Jun 02 2010
Coffee Kona
The Island of Hawaii is renowned for producing one of the most expensive and rare coffees in the world. This coffee known as Kona is grown on only about 800 small coffee farms in Hawaii. There are only about two million pounds distributed every year, which makes it more expensive and hard to come by than other coffees.
The area in which Kona beans are grown is what makes it have a richer flavor than any other coffee. The volcanic soil and afternoon cloud cover create ideal growing situation for coffee beans. These coffee beans are revered around the world.
Unlike other countries where the coffee bush is a native plant, Kona coffee is not a native plant of Hawaii. It was brought to the Island by an Englishman coming back from Brazil. At one point, the coffee prices hit rock bottom and Hawaii’s coffee plantations almost became extinct. Hawaiian coffee farms became smaller and eventually would be only two to five acres. This smaller size allowed the coffee bushes to receive more hands-on care by the owners than larger plantations. The resulting coffee is one of pure delight and rarity.
100% Private Reserve Kona Coffee beans. This is from an older tree, around 110 years. Photo by Bob.
These smaller sized coffee plantations also make it possible for every aspect of the coffee bean growing process to be manual, which means the beans are not bruised by machinery like other coffee plantations around the world. From the picking of the beans to the cleaning and sorting, every step is done by hand. This also plays into the cost of Kona coffee. However, once the coffee lover tries Kona they will no doubt be hooked for life.
Consumers who wish to purchase Kona coffee should go straight to the source and order their Kona from a plantation directly or order it from a distributor who can certify that the coffee is truly Kona. Otherwise, the consumer runs the risk of being sold a blend that has very little Kona coffee in it. There are no Federal laws concerning the labeling of Kona coffee and some distributers have only 10% or less Kona beans in what they are selling as Kona coffee. Hawaii does have laws on the labeling which helps consumers know if the product they are purchasing is true Kona coffee or not.
The high demand for Kona coffee, coupled with the high price makes it tempting for unscrupulous distributors to cash in on. Consumers must be wary of Kona coffee with a price that is too good to be true. Purchase only from true Kona plantations and ask for a certificate of authenticity or other proof that the coffee is truly Kona coffee from the Big Island.
-Sharon Chapman