Kona Coffee
Kona Coffee that is 100% certified Kona, organic, pure, highest graded extra fancy, is one of the most expensive coffees in the world. Genuine Kona Coffee originates in the Hualalai and Mauna Loa mountains. The profile is light, sweet and fruity with hints of spice or nuts. It first picks up flavors of sweetness and fruit. The sweetness and fruitiness increase as the roast progresses. The weather of sunny mornings, cloud or rain in the afternoon, little wind, and mild nights combined with porous, mineral-rich volcanic soil create favourable coffee growing conditions. Pricing is dependent on market price. It is difficult to find 100% genuine Kona coffee outside of Hawaii. We offer it in limited quantities in a limited time. Be careful of all the fake or blended Kona coffees out there! Many coffees might only have 10% Kona and 90% of anything else and still call it Kona Coffee. Some businesses have also been selling their Kona way over their roast date or using previous years' harvests.
Kona Coffee Belt: 500-3000 feet above sea level, 1 mile wide and 30 miles long, on volcanic slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa
Volcanic Soil: Fertile, rich in minerals and nutrients, good drainage, ideal for coffee growing
Microclimate: Temperature, morning sunlight, afternoon shade and showers, mild nights, light winds, trees shield crops from too much sunlight so beans can mature slowly
Kona Grading System/Bean Size (from Highest to Lowest):
Type 1 Beans:
1. Kona Extra Fancy - best beans you can get
2. Kona Fancy
3. Kona Number 1
4. Kona Select
5. Kona Prime
Type II Beans:
1. Kona peaberry
2. Kona peaberry Prime
So now you can see why prices for Kona coffee vary out in the marketplace.