| SUSTAINABILITY: Seeds of Sustainability |
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The landmark definition of “sustainable development”,
created in 1987 by the World Commission on
Environment and Development, is “Development that
meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.”
UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization) has declared 2005-2014 to
be the “Decade of Education for Sustainable
Development”. This means that, over the next 10
years, the UN will inspire organizations, schools, and
businesses all over the planet to work toward
a “world where everyone has the opportunity to
benefit from quality education and learn the values,
behavior and lifestyles required for a sustainable
future and for positive societal transformation.”
Sustainable coffee growers themselves often address
environmental concerns by choosing “shade grown”
coffee, plants raised under a protective canopy of
pre-existing forest that not only ensures a slower,
fuller growing cycle, but also provides natural habitat
for migratory birds. Most sustainable coffee is also
pesticide- and herbicide- free, and is grown with
deep
sensitivity for the surrounding environment. Whether
by protecting nearby rivers from contamination or
providing safe havens from deforestation for
hundreds of plant and animal species, these coffee
farms daily demonstrate their appreciation for the
interconnectedness of livelihood and life itself.
In January 2006, we will officially announce
our "Seeds of Sustainability" iniative, which
embodies our committment to making a positive
impact on the world. We invite you to send us
questions, comments, or suggestions on how
Mayorga can continue to be a positive corporate
citizen.
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| WHAT'S NEW: Mayorga Flavor Syrups |
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We are constantly working to ensure that we offer
the best products available on the market. A few
months ago, we found a small company that made
such great flavor syrups, that we approached them
to develop an assortment of flavors under the
Mayorga brand name.
With the perfect balance of flavor and sweetness,
Mayorga Gourmet Flavor Syrups complement (rather
than overpower) hot or cold specialty beverages.
Whether you are a coffee professional or a
consumer, we are confident that you will enjoy our
signature line of gourmet flavor syrups.
Beginning December 9, 2005, we will have the
following flavors available in 750ml plastic bottles:
REGULAR: Almond, Caramel, Hazelnut,
Irish Creme, Tahitian Vanilla, RaspberrY
SUGAR FREE: Caramel, Hazelnut, Irish
Creme,Tahitian Vanilla
We expect to have these syrups available on our
website by the 10th of December at the value price
of $7.99 per bottle!
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| LEARN: Choosing the Appropriate Grind |
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It recommended that you keep your coffee in
whole bean form until just before beverage
preparation. We suggest that you only grind the
exact amount that you will be using to brew and use
the grounds immediately after grinding. Why?
Because the enemy of fresh coffee is oxygen. That
is why our coffees are packaged in triple-layered foil
bags with one-way de-gassing valves immediately
after roasting. When you grind coffee, you are
increasing the exposed surface area of the coffee
exponentially. This will allow the oxygen to permeate
the coffee.
The premise of grinding is straightforward: the
faster the water passes through the coffee, the finer
the grind. In the case of espresso, which takes
about 18 seconds to extract, the suggested grind is
very fine, as maximum surface area needs to be
exposed to ensure proper extraction.
On the other end of the spectrum, a French press
requires a coarser grind. Since water is poured over
the grounds and allowed to steep for 4-5 minutes,
larger grounds will extract more slowly over time,
thus producing optimal extraction levels.
For most auto-drip coffee brewers, the grind will fall
somewhere in the middle. The coarseness of the
grounds should be similar to that of sugar.
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| FEATURED SPECIAL: Connoisseur's Collection |
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Just in time for the holidays, Mayorga presents
this extraordinary selection of four coffees that have
proven to be our customers' favorites.
- Mayorga American Breakfast Blend: What
better
way to begin a crisp autumn morning than with this
bright, lively blend of Central and South American
beans? LIGHT ROAST
- Mayorga Sumatra Mandeling Grade 1:
This coffee is among the most admired in the world.
Its unparalleled full body, mellow acidity, and bold
earthiness earn that reputation in every cup.
MEDIUM ROAST
- Mayorga Kenya AA Blend: AA is the
highest grade Kenya available, and our AA brings out
the rich, balanced flavor of these beans to rave
reviews. MEDIUM/DARK ROAST
- Mayorga Roastmaster's Blend: This blend
of five varietals is a signature Mayorga favorite.
Matt Brown and Martin Mayorga crafted a blend with
the purpose of presenting a deep, rich flavor with a
smooth finish. It is a showpiece of the best that
Specialty beans can offer. MEDIUM/DARK ROAST
SPECIAL PRICE: $20.95
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THE MAYORGA FAMILY: Jote Menkir |
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Jote’s relationship with Mayorga first began when he
exhibited his digital art at the Mayorga Coffee
Factory in Silver Spring. A computer design student
currently interning at NIH, Jote has had a lifelong
romance with coffee. That appreciation, at least
partially attributable to his Ethiopian heritage (though
he was born and raised in Finland), led him to join the
growing Mayorga family. He’s been with the
company for two years now, and has approached his
managerial position with the same charm, confidence,
and enthusiasm that his customers have come to
associate with Jote’s artfully-presented espresso
beverages.
“I take great pride in each drink, and truly have a
passion for the quality and presentation of all
Mayorga beverages,” said Jote. “I try to
communicate that enthusiasm with customers—
whether giving them a beautiful drink, or informing
them about an aspect of coffee production, I just
like to share what I do and get people excited about
it.” As Manager of the Mayorga location in King Farm,
Jote constantly inspires his colleagues to develop
and improve their artistic skills, often lending the
atmosphere an air of friendly competition. “They all
really work at it,” he said. “The employees see it as a
personal challenge, to come up with the best
presentation.”
That attitude is characteristic of the Mayorga
culture. Filled with young, energetic employees, it is
a community of friends, not just co-workers. “It is
such a nice group to work with—we all know each
other, even among the different shops, and often
hang out as friends outside of work. Whenever any
of us needs anything, there is always someone to
call who will be willing to pitch in. It is wonderful to
work for a small, intimate company where you know
the owners and have watched it grow. I’ve been
here for the opening of new locations, the expansion
of the business, and the consistent improvement of
operations in general. But Mayorga has always
retained a sense of unity and shared vision.”
As a manager, Jote is constantly looking for new
ways to build upon the legacies of past managers.
From years of observation, he’s learned a good deal
about what works and what needs to be improved
upon. No matter what, he aims to preserve the
unique culture of the Mayorga coffee shop, where
customers feel at home in a personal, comfortable,
warm setting, and can depend upon consistent, high-
quality Specialty coffees with a flair.
Visit our home page to explore the Mayorga experience
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