Sourcing Quality
Matching Humans with Beans
Not only do we buy thoughtfully and seasonally, and ensure that coffee farmers are paid fairly — we purchase coffees that we have tasted, and that scored well above the specialty minimum standard in our own lab.
Roasting Specialty Quality
After sourcing great coffee, our commitment continues with meticulous roast development designed to highlight each bean’s finest qualities. We combine artisan craft with innovative technology to produce exceptional results every time.
Our computer-controlled roasting system delivers remarkable consistency, unlocking rich, complex flavors in every roast. Recirculating Probat roasters maximize energy efficiency by reusing heat, making our process one of the most environmentally conscious in the industry. To further protect our air quality, a Recuperative Thermal Oxidizer cleans roaster emissions well below industry standards.
From pre-loading to roasting to final packaging, our Cablevey disc conveyors gently transport beans to preserve their integrity, ensuring our coffee remains perfect all the way to your cup.
Farm Friendly Direct Program
This program pays growers a premium for their coffee, with 100% of that premium going to farm and community projects. This direct purchasing relationship is mutually beneficial for The Human Bean and our growers. We are guaranteed a constant and consistent supply of the highest quality coffee, while growers and their local communities receive above fair-market pricing.
Farm Friendly Direct funds have:
Built a water treatment plant in Guatemala
Completed deep solar water wells in Tanzania and Kenya
Planted 15,000 trees in the region of El Salvador
Built a new schoolhouse and supported the salary of a teacher in Papua New Guinea
Our Colombia Farm Friendly Project consists of building and repairing septic and sanitary units within coffee-growing communities.
Coffee Kinder Program
The Human Bean supports the Coffee Kinder Program in Guatemala through the Farm Friendly Direct Program—helping provide classes, educational and recreational activities, and nutritious meals for children ages 6–13 in key coffee-growing regions.
This program makes a meaningful difference for working parents and creates brighter futures for their children. Thank you for choosing The Human Bean—your daily cup is helping nurture and uplift the communities where our coffee begins.
Mountain Water Process
Our mountain water decaffeination process begins with a detailed analysis to determine the optimal conditions for each batch of coffee. The beans are then gently steamed and prepared for caffeine extraction.
Caffeine is removed under carefully controlled conditions of flow, temperature, pressure, and vacuum, using a green coffee extract derived from the beans themselves. This chemical-free process preserves the coffee’s natural flavor and character.
Once the extraction is complete, the beans are gently dried through our triple drying system and then polished to perfection, ensuring a clean, smooth cup every time.
Smith Teas
Smith Teas are handcrafted in Portland, Oregon and blend quality and creativity with uncompromising good taste. Steep your day in exquisite full-leaf flavors, available in caffeinated and herbal infusions.
