Talk the talk

Here's the jargon behind the java:

Arabica and robusta are the two main types of beans for all coffee. Robusta beans are cheaper and easier to grow. Arabica beans tend to make better coffee, though coffees that use them aren't necessarily equal in quality.

Decaffeinated coffee typically has 5 milligrams or less caffeine per 6-ounce cup compared with 50 or more for regular coffee.

Fair trade is a nonprofit, international program that advocates fair prices and sustainable production for small farmers. Coffees ranked A3, A4, A5, and B5 in the Ratings support it.

Organic beans are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and aren't genetically engineered.

Bird-friendly beans are organic and grown under conditions fostering bird habitats.

Shade-grown beans are grown beneath a natural tree canopy, not on cleared land.