No matter the quality of your coffee beans, mycotoxins from mold spores can contaminate it, leading to digestive issues, fatigue and even cancer. Although it’s impossible to completely eliminate mycotoxins entirely from coffee consumption, you can lower the risk by choosing organically grown, shade-grown options with lab-tested mold-free offerings from brands.

Conventional commercial coffee farming takes place in wide-open fields that can allow mycotoxins to contaminate its entire crop, necessitating high doses of pesticides and herbicides to protect it – making coffee one of the world’s most heavily sprayed crops. Furthermore, mycotoxins present in conventional coffee can lead to stomach discomfort or diarrhea as a side effect of consumption.

Mycotoxins in coffee can be reduced by opting for organically-grown, shade-grown, mold-free coffee that has been wet processed and dry roasted at precise temperatures. Certified organic, specialty grade and regeneratively farmed varieties may also help support biodiversity and healthy soil microbiome ecosystems.

After purchasing high-quality, clean beans, it’s equally important to take steps to ensure that your brewing equipment is free from mycotoxins and other contaminants. Opting for glass, stainless steel or ceramic tools instead of plastic ones will reduce exposure to harmful chemicals; while using filtered water will enhance flavor while decreasing unhealthy byproducts from chemical additives.

Attaining certified organic, biodynamic or fair trade coffee should also be prioritized when buying coffee for consumption at home. Such certifications guarantee that the beans have not been grown using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides that could contribute to mycotoxin contamination in your cup of joe. Choosing small batch roasts that use nitrogen flushing technology further ensure freshness while decreasing mycotoxin contamination levels in your mug. Lastly, store it airtight containers containing food-grade desiccant packs will prevent moisture-driven mold growth from being an issue when stored inside such containers with food-grade desiccant packs for best results.