TRYON, N.C. (WGHP) — For a taste of something different, coffee lovers will want to take a road trip to Tryon in Polk County.
Brad Jones discovered a coffee company there creating a brew that’s truly different because it’s Made in North Carolina.
The folks at Big Guns Coffee feature 38 blends, but one that they create on their own really stands out. They are the first and only company to grow coffee hydroponically.
Instead of having to find the right climate and location, they just create those conditions indoors. Each of the coffee trees sits in a 3-gallon bucket with water and special nutrients. The lighting is controlled too, so they’re able to grow year round.
Ninety-nice percent of the coffee consumed in the US is imported; the only state where it can be grown is Hawaii. Now, growing hydroponically means this type of operation can be done anywhere.
Something else that makes this company different is the lady at the top — 10-year-old Charli Johnson. She told us, “My favorite part is hanging out with my Dad, because it’s so much fun, learning and doing this stuff. I just enjoy it so much!”.
Her father T. Shane Johnson says Charli runs the day-to-day operations, adding that “she literally talks to the retail buyers, the WalMarts or Sprouts or the companies that we’re launching in.
She works on supply chain, interpersonal skills, public speaking … so she gets this full life cycle of experience.”
While they have plenty of business in their cafe in Tryon, they’re hoping to set up other farmers to grow coffee hydroponically in communities nationwide. That shortens the supply chain and means a much fresher product too. Both Charli and T. Shane feel doing this differently is more than just a sustainable idea, it also makes a difference for everyone along the way.
Find out more by going to www.biggunscoffee.com
Source: Fox 8 Made in North Carolina