Coffee

Lee Rainboth recently wrote a blog about a Travel Channel series called Dangerous Grounds, an episode of which was shot in Haiti.  Due to the cultural insensitivity of the crew, the episode suggests Haitians are dangerous and unpredictable.  In reality, Carmichael is just another fly-by-night visitor who didn't take the time to understand Haitian culture.  In reality, Haitians are remarkably hospitable and go out of their way to help strangers.  That having been said, Haitian coffee is excellent and well worth seeking out.      

Like Haitians themselves, coffee has African roots.  Throughout much of its colonial and post-colonial history, coffee was a major export and source of livelihoods.  However, mismanagement, deforestation, natural disasters, political instability, and embargos have resulted in a dramatic decrease Haitian coffee exports. Yet, Haitian coffee is good - unusually good.  Can Haiti revive and expand its coffee industry?  Just Haiti and Singing Rooster are two organizations that believe it can.  Buying from either of these organizations is a great way to support both your coffee habit and Haitian farmers.