Kona coffee. It's as much an icon of Hawaii as the island's beaches. But unlike the different tropical destinations that can give Hawaii a run for the money, there isn't a coffee in the world that compares with Hawaii's own java!
A RARE COMMODITY
Grown only on the Big Island of Hawaii, the state's youngest and still-in-the-making island, the unbelievably smooth arabica-bean coffee is truly one of Hawaii's most sought-after products due in part to its exquisite taste and the limited supplies that are available due to the small region in which the treasured beans grow.
Although the reasons behind Kona coffee's unique qualities are really theories, the contributing factors are apparently tied to the area's volcanic-origin soil, a tropical climate, and an elevation between 800 and 2,500 feet which makes for an unusually small growing region of under 2,500 acres!
QUALITY AND AUTHENTICITY CERTIFICATIONS
Fortunately, to assure us coffee-lovers that we're getting the "real mccoy", the State of Hawaii requires strict grading (size, moisture content, etc.) and accurate labeling of all coffees bearing "Kona Coffee" on their labels.
The two types of Kona's main source of pride are separated into one of two types, Type I (two beans per cherry) and Type II (one bean ber cherry). The Type I category is graded Extra Fancy, Fancy, Number 1, while the Type II beans are graded Peaberry Number 1 and Peaberry Prime. The rarer Peaberry bean is dubbed the "champagne" of Kona coffee by many connoiseurs and will probably increase in demand and price. Whichever of these you get will no doubt satisfy the coffee connoisseur in you and you'd be wise to "treat" yourself to some 100% Kona.
REAL "KONA" OR CHEAP BLEND?
As you shop the "brew" shelves in Hawaii, or many other places for that matter, you'll notice a lot of blends, such as "10% Kona," that generally means the prized beans plus a percentage of beans from other regions outside of Kona... or even Hawaii.
The Kona Coffee Growers Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to the quality control and preservation of Hawaii's Kona coffee industry, in its video below points out the difference between genuine Kona coffee and the many "mutations" marketed both locally and abroad.
So, you can find "cheap" Kona blends everywhere you look. But a blend of different Kona beans is very different from a percentage of "Kona" mixed with who-knows-what!
If you want the real stuff that's been the buzzword in knowledgeable coffee circles, look for the products carrying the Kona Coffee Growers Association... you'll be happy you did!
CHOOSING YOUR SOURCE
The bulk of Kona coffee growers are family-owned plantations many of which will also process and distribute their harvests. So individual processing styles and the location of the plantations will greatly affect the coffee's characteristics.
Fortunately, the interest in the Big Island's most renown export attracts world class attention and the expert discernment that comes with a knowledgeable following.
It's easy to find which plantations have been recognized for their coffee and roasting techniques making it quite easy to find the best source for this coveted island java!
Our favorite grower/processor is Koa Coffee Plantation in Captain Cook, an area in south Kona. This is an award winning family that not only presents top quality Kona coffee but also puts out the kind of hospitality and service that truly depicts the "aloha" style - and besides getting some of the world's best coffee, isn't that what we're all looking for?
BEST WAY TO ENJOY KONA COFFEE
If you're even considering Kona coffee, you're probably already a coffee buyer that gets the beans rather than the pre-ground, right? But with Kona coffee you'll probably also want to take the brewing to the top level which most will agree is with a coffee press, commonly referred to as a french press.
Click on the photo to the left to check out this 12-cup Bodum coffee press at Cooking.com.
You can also search search their products for a big selection of other coffee presses... coffee grinders... or any other cookware you might need!
THINKING OF SERVING OR SELLING COFFEE AS A BUSINESS?
Perhaps running a coffee shop, a kiosk, or selling coffee is something of interest to you. If so, Kona coffee could be a major key to your success considering the acclaim that Hawaii's own coffee is getting around the world.
Along with any other coffees you might consider, a number of Kona coffee processors/distributors offer private labeling which can give you an instant identity in your own particular marketplace.
If you've already got an ongoing business, it's simply a matter of bringing on another product line to work with. On the other hand, if the idea of running a coffee service... or any other type of business for that matter is new to you, you might want to consult some resources!
E-Books Available For Immediate Purchase & Download!
Here are a couple of comprehensive e-books that can give you a running start on planning and operating a business based on your love for coffee!
Startling facts about what NOT to do when starting up your coffee business... from a couple with their own coffee shop. Save thousands of dollars and operate profitably and efficiently!
More than just information, Tony provides the tools to operate the very specialized niche of coffee shops from your initial planning to opening and daily operations!
It's a tricky business to get started in and these secrets will help you get into the "black" of the coffee shop operations starting with your initial investment to running a profitable shop!
