Jalima--a name that is derived from the women at the helm, Janet (Ja) Allen, Libe (Li) Diamant Rubinstein and Marcela (Ma) Zuchovic-- is a coffee company that was conceived by three lifelong friends during a birthday celebration in 2001. Instead of toasting with champagne or wine, they toasted with a cup of coffee. This signified their love and commitment to a journey that was just beginning.

From a very young age with her mother as an example, Marcela has always been involved in “the greater good”, but her birthday celebration in 2001 held an even deeper meaning for her because she is also a breast-cancer survivor. It was only natural for Marcela to ensure that her experience with Jalima meant much more than just marketing coffee and without a doubt, it does. If you are looking for a coffee with a cause, you have found this in Jalima. Stamped Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, and Organic certified, this is one indulgence that will leave you feeling guilt-free with every cup. It is also Parve and Kosher for Passover.

Jalima’s Fair Trade Certification is a way for Jalima to help the farmers, but Jalima is paying more than Fair Trade prices. While Fair Trade is a beginning for coffee farmers to earn a decent living it is still not enough, so Jalima goes above and beyond.

Jalima’s Rainforest Alliance stamp ensures that Jalima is doing its part to preserve the earth. According to the Rainforest Alliance’s website, “Our independent seal of approval ensures that goods and services were produced in compliance with strict guidelines protecting the environment, wildlife, workers and local communities.”

Marcela’s love and passion for Jalima Coffee came through this year at a cupping session demonstration at the Coffee and Tea Festival in New York City. Marcela made this a great fun-filled experience for all by sharing and demystifying the cupping process. While guiding and teaching us what the professionals are looking for when cupping, she made it clear that everyone’s experience with a coffee is personal and in the end, it is all about what you love.

My personal experience with Jalima during my coffee hour this morning has me asking “What’s NOT to love?” This coffee has my personal A+ certification of delicious. I also had the pleasure of trying out a new candy that is in the research and development phase for Jalima, so look for its debut.

Jalima Coffee is currently available at the following:

-Zabar's in NYC on Broadway and 80th
-Garden of Eden in NYC on 23rd Street
-D'Amicos Foods in Brooklyn on Court Street
-Richard's Whole Foods Market in Sarasota, FL
-Taste of Crete on Route 202 in Hillsborough NJ
-Moravian Book Shop in Bethlehem, PA

Please encourage your local vendors, workplace and other organizations to carry Jalima. You can contact them through their website, http://www.jalimacoffee.com.