Why the Right Amount of Coffee is Good for You

Coffee is one of the world’s most beloved beverages, fueling mornings, boosting work productivity, and offering a comforting ritual in daily life. But beyond its rich aroma and energizing effects, research increasingly shows that drinking the right amount of coffee can actually be good for your health. 

1. Boosts Mental Alertness and Focus 

Caffeine, the main active ingredient in coffee, is a natural stimulant that improves brain function. Moderate coffee consumption can enhance focus, alertness, and even short-term memory. This is why a morning cup often feels like a jumpstart for the mind. 

2. Supports Heart Health 

Contrary to old myths, studies now suggest that moderate coffee intake—about 3–4 cups per day—is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Antioxidants in coffee, such as polyphenols, may help reduce inflammation and protect blood vessels. 

3. May Protect Against Neurodegenerative Diseases 

Regular coffee consumption has been linked to a lower risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The caffeine and antioxidants work together to protect brain cells and reduce the buildup of harmful proteins. 

4. Helps You Burn Fat and Boost Metabolism 

Caffeine can increase your metabolic rate and enhance fat burning in the short term. For those who enjoy coffee before exercise, it can provide a natural energy boost and improve physical performance. 

5. Supports Liver Health 

The liver benefits from moderate coffee consumption, too. Research shows that drinking coffee may reduce the risk of liver diseases, including fatty liver and cirrhosis. 

6. Enhances Mood 

Coffee has mood-boosting properties thanks to caffeine’s ability to stimulate neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Regular moderate intake can help reduce the risk of depression. 

The Key: Moderation 

While coffee has many health benefits, too much caffeine can lead to restlessness, anxiety, or digestive issues. Most research points to 3–4 cups per day as a sweet spot for reaping the positive effects without overdoing it. 

When enjoyed in moderation, coffee isn’t just a comforting daily ritual—it’s a beverage that can support mental clarity, heart and liver health, metabolism, and mood. So go ahead, savor that perfect cup—it might just be doing your body good.

Organic Sumatra Dark Roast: A Coffee Lover’s Delight

At Buzzbox Coffee Roasters, we take pride in sourcing exceptional coffees from around the world. Our Organic Sumatra Dark Roast is a standout choice for coffee enthusiasts seeking depth, complexity, and a truly indulgent experience.

Aroma and Flavor Profile

From the moment you open the bag, the smoky aroma of Sumatra Dark Roast invites you in. Its flavor is rich and layered, featuring caramel sweetness, dried apricot notes, and subtle nutty undertones. This full-bodied, syrupy texture ensures each sip is smooth, lingering with a gentle sweetness that coffee lovers will appreciate.

Why Choose Sumatra Coffee

Sumatra is renowned for its distinctive, full-bodied coffee and low-key, vibrant acidity. The nutty undertones enhance the coffee’s natural richness, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a high-quality dark roast. Its complexity makes it perfect for a morning pick-me-up, an afternoon treat, or even as a dessert coffee.

Brewing Tips for the Perfect Cup

To fully enjoy the Sumatra Dark Roast, try brewing it using your preferred method:
● Drip or pour-over: Highlights the sweet and nutty notes
● French press: Brings out the full body and depth
● Iced or dessert coffee: Mix with chocolate or cinnamon for an indulgent twist

Experience Sumatra with Buzzbox Coffee Roasters

Our Organic Sumatra Dark Roast is more than just coffee, it’s a sensory experience. With its rich flavor, full body, and complex aroma, it’s the perfect cup to savor any time of day.

Have you tried our Sumatra Dark Roast yet?

A HEART FOR HONDURAS

In January 2025, the Doulos Team had the privilege of traveling to Honduras with one of our ministry partners, Every Home for Christ. We couldn’t wait to see what God had in store for us.

Honduras is home to an estimated 10.8 million people, and the city of Tegucigalpa, where we evangelized, has a population of about 1.6 million. We were exhilarated by the challenge of coming alongside the US team and the Honduras National Office team of Every Home for Christ to spread the Gospel of Jesus to as many locals as possible. From the moment we stepped off the plane, it became clear that the heart of everyone with us was to pursue the Great Commission.

Pastor Marlon M. is a great example of a Honduran Pastor who is leading his church well. We were fortunate enough to be invited to go with Pastor Marlon and Dunamis Baptist Church into the community of Colonia Izaguirre to visit homes and businesses with two simple purposes in mind: to  share the Gospel and invite residents to a local church or Christ Group. It was heartwarming to see the confidence of believers to knock and the willingness of the occupants to listen.

We had an incredible experience at the International Christian School. Our team split into teams of two, where we were able to give our testimonies and share the Gospel with middle and high school students. They asked thought-provoking questions regarding sin, the differences between the challenges of North American and Latin American teenagers, and ways to see the Kingdom more quickly, saving them from this world of darkness.

We spent one of our afternoons at Hospital Escuela. This, I assure you, was our most difficult feat. We prayed over injured and sick youths, for mothers and their cancer-ridden children, and terminally ill kids who were clinging to hope. We spent this day constantly reaching out to the great Physician and Healer. This truly was an experience none of us will ever forget.

One evening, we had a special Christ Group invite us to come so we could pray for them and hear the testimony of what Doulos Partners and Every Home for Christ have done through the financial support of the Love Your Neighbor kits. We felt truly blessed to hear their stories of success.

The Doulos team met with the local pastors who were receiving Love Your Neighbor kits and the
training to equip and mobilize their congregations to live out the Gospel through outreach.

Each Love Your Neighbor kit includes several components:

• One Leader’s Guide includes the breakdown of everything in the believer packs
• An outline that can be used to preach at their church, encouraging the members in the task of
  evangelism.
• Access to 8 discipleship sessions
  ‍

There are also 12 Individual Believer Outreach Packs designed to equip 12 church members to share God’s love with one person per week. These materials were developed by Indigenous Pastors and leaders in Latin America in partnership with Every Home for Christ.

After the training, we immediately went out with a local church and these newly trained pastors to take the Gospel to every home in the surrounding neighborhoods. It was especially encouraging to see life-changing transformations taking place by sharing the Good News of Jesus with locals.

Did you know that 10% of your Buzzbox Coffee purchase helps support ministries like Doulos Partners through the Bronner Burgess Memorial Fund. You’re not just buying great coffee, you’re making a difference!

What Difference Can One Small Act Make?

Sometimes, it takes only a simple step of faith to change the course of someone’s life forever.

In Beira, Mozambique, a woman handed a small gospel tract to a young woman named Ana. Neither of them knew it at the time, but that brief encounter would become the turning point in Ana’s lifelong search for peace.  

From Emptiness to Hope: How a Simple Tract Changed Ana’s Life

For many years, my life felt like an endless cycle of struggles, disappointments, and emptiness. I grew up in a home where faith was never discussed, and God was not a part of our daily lives. From a young age, I was taught to rely only on myself, to push through difficulties on my own, and to never expect help from anyone.  

Life was tough, and as I got older, I sought joy in the only ways I knew how—through parties and friendships that only led me further into confusion and brokenness. I convinced myself that I was happy, yet deep inside I always felt like something was missing. There was a void in my heart that no amount of partying, pleasure, or laughter could fill.  

One evening, as I sat alone, I remembered the tract given to me by a stranger. I read the words slowly: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).  

That verse struck me deeply. For the first time in my life, I saw words that perfectly described how I felt—weary, burdened, and tired of fighting alone. The tract explained how Jesus offers peace, joy, and salvation to those who come to Him.  

I was intrigued but still skeptical. How could words on a small piece of paper have such a strong effect on me? That night, as I lay in bed, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.  

An Invitation I Couldn’t Ignore  

A few days later, a friend of mine invited me to an event at her church. She had asked me before, but I always found an excuse not to go. This time, however, I felt something urging me to accept. I remembered the tract and thought, “Maybe I should see for myself.”  

When I arrived at the church, I immediately felt different. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, joy, and something I couldn’t quite explain.  

Then, the pastor stood up and delivered a message that I will never forget. He spoke about how Jesus came to give life in abundance (John 10:10). He shared how nothing in this world can truly satisfy the deep hunger in our souls. It felt as if he was speaking directly to me.  

At the end of the sermon, the pastor invited anyone who wanted to receive Christ to step forward for prayer. My heart raced. With tears in my eyes, I walked to the front. The weight I had been carrying for years suddenly felt unbearable.  

As I knelt down, I whispered a simple prayer: “Jesus, if You are real, if You truly love me, then I give my life to You.”  

From that moment, everything began to change. I felt a peace wash over me unlike anything I had ever known. I started attending church and joined a discipleship group. The Bible felt like a personal letter from God to me.

 A Grateful Heart Leads to Connection  

After I gave my life to Christ, I couldn’t shake the thought of the person who had handed me the tract. That small piece of paper had been the catalyst for everything that had changed in me.  

It was not an easy task, but after weeks of searching, I finally saw her again. Breathless with excitement, I told her: “That message changed my life.”  

She smiled warmly and replied, “I’m so happy to hear what God has done in your life! That’s the power of His Word. It never returns empty.”  

From that day on, I stayed in touch with the woman, Clara. We meet regularly to share testimonies, pray, and encourage one another. I also began helping her share the gospel in our community.  

God uses ordinary people and everyday actions to do extraordinary things. Just as I once received that small tract, I now pass along the message of salvation to others, trusting that God will use it to transform their lives as well.  

The Bigger Picture  

Ana’s journey is just one example of how the Gospel is reaching hearts in places many of us will never go—but the message is going, and lives are being changed.  

Did you know that 10% of your Buzzbox Coffee purchase helps support ministries like Doulos Partners through the Bronner Burgess Memorial Fund. You’re not just buying great coffee, you’re making a difference!

Not Just Caffeine: The Science and Soul of Great-Tasting Coffee

Your morning coffee is more than just a caffeine boost – it’s a story of climate, soil, farming, and craftsmanship. Just like fine wine, every cup carries the distinct fingerprint of where and how it’s grown.

Shade-Grown Coffee: Why It Matters

All our coffee is shade-grown. Here’s why that’s important:

• Better flavor: Growing under the canopy of larger trees slows bean development, producing smoother, more complex notes.
• Environmental impact: Shade farming protects ecosystems, supports biodiversity, and reduces the need for chemicals—better for the planet, better for your cup.

Climate Shapes Character

Stable, temperate climates allow beans to ripen evenly and develop rich flavors. Climate change threatens this balance, making shade-grown, sustainably farmed coffee more important than ever. At Buzzbox Coffee, all our coffee is 100% organic, fairly traded, and shade-grown.

From Farm to Cup

• Roasting: Lighter roasts highlight terroir and bean character; darker roasts emphasize boldness but mute subtleties.
• Brewing: Fresh grinding, clean equipment, and precise technique are essential.
• Tasting: Notes like “chocolate” or “blueberry” are guides, not rules. Your palate is the ultimate authority.

It’s Not Just the Bean

• Psychology matters: Coffee often tastes better at home, in your favorite mug, because comfort and routine enhance flavor.
• The cup counts: Porcelain or glass preserves flavor best—plastic or stainless steel can alter taste.

Exploring Origins & Flavor Profiles

Each coffee-growing region contributes its own unique taste. Here’s a quick guide to Buzzbox Coffee’s origins:

Honduras – High-altitude beans with caramel and molasses notes. Farmers often grow banana trees for shade, maximizing flavor while supporting sustainable practices.

Brazil – Soft, bittersweet, with caramelized, nutty flavor and pleasantly low acidity—perfect for those who enjoy a smooth cup.

Peru – Light-bodied and effortlessly drinkable, Peruvian coffee is perfect year-round—comforting on a crisp winter morning or refreshing over ice on a hot summer day.

New Guinea – Cultivated from Blue Mountain seeds in the 1930s, this coffee is rich, full-bodied, and chocolatey—a unique alternative for adventurous coffee lovers.

Guatemala – From Guatemala comes a coffee with bright, tangy citrus accents and a rich, aromatic complexity. Each cup delivers a nuanced, vibrant flavor that delights the palate and makes it a standout choice for coffee lovers.

Sumatra – Using the wet hulling method, Sumatran beans rest with their pulp for 24 hours before drying to ~30% moisture. The result is full-bodied, aromatic, and sweet—a connoisseur’s delight.

Ethiopia – The stars of our African Reserve. Medium- to full-bodied with notes of blueberry pancakes and maple syrup, perfect with dessert or for anyone who loves bold, flavorful coffee.

Final Sip 

Every cup is a collaboration between land, farmer, roaster, and you. Slow down, sip deeply, and savor the unique story your coffee is telling.

Shade Grown vs. Sun Grown Coffee: Why It Matters For Your Cup

When you’re sipping your morning coffee, you might not think about whether the beans were grown under the warm sun or beneath a leafy canopy. But the way coffee is grown plays a huge role in its flavor, quality, and impact on the planet. 

At Buzzbox Coffee, we choose shade grown coffee – and here’s why that matters. 

What Is Sun Grown Coffee? 

In the 1970s and 80s, many coffee farms switched to sun grown coffee in an effort to produce more beans, faster. Farmers cleared native trees and planted coffee plants in open fields under direct sunlight. 

Pros: 

● Higher yields in the short term

● Faster growing cycles 

Cons 

● Requires more chemical fertilizers and pesticides 

● Leads to soil erosion and nutrient depletion 

● Destroys bird habitats and biodiversity 

● Can produce harsher, more bitter-tasting beans 

What Is Shade Grown Coffee? 

Shade grown coffee is cultivated under the natural canopy of taller trees. This method mimics coffee’s natural growing environment (coffee originally evolved as an understory plant in tropical forests). 

Benefits: 

● Better flavor: Beans mature more slowly, developing richer, more complex taste profiles.

● Healthier plants: Natural shade protects from extreme heat and pests, reducing the need for chemicals. 

● Supports wildlife: Preserves habitats for birds, insects, and other species, maintaining a balanced ecosystem. 

● Protects the soil: Tree cover prevents erosion, retains moisture, and enriches the soil with organic matter. 

Why We Choose Shade-Grown 

Every batch of Buzzbox Coffee is shade grown and USDA Certified Organic. That means you’re getting coffee that’s not only delicious but also better for the environment, the farmers, and the future of coffee itself. 

It takes more time and care to grow coffee this way – but we believe it’s worth it for: 

● A smoother, more nuanced cup 

● Healthier farming communities 

● A planet that can keep growing coffee for generations to come

When you choose shade grown coffee, you’re doing more than enjoying a great cup – you’re supporting a sustainable, eco-friendly way of farming that benefits both people and the planet. 

So next time you pour yourself a fresh brew, know that those beans were grown the way nature intended: in the shade, slow and steady, with care. 

Meet Our Honduras Dark Roast: A Cup Full of Comfort 

At Buzzbox Coffee, we believe every origin tells a story and Honduras has one of the richest. Nestled in the high-altitude regions of Central America, Honduras has become one of our most beloved single origin coffees. It’s the kind of coffee you don’t have to think too hard about – you just know it’s going to taste great – it’s like the golden retriever of coffee. Reliable, warm, and always a good idea. 

Rich, smooth, and just a little indulgent, this roast is known for its molasses, brown sugar, and cinnamon notes – the perfect combination for a cup that tastes like a fresh-baked molasses sugar cookie. Whether you’re savoring a quiet morning or powering through an afternoon, this coffee brings cozy comfort with every sip.

Our Honduras Dark Roast is grown in the beautiful Copán region of Honduras, an area famous for its fertile soil and perfect coffee growing climate. These beans are cultivated at high elevations – over 4,000 feet above sea level – which slows the growth process, allowing the coffee cherries to develop deeper, more complex flavors. 

We roast every batch to order, so your coffee is freshly roasted and shipped within 48 hours. That means you’re getting the fullest expression of those molasses, brown sugar, and cinnamon notes – without the staleness you might find in supermarket coffee. 

The dark roast profile brings out a smooth, full-bodied cup with low acidity, making it easy to drink black or with your favorite creamer. It’s a coffee that works just as well for your weekend French press as it does for your weekday drip machine. 

Why you’ll love it: 

● Tastes like a molasses sugar cookie in a cup

● Smooth, full-bodied flavor with warm spice notes 

● Grown in the Copán region at high elevations for complex taste

● Shade-grown, USDA Certified Organic, and ethically sourced 

● Freshly roasted and shipped within 48 hours 

If you’re looking for a coffee that’s rich, comforting, and perfect for any time of day, our Honduras Dark Roast is ready to make your mornings better. 

Coffee Can Help Your Garden Grow!

Coffee isn’t just for jumpstarting your day—it can also energize your garden. With mindful use, those leftover grounds can be a powerful, eco-friendly boost for your backyard ecosystem.

Coffee grounds can offer several benefits to your plants and soil. Here’s how:

1. A Natural Fertilizer
Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, an essential nutrient that promotes healthy plant growth. When composted, they break down into organic matter that improves soil structure, water retention, and aeration. You can sprinkle them around plants or add them to your compost pile for a natural nutrient boost.

Just remember: proper watering is key. Make sure the soil dries out between waterings to prevent mold from forming.

2. Natural Pest Repellent
Slugs, snails, and even some ants dislike the texture and smell of coffee. Sprinkling used grounds around the base of plants can create a natural barrier, helping protect tender greens like lettuce. As a bonus, it may also deter curious cats from napping—or worse—in your flower beds. However, it is important to note that coffee grounds can be harmful to pets like cats and dogs if digested in large doses. If you have a pet that likes to sample everything, it would be wise to avoid laying coffee grounds directly onto the garden. Bury them in your compost heap instead.

3. Attract Earthworms
Worms love coffee grounds—which is great news, since worms are essential for a healthy garden. They aerate the soil, break down organic material, and boost nutrient availability. Feeding your garden’s underground helpers can improve soil health from the ground up.

4. Sustainable Gardening
Using coffee grounds in your garden reduces kitchen waste and supports eco-friendly gardening practices. It’s a simple way to recycle what you already have and lessen the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Tips for Using Coffee Grounds in the Garden:

• Don’t overdo it – Coffee grounds are acidic and can compact. Use in moderation and balance with other compost materials.
• Use only used (brewed) grounds – Fresh grounds are too acidic for most plants.
• Mix well – Blend grounds into compost or lightly mix into garden soil for best results.
• Do your research – Not all plants love coffee. Lavender, rosemary, and ferns, for example, prefer more alkaline conditions.

Bottom line? Coffee grounds can be a valuable addition to your gardening routine—just use them wisely, and your plants will thank you!

Let’s Talk About Our Indonesian Regional Blend

We know we shouldn’t play favourites… but there’s something about our Organic Indonesian Regional Blend that keeps us coming back for more.

It’s bold. It’s earthy. It’s rich in all the right ways. And if you’ve never tried it before, this is your sign to pour yourself a cup and settle in – because we’re about to tell you why this roast is so special.

It all starts with the soil. The beans in this blend come from high up in the mountains of Indonesia, where they grow in rich volcanic soil. That might sound like a small detail, but it makes a big difference.

This kind of soil gives the beans depth – it’s what brings out those roasted nut and toasted malt flavors that make this roast so grounding.

Let’s talk about flavor. This is a medium roast, but it’s got a full, creamy body that makes it feel extra satisfying. It’s smooth and strong at the same time – a rare combo.

Here’s what you’ll taste:

• Roasted nuts (like hazelnut or almond)
• A little toasted malt – like whole grain bread fresh from the oven
• A touch of sweetness, but nothing overpowering

You know that moment when you open a fresh bag of coffee and suddenly the whole room smells amazing? This roast is that moment.

It has a strong floral and woody aroma – which sounds fancy, but really it just smells like stepping into the forest after it rains. It’s fresh, it’s earthy, and it makes you want to slow down and breathe it all in.

Of course, like all our coffee, this roast is:

• 100% Organic
• Shade-grown
• Fairly traded
• Roasted in small batches right here on Camano Island

We do it this way so every cup is as fresh, ethical, and flavorful as possible. No bitterness. No mystery blends. Just clean, beautiful coffee from good places.

Ready to try it?

This is the kind of roast you reach for on a rainy day. Or when you want something bold but still smooth. It’s the one you drink slowly – because it’s that good.

If you haven’t tried it yet, give it a go. And if you have – tell us what you taste in your cup. We’d love to hear it!

Coffee Beans Aren’t Really Beans – They’re Seeds!

If you’re a coffee lover, you probably talk about “coffee beans” all the time – how they’re roasted, ground, brewed, and savored. But here’s a little-known fact that might surprise you: coffee beans aren’t beans at all. They’re seeds!

So, What Exactly Is a Coffee Bean?

Coffee beans are the seeds of the fruit of the coffee plant. These fruits are called coffee cherries—small, round, and typically bright red or purple when ripe. Inside each cherry, you’ll usually find two seeds nestled together. These are what we call coffee beans. The term “bean” comes from their shape, which resembles true beans like kidney or pinto beans. But botanically speaking, they have nothing to do with legumes. They’re actually more like the pit of a peach or cherry—the seed of a stone fruit.

From Cherry to Cup

Once harvested, coffee cherries go through a processing method to remove the fruit and pulp, leaving behind the seeds.

This can be done in one of 3 ways: 

1. Dry Process. This is the natural method and is the oldest and most traditional way for the seeds to be removed from the fruit.
2. Washed Process. This method is commonly used for high quality Arabica beans. 
3. Semi-Washed. This method is a hybrid between the dry and washed processes.

Each method affects the flavor of the final coffee and the coffee’s environmental impact. The seeds are then dried and roasted to make the delicious brew we all love. But before roasting, they’re green in color and smell nothing like coffee!

What happens to the cherry after the coffee seed is removed?

Normally the discarded cherry is used as compost on the coffee farm. This returns the nutrients back into the soil. However, sometimes the cherry is used to make Cascara – a tea-like beverage with a unique mild and fruity flavor. The fleshy part of the cherry, known as the coffee pulp can be used in animal feed or as a substrate for growing certain types of mushrooms. 

Why does It Matter?

Understanding the journey of coffee, from fruit to seed to cup helps us appreciate just how remarkable this drink is. It also reminds us that coffee is an agricultural product, deeply connected to the soil, climate, and care of farmers around the world. Every cup you drink represents a long and fascinating journey.

If you plant a coffee bean, will it grow a coffee tree?

If you plant an unroasted coffee seed, it can sprout and grow into a coffee tree, although it takes a few years before it produces its own cherries. Roasted coffee beans, however, are essentially cooked and sadly won’t grow into anything.