Note: for this feature, I wasn’t able to meet with Jason and Molly in person like I normally do for these posts because of COVID-19. We were, however, able to conduct an email interview and I wanted to get this post out right away so that everyone is aware of the availability of freshly roasted coffee locally. The questions and answers are below.
How did you get started in this business?
We have loved speciality coffee for many years and were influenced by friends who were roasting their own nearly 20 years ago. As we began roasting for ourselves, friends and family enjoyed sampling these coffees along with us and started asking if we could supply them with fresh roast. It didn’t take long to realize that a hand-roasted, small-batch coffee roasting business would fit the needs of many in our community – much the way the local baker and milkman were an essential service not too many years ago. Now more than ever folks realize the importance of local, quality foods for our overall health and wellness.
How long have you been in the Grand Valley area?
Part of our family grew up here 60 years ago and 5 years ago we decided to move our family here from Orangeville. We love it!
What is your top selling product and why?
Much depends on HOW you brew your coffee and what your general preference is. That being said, most people have never tasted freshly roasted coffee, so all of our coffee varieties are worth a try! Guatemalan Fair Trade, Organic is a big seller as many Central American coffees offer a pleasing balanced medium body and thus make it versatile for many brew methods. Ethiopian Yirgacheffe is one of the granddaddy’s of the speciality coffee industry that depending on how it’s roasted, can be a bright, medium to light-bodied coffee with winy undertones and an intense, complex flavour. But, most of our Coffee Subscribers love to try whatever we are roasting!
Anything else you want to share?
Up until this Pandemic, our reusable “Small” and “Large” Mason jars provided the perfect environmentally friendly container to regularly deliver our fresh roasted coffee in. We are currently using recyclable paper bags in place of these.
Whatever coffee you decide to buy you need to ask this most important question: “What is the Roast Date?”
Virtually all coffee on a grocery store shelf is already stale (the oils in coffee go rancid) as it may have been roasted in another country and been stuck on a shelf for months or even years. For this reason, most brands do not want to tell you when it was roasted. Studies have now shown that coffee should be brewed within 1-2 weeks of it being roasted – so don’t purchase in bulk! This also ensures you get to enjoy the natural sweetness, complex flavours and nutrition inherent to fresh roast. Freshly roasted coffee is a Whole Food and is super healthy for you! In fact, you may be shocked to learn that it is the highest in antioxidants of any food we consume in North America! Something to contemplate during your next cup of Java!
If you would like to find out more information about Coffee Barn and to place your order you can visit the website here. You can also email Jason directly at [email protected] or call 519.939.3645
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