Coffee is not usually considered a health drink, but a number of studies suggest that it can reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. It also lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Loco is an Iloilo-based coffee company that sources its beans exclusively in the province. It also advocates for local farmers through its fair trade practices.
Locally sourced coffee beans
Locally sourced coffee beans are usually roasted on-site and sold shortly afterward, which means they’re at their peak of freshness. This can make a significant difference in the flavor and aroma of your cup of coffee. It also eliminates the need for preservatives, which are often added to extend the shelf life of commercially roasted coffee beans.
Local coffee roasters often buy their beans directly from farmers, which helps to increase the income for small coffee producers around the world. This can help to reduce poverty and support sustainable farming practices. In addition, it can reduce the amount of pollution caused by transportation.
In contrast, the mass-produced bags of pre-ground coffee on store shelves are often in transit for a long period of time after their initial roasting. This coffee acquires stress from temperature changes and other environmental factors during transport, which robs it of its natural taste. This can also lead to staleness and a lack of aroma.
Freshly brewed coffee
Aside from the obvious flavor differences that occur with fresh ground coffee versus pre-ground shtuff, the health benefits of freshly brewed are well documented. Coffee contains antioxidants that help prevent gout, lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of diabetes. It also increases metabolism and aids in weight loss. It is also known to lower the risk of heart disease and improve mood.
For most coffee lovers, flavor is the most important factor in choosing their brew of choice. However, a lot of people don’t realize that the quality of the coffee they drink is directly related to their overall health.
The co-founders of Hopedale-based Loco Coffee admit they’re not craft coffee people. They don’t wax poetic about the source of their beans or the exact temperature of their water, but that doesn’t stop them from creating a functional cold brew. Their ready-to-drink coffee has two simple ingredients – coffee and coconut water, which has natural sweetness and electrolytes without any added sugar or preservatives. The 12-ounce cans are currently available at local supermarkets and shops like Oliva’s.
House-baked pastries
Loco Coffee co-founders Sean Schiloski and Dan Bresciani aren’t your typical craft-bean coffee people. The Hopedale natives are more interested in the water. Their ready-to-drink cold brew coffee with coconut or maple water has no added sugar, and one 12-ounce can contains as much potassium as a banana. It’s meant to fuel a healthy lifestyle, they say.
Loco’s light blue and mint green cans have started appearing on shelves across the Northeastern United States, from chain supermarkets like Wegmans and Market Basket to independent shops like Oliva’s in Milford. But the company didn’t get to this point overnight. For years, Schiloski and Bresciani operated their company as an expensive hobby, importing frozen coconut water from Thailand and spending three days defrosting it and brewing the coffee.
The pair hopes to expand their offerings, including a line with oat milk, and they’re working toward becoming a national brand. But for now, they’re happy that their drink is finding an audience — especially among millennials.