Kona Coffee, born out of devastating destruction in a region stretching 30 miles long by 1 mile wide, bordered by the Pacific Ocean and a dormant volcano, is considered one of the world’s best coffee. Volcanic rock happened to be nutrient rich and combined with the perfect amount of rainfall, sunlight, and temperature produces one of the world’s most sought after coffee bean. Only coffee that is grown in this part of the world, the Kona region on the big island of Hawaii, can bear the Kona name.
The original coffee plant, derived from Brazilian cuttings, was brought to Hawaii by English immigrants in the early 1800’s. Perfect timing, as the immigrants arrived shortly after the volcano eruption of 1810 that wiped out the region, but provided the perfect soil conditions for the coffee bean. In the latter part of the 19th century, Kona coffee was recognized as a brand of its own.
Coffee beans that become Kona Coffee are graded by size and shape. The premiere grade is that of peaberry, which is the result of both sides of the flower fusing together creating one bean instead of two, inside the coffee cherry. This fusion results in a richer, concentrated flavor and accounts for five to ten percent of the total harvest -; adding to its uniqueness. Other grades, in descending rank, are extra fancy, fancy, No.1 and prime.
Descriptions regarding the taste of Kona coffee are subjective and has been described as rich, smooth, full-bodied, and delicate. Depending on how it’s roasted it can also be deemed mild or light-bodied. It might also be robust with medium acidity, yet some claim it has a nutty or caramel flavor. Still, no matter how it’s described, it is considered one of the best coffees in the world.
There are more than 800 coffee farms in Hawaii producing Kona coffee beans, averaging about five acres in size, generating slightly more than two pounds annually. Before buying Kona coffee, inspect the label to ensure it is 100% Kona coffee and not a Kona blend unless that is what you want. By law, coffee providers such as must state the percentage of Kona coffee present in the blend on the label. Within Hawaii, this amount must be at least ten percent, however, outside Hawaii, the amount can be as lows as one percent.
