultivate the best products.
Soil, tree cover and elevation are critical variables for the coffee plants not just in India but around the globe. Balekola is nestled approximate 4,000 + feet above sea level in Chikmagalur. It’s covered with reddish colored earth full of mineral deposits from the surrounding rainforest. Free of harmful pesticides, the soil and the plants thrive with the protection of the surrounding jungle. The thick canopy of trees protects the plants from the harsh summer sun. It provides a “slow cook” or ripening of the coffee beans. The Jayaprasad’s refer to their surrounding farm as the oxygen factory.
Around the world, access to clean potable water is becoming scarce. This is true in cities as well as in the equatorial belt countryside where coffee is grown. In Chikmagalur, Balekola and Balupet have major rainwater harvesting sites to collect the precious monsoon rains. This water is the lifeline for the community, the plants, and the wildlife.
The abundance of wildlife is a direct correlation with a thriving sustainable ecosystem. Everything from the bees that pollinate the coffee plants to the local animals that roam support the health of the environment. Within our farms, wildlife thrives. You can find everything from bees, cobras, elephants, tigers, monkeys, civet cats, wild boar, and choirs of birds like the whistling thrush. The animals are thriving due to a healthy ecosystem. The animals in turn ensure the sustainability of the farm and surrounding flora.
]]>We will be there to bring you delicious fresh locally roasted coffee sourced direct from our family farms. We will be bringing back our lattes, Award winning espresso, americanos, cappuccinos, hot and cold brewed coffees. We will also have our 12 oz bags for purchase. Subscribe on our website and save on all future coffee bag orders (for any 12 oz coffee type).
The experience will be streamlined. We will need to maintain social distancing (at least 6 feet apart). If there is a bit of extra wait time, we promise it will be rewarded with a delicious cup of coffee goodness.
Look forward to seeing you all there.
]]>We are grateful to share the stories from our family farms and we’re excited to make a positive impact on your day. Slow down and smell the aroma. You deserve this. Enjoy the passion that has gone into hand crafting your daily coffee ritual.
]]>Halase Byregowda was a coffee grower and local politician in the state of Karnataka while India was under the British Imperial rule. Byregowda, along with ‘freedom fighters’ in Chikmagalur represented Gandhi during his ‘Quit India’ movement in Southern India. Inspired by the principle of Ahimsa or non-violence that’s common to Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, Gandhi came up with the Satyagraha or truth-force movement. The basis of this movement was to non-violently persuade the opposition to see your point of view. Along with Gandhi and millions of other Indians, Byregowda was arrested for civil disobedience by the British officers and later released.
After years of the ‘Quit India’ that spread across the country, the British decided to leave in 1947 and aided with the split of the country into India and Pakistan. Nehru was voted as the first Prime Minister of a free and consolidated India. While forming his Parliament Nehru travelled all over the country picking Members of Parliament (MP). He traveled to Chikmagalur met Byregowda and offered him a position as an MP. Byregowda decided not to go to Delhi to become an MP and stayed in Chikmagalur instead as a local politician governing the community and cultivating high quality coffee.
Prior to 1947, The British planters had access to large coffee holdings in Chikmagalur and Indians were only allowed to own small plots of land. Post 1947, the British planters voluntarily left Chikmagalur and sold their Estates to local Indian planters. This was the turning point when our family expanded their coffee activities. In 1975, Byregowda along with Jayaprasad bought Balur coffee Plantation which was opened in 1842 AD, by a British Planter, Thomas Cannon. Jayaprasad then went on to develop another site Balupet Farm which is growing Coffee, Cardamom, Pepper, Betelnut, Oranges and Spices.
Byregowda passed down the wisdom to Jayaprasad that sustainability and harmony of the ecosystem would lead to quality products. In addition to coffee, he planted fruits, vegetables, and spices. He also set-up rainwater harvesting areas to capture the annual deluge from the monsoons. These efforts ensured that the plants, the community, and the wildlife have sufficient potable water year-round. Additionally, he installed solar panels to generate sustainable power to the farm. Jayaprasad and his daughters continue to carry out that vision today with a self-sustaining ecosystem for the family, the community and the wildlife.
Over the last 40 years, Jayaprasad perfected his specialty estate coffee. He has woven in mango, jackfruit and papaya trees and complimented them with cardamom and pepper which leave their flavor imprint on the coffee. All of the crops are shaded by the natural rainforest which has remained untouched. His efforts have been recognized by Rainforest Alliance who have certified that the estates abide by the highest quality and ethical standards for the coffee, the community and the wildlife.
Jayaprasad was also a key member of the Coffee Board of India in the early 90s when the Coffee market was strictly controlled by the Coffee Board. Along with other members, Jayaprasad was responsible for liberating the coffee market both locally and globally. He and his colleague’s efforts created free trade allowing growers to sell locally and to export their products at prices determined by quality.
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Imagine yourself sitting on our balcony overlooking the coffee farm in Chikmagalur, India. The first thing you’ll notice are the mountains, the rainforest and an ever-extending canopy of trees as far as your eyes can see. The backyard is teeming with wildlife such as birds, elephants, monkeys, and tigers. Over the last four generations, we have taken every care to co-exist with this beautiful habitat. It is a pristine and remote place that takes you back in time. It's the origin of your morning cup of coffee.
Each time that you savor a sip, know that you are helping protect an ecosystem of people and wildlife.
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Pictures (above) taken from Annie Falk's Pinterest page.
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When we launched we knew that we grew delicious coffee. We were ecstatic and beyond grateful to be awarded the Silver Medal for the latte category in the Golden Bean North American Roasting Competition 2019.
Our family has been growing coffee in Southwestern India for four generations. My father along with my sister has continued to perfect the growing for a beautifully balanced bean. Last year marked the first year that we branded our family’s product to the end customer. It gives us great pride to showcase and be recognized on the same stage as many other well-known coffees and brands.
We are grateful for our family’s year-round effort to cultivate our annually harvested high quality coffee. We are equally appreciative for the support and guidance from a world class roaster.
Cheers to a Silver in the Golden Bean and look out for many more delicious offerings from Chik Monk.
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Apart from our guests, we looked forward to our early Saturday morning company with the WPB Green Market team and many vendors especially Ghostpepperz, SWFL Produce, Soap Dudes, One World Zero Waste.
While the Coronavirus has caused considerable disruption for everyone, we are grateful to have met so many wonderful people and small business owners in such a short period of time. Stay safe, stay healthy and we hope to see you in the coming season.
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We have been serving our estate coffee at the West Palm Beach Green Market every Saturday from 9 AM - 1 PM. We offer hot and cold brews. We also make non-dairy lattes and cappuccinos which our customers come back to each week.
It's been a great experience learning the trade of being a barista. Consistently pulling the perfect espresso shot is an art.
Our blend of different plant based milks gives it deliciously distinct characteristics.
There are also some amazing fellow vendors such as SWFL who drive down from Punta Gorda just for the market, Handmade vegan soaps by Soap Dudes and a variety of hot sauces from Ghost Peppers.
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What grind level is right for you?
Here’s a quick read to ensure that you’re using the right grind. If you’re new to this, our next blog will explain how to use some of the grinds below.
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What grind level is right for you?
Here’s a quick read to ensure that you’re using the right grind. If you’re new to this, our next blog will explain how to use some of the grinds below.
If you’re grinding coffee beans at home the Burr grinders are suggested (as opposed to the blade type) because you get uniformity in the grinds. The grind type determines the rate of flavor extraction.
Grinds range from extra coarse (looks like rock salt) to extremely fine Turkish grind which appears as powder. In our brief video we show the following grinds:
Extra Coarse: Use this grind for cold brews. This is ideal for long hours of steeping the flavor from the coffee.
Medium Coarse: Use this grind for a French press. This is our preferred method of brewing at home each morning when we are under time pressure. Simply add the grounds to the French Press and pour the boiling water over the top and let steep for 3 minutes before plunging and pouring the coffee.
Coarse: If you have a Chemex this is the best grind level to achieve optimum flavor.
Medium: It’s approaching a more fine grind. This is the best grind level for a drip machine like a Bunn.
Medium Fine: If you want to take some more time and really experience Chik Monk coffee, use this grind level to do a pour over. You can use a paper filter or a stainless steel filter. The aroma and flavor are truly magical.
Fine: If you’re looking for an espresso, this is the grind for you. It’s much finer than Medium and Medium Fine. This works best for your espresso maker. This grind size is also for the Indian 'filter coffee' style.
Extra Fine: To whisk to back to your days in Istanbul or the Middle East, use an ultra fine grind. The coffee is ground into a fine powder.
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Next Generation Packaging: De-plasticize our life
We are committed to being sustainable and eco-friendly. We are going to migrate our 12oz and 1lb coffee packages to a one-of-a-kind, 100% compostable bag from Elevate Packaging. We choose to spend more to save the rainforests and the ocean, one plastic-free coffee bag at a time.
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Together with Oceana Coffee, we went through hours of sample roasts and cupping sessions until we felt ready to introduce Chik Monk to the public. We are so grateful for the support from Oceana - for their master roasting abilities, words of encouragement and support through this amazing process.
If you're local you can find us at these location!
Amici Market, Palm Beach, FL: February 27, 2019
Amici Market in Palm Beach, FL was Chik Monk’s first retail shelf. Since our launch, Amici’s has been an amazing proponent of our brand. You can find us frequently pouring samples and telling the Chik Monk story to the guests. If you’re in the area, please join us for a freshly brewed pour.
Blondie’s Vegan Bakery, Boynton Beach, FL: March 16, 2019
Blondie's Vegan Bakery located in Boynton Beach, FL became our second retail shelf. Our delicious coffee complements their outstanding vegan dishes and pastries. We love meeting customers at our Saturday samples.
Update: Blondies helped us during our launch but we are not retailing there anymore. They are good friends of ours and we will always support them.
Full Bloom, Miami Beach, FL: March 30, 2019
We recently provided our coffee to Full Bloom, the first vegan restaurant in Miami Beach, FL. We hear the Chickpea Omelette is amazing!
We are excited to expand to other locations in the coming months. Stay tuned for where we will sample next!
Update: We did some special blends for Full Bloom for a short period which ended in 2019. However, make sure to stop by their restaurant and try their food and let Alessandro know we said 'hello'.
Next Generation Packaging: De-plasticize our Life
We are committed to being sustainable and eco-friendly. We are going to migrate our 12oz and 1lb coffee packages to a one-of-a-kind, 100% compostable bag from Elevate Packaging. We choose to spend more to save the rainforests and the ocean, one plastic-free coffee bag at a time.
Watch this space in the next few months for local beach clean-up initiatives.
Thank you all for being our customers!
You are the reason we do what we do.
- The Chik Monk Team
]]>In the 1600s, coffee farming was monopolized by the Middle East and parts of Africa. Thanks to coffee bean packing Baba Budan and his "old Chik" beans, our ancestors became one of the early cultivators of coffee globally.
Our estates Bälékola and Balupet are tucked in the lush Western Ghats (mountain chains) of Chikmagalur. My father continues to tend to the plants as he has done over the last 40 years to ensure that we produce the highest quality beans. Our coffee estates are a magical place where time seems to stand still. Our coffee home in the mountains is a temperate place where the best climate control is an open window.
By early dawn you’re gently awoken by the music of the Malabar Whistling Thrush. If you’re an early riser and wander outside you may land your gaze on a civet cat. As you explore the estate later in the afternoon you may catch sight of monkeys, elephants and spotted deer. Keep a watchful eye as you could also encounter tigers, leopards or cobras (Yes, it can also be a bit like Jurassic Park). As you continue exploring, you’ll see jackfruit, mango and papaya trees, pepper vines, cardamom and a host of other wild berries. You find yourself in an India that is truly stunning, underexplored and quietly removed from the hustle and bustle of the major cities.
We have embraced our family traditions keeping a pulse on the local community and the beautiful surrounding nature. We use solar energy to power the rustic amenities at the house. So, during the monsoon don’t expect to have electricity too long. We work with our community to provide housing, food and potable water. We empower the women and support their children by providing funds for education.
The coffee that you’re experiencing today was cared for, hand-picked, and sun-dried by our local community. While some farms around the world use industrial dryers for machined picked coffee beans, we have opted to carefully hand collect the beans and naturally dry them in the Indian winter sun. We firmly believe the more natural the better.
So next time your take that first sip of coffee, remember our story. Farm visits and Wellness retreats coming soon!
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Chik Monk brings four generations of coffee growing experience from our mountains to your cup. We launched in South Florida to bring you a peace from the East with our specialty shade grown coffee. As you come to know us, you’ll realize we’re truly passionate about coffee and protecting our environment.
Chik Monk debuted in Palm Beach, Florida at a lovely event sponsored by St. Edwards Guild with more than 270 people in attendance. Thank you to the family and friends that made this possible. Also, thank you to WLML-FM 100.3 for giving us a shout out on the radio.
We have been overwhelmed by the positive responses and support from family and friends.
Stay tuned for upcoming events at www.chikmonk.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
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