– COMPANY FAQ –
How do I place an order?
To place an order, you can :
- complete the form in our Contact us section
- contact us by e-mail at contact@silvermountscoffee.com
- call us on +33 4 28 29 03 48
We’ll get back to you as soon as possible with a personalized quotation, tailored to your preferences in terms of quantity, delivery frequency and roasting specifications.
What is the minimum order quantity?
The minimum order is one bag of coffee beans, i.e. a 60-kilo bag.
Is it possible to modify an order?
Once your order has been placed, your order information is transmitted directly to our shipping department and sent as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately, we can no longer modify your order.
Can I cancel an order?
Hopefully, your order has not yet been processed. Write to us via our Contact us section and we’ll do our best to cancel the order.
Is it possible to request coffee samples?
It’s also possible to request samples of the coffees you want. You can send us a request via the Contact us section.
Where do your specialty coffees come from?
Our coffees come mainly from :
- Rwanda
- Kenya
- Ethiopia
- Uganda
They are specialty coffees, with different grades and processes. We have both Arabica and Robusta coffee.
For more information, please contact us via the Contact us section.
How were the grains stored and shipped?
Our coffees are stored in premises dedicated to the proper conditioning of coffee beans in France. Warehousing is provided for shipments within France.
Our coffees can be shipped directly from our suppliers’ countries to your premises if you are outside France.
What is the availability of grain?
The availability of our coffees varies according to seasonality and the coffee harvest period for each of the countries we work with.
To be sure of the availability of your desired coffee beans, please contact us directly. We’ll get back to you in real time with information on availability and, if necessary, suggest other coffee beans.
Can I find your coffees in a store?
For the moment, we don’t have a physical store. You can find all our coffees on our website.
Are your coffees organic?
Our range of coffee includes certified organic coffee. For more information, please contact us via our Contact us section.
What is your delivery policy?
DELIVERY POLICY DURING CONSTRUCTION
– COFFEE FAQ –
What is a coffee importer?
A coffee importer is a company that buys green coffee directly from growers or cooperatives in coffee-producing countries, then imports this coffee into its country of origin to sell to roasters, distributors or directly to consumers.
What are the most important coffee-growing regions?
The main coffee-producing regions include:
- Latin America (Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica),
- Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania),
- Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia).
Each of these regions produces coffees with distinct flavor profiles due to local climatic conditions and agricultural practices.
How do coffee importers choose their coffees?
Coffee importers choose their coffees based on a number of criteria, including product quality, sustainable farming practices, relationships with producers, certifications (such as fair trade or organic) and consumer preferences.
How is coffee imported?
The process of importing coffee involves several stages, including selecting the coffees, negotiating prices and terms with producers or cooperatives, organizing shipping, managing customs formalities and transporting the coffee to local warehouses or distribution points.
What are the advantages of working with a coffee importer?
Working with a coffee importer can offer several advantages, such as access to a wider variety of quality coffees from around the world, direct relationships with producers or cooperatives, better product traceability, and often more competitive prices due to bulk purchasing.
How do coffee importers contribute to the sustainability of the coffee industry?
Many coffee importers are committed to promoting sustainable farming practices, supporting local producers and complying with environmental and social standards. Some importers also participate in certification programs and community development initiatives in coffee-growing regions.
What is specialty coffee?
Specialty coffee is coffee rated at least 80/100 on the basis of specific taste criteria such as aroma, flavor, length in the mouth, acidity, body, uniformity, balance, cup purity, sweetness and overall impression left by the beverage. These criteria are defined by Q graders from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).
In addition to a grade of 80 or above, green coffees must have no more than 5 defects (including excessive yellow or brown spots on the surface of the bean, cracking, immature beans, etc.) on a 350-gram sample.
Specialty coffee is distinguished from commercial coffee by a number of criteria, such as:
- Superior quality: Specialty coffee is often grown from high-quality coffee varieties under ideal conditions, which contributes to the superior quality of the beans.
- Traceability: Specialty coffee beans are often traceable back to their plantation of origin. Roasters and consumers can often trace the coffee’s journey from farm to cup, offering greater transparency on its origin and production.
- Distinctive flavor profile: Specialty coffee often has a complex, rich flavor profile, with varied notes such as floral, fruity, chocolate or spicy aromas. These flavors are the result of factors such as coffee variety, terroir, growing conditions, processing and roasting.
- The artisanal production process: Specialty coffee beans are often produced by passionate farmers and growers who implement meticulous farming and processing practices to maximize the beans’ quality and flavors.
- Careful roasting: Specialty coffee roasters typically use artisanal roasting techniques and carefully adjust the roasting process to bring out the unique characteristics of the beans, while preserving their quality and freshness.
What are the differences between specialty and commercial coffee?
The difference between specialty and commercial coffee lies mainly in quality, selection criteria, production methods and environmental and social concerns. Here are some key differences between the two:
- Quality and flavor profile: Commercial coffee is often produced in large quantities and can be blended from coffee beans from different sources. It is usually uniformly roasted to produce a standardized taste and may be less concerned with quality and diversity of flavor profiles.
- Bean selection: Commercial coffee beans can be selected according to wider criteria, such as price, availability and market demand. Priority may be given to quantity and profitability over quality and traceability.
- Production and processing methods: Commercial coffee is generally produced on a large scale, with more standardized growing and processing methods. Farming and processing practices may be less focused on quality, and may include the use of pesticides and intensive methods.
- Social and environmental commitment: Although some commercial coffees can also be produced responsibly, the focus is often on economic profitability rather than social and environmental concerns.
What are the differences between Arabica and Robusta coffee?
Arabica coffee and Robusta coffee are two varieties with different origins and needs. Arabica and Robusta coffee are the two main coffee species grown in the world, and they differ significantly in terms of taste, flavor profile, cultivation and use. Here are the main distinctions between the two :
- Botanical species:
Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica): Arabica is the most common variety, accounting for some 60-70% of the world’s coffee production. It originates from Ethiopia and is grown at higher altitudes, generally between 600 and 2,000 meters.
Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora): Robusta is the other major variety and accounts for around 30-40% of the world’s coffee production. It originates from Central Africa and is grown at low altitudes, generally between 0 and 800 meters.
- Taste and flavor profile:
Arabica coffee: It is generally appreciated for its mild, subtle and complex taste, with floral, fruity and sweet aromas. Arabica has higher acidity and less bitterness than Robusta.
Robusta coffee: Stronger and more bitter, with an earthy flavor and sometimes a slightly rubbery aftertaste. Robusta has a higher caffeine content than Arabica.
- Caffeine content:
Arabica coffee: Contains less caffeine than Robusta, generally around 1 to 1.5%.
Robusta coffee: It has a higher caffeine content, generally around 2 to 2.5%.
- Cultivation :
Arabica coffee: Requires more delicate growing conditions, with cooler temperatures, controlled humidity and higher altitude. It is also more susceptible to disease and pests.
Robusta coffee: It is more robust and resistant to disease, making it suitable for cultivation in low-altitude regions with less ideal climatic conditions. It is also less expensive to produce than Arabica.
Although the two coffee varieties offer distinct flavor profiles and suit different palates and preferences, Arabica is generally considered to be of better quality and more appreciated for its subtle, complex flavors, while Robusta is often used for its stronger taste and higher caffeine content, as well as for its robustness in cultivation.
How do I choose my coffee?
Determine your taste preferences: Think about the types of flavor you enjoy. Do you prefer your coffee mild and fruity, or full-bodied and earthy? Do you like floral, chocolate, spicy or nutty aromas? These preferences will help you choose between Arabica and Robusta varieties, as well as between different flavor profiles.
Choose your coffee variety: Based on your taste preferences, you can opt for Arabica coffee if you prefer milder, more complex flavours, or Robusta coffee if you’re looking for a stronger taste and higher caffeine content.
Select your brewing method: Some brewing methods enhance certain coffee characteristics. For example, a French press can reveal more of the coffee’s aromas and oils, while an espresso machine produces a more concentrated, full-bodied coffee. Make sure you choose a coffee suited to your preferred brewing method.
Consider origin and traceability: If you value the provenance and traceability of your coffee, look for brands or roasters that provide detailed information on the origin of the beans, such as the country, region and sometimes even the specific farm.
Assess coffee freshness: Choose freshly roasted coffee, preferably with a recent roasting date. The freshness of coffee can have a significant impact on its taste and aroma.
How do I store my coffee?
The key to keeping your coffee fresh and tasty is to preserve its freshness, whether it’s already ground or in beans. Although coffee is not perishable, it does have an optimal use-by date: as soon as 2 months after the roasting date, your coffee beans will begin to oxidize. Your beverage won’t be bad, just less flavorful. It’s the oxidation of the beans that causes them to lose their aroma. As a result, coffee stored ground will oxidize faster than coffee beans.
Here are a few tips on how to store your coffee properly:
- Use an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, or an airtight can specially designed for coffee. Make sure the container is clean and dry before placing the coffee in it. Moisture is the enemy of coffee, as it can promote the growth of mould and alter its taste. Make sure the airtight container you use prevents moisture from penetrating.
- Keep your coffee out of direct sunlight, as light can accelerate the aging process and alter the coffee’s flavours.
- Store your coffee in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or kitchen drawer, at room temperature. Avoid placing it near heat sources such as the oven or stove.
- Avoid storing coffee in the fridge or freezer, as this can lead to condensation and alter the coffee’s natural oils. What’s more, coffee tends to absorb odours from other foods in the fridge. Between 18 and 22°C, your coffee will stay tasty longer.
- Try to buy quantities of coffee that you can consume within a reasonable time, usually a few weeks to a month after roasting. This will ensure that you use fresh coffee every time.
Is coffee good for you?
Coffee has many recognized benefits:
- It’s rich in minerals and antioxidants. It contains potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium and vitamins B2, B3, B5 and B6.
- It is a physical and mental stimulant, thanks to caffeine, which enhances concentration, alertness and physical performance. Known to help us fight fatigue, this same caffeine acts as an inhibitor of all the signals sent to the brain that make us feel physically tired.
- It is said to be a preventive tool against certain coronary and cardiovascular diseases, notably Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes and certain forms of cancer. It also reduces the risk of liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
- It is an effective remedy for mild to moderate headaches and migraines, thanks to caffeine’s vasoconstrictive and analgesic effect.
- It’s also an additional ally in weight loss! Once again, caffeine is involved in the creation of cortisol, which helps to release fat and transform it into energy. It also promotes the body’s thermogenesis, which increases energy expenditure at rest and limits water retention.
- It is recognized for its diuretic effect in the fight against constipation.
The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) recommends a maximum daily consumption of two cups of coffee. This recommendation is based on the appearance of anxiety, irritability and tremors above a certain level of caffeine intake.