Tentera coffee is fun to drink and benefits the environment

If there is one thing I hate, it's the sight of those bloody Keurig machines all over the place, from a neighbor's home to an airport I once dashed through. Yes, convenient, but oh-so-bad for the environment.

I was happy to try Tentera Coffee, as they say they "care about the planet". Their roaster's mission, they say, "is to replace the environmentally damaging single-serving pod coffees.”

These pour-overs, as they are called, don't require any additional tools. All one needs is hot water and a mug; they are lightweight and eco-friendly. The company says, ”They are a better replacement for busy coffee drinkers using instant coffee, and they are convenient for people with limited space and appliances-- not to mention the brew time is completed in seconds. With high-quality beans, Tentera coffee drinkers won't have to endure the unhealthy side effects of drinking low-grade coffee."

But how does it taste?

Admittedly, it is not as strong as I like, but then I am a put-hairs-on-the-chest kinda java gal. It is delicious, though, and for those who enjoy a more medium-roast taste, it is perfect. I liked the process of putting the little paper handles on the side of my average-sized mug (their direction), gently tearing off the top of the bag to open, and then gingerly pouring. This may not be for someone in a rush out the door, but most of us aren't these days!

Benefits include:

• eco-friendly (biodegradable) packaging

• every sale contributes to 1 % for the planet through various charities

• all of Tentera's packaging showcases either an endangered species or a rainforest to bring awareness through beautiful custom artwork.

Moreover, this is 100% Arabica specialty coffee, of a single origin, all natural with no preservatives or plastic contents. It touts an eco-friendly paper filter inside and recyclable aluminum exterior packaging.

The company is run responsibly by a man from Indonesia, Michael Riady, who is trying to "promote the 13,000 tropical islands of Indonesia through the curation of authentic Indonesian coffee".

The company also sells many types of whole bags of fresh beans including Whole Bean Sumatra Rasuna and Espresso House Blend, with delicate floral hints along with chololate and citrus.