Posted on

Kona Coffee verses Jamaican Blue Mountain. Which is better?

learn about hawaiian coffee varieties

Kona coffee and Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee are both premium coffees known for their exceptional flavor and quality. However, they are grown in different climates and regions and have distinct taste profiles.

Kona coffee is grown in the Kona district of the Big Island of Hawaii, on the slopes of Mauna Loa volcano. The climate in this region is ideal for coffee production, providing the right amount of sunshine, rainfall, and cloud cover, along with rich volcanic soil that provides essential nutrients to the coffee plants. As a result, Kona coffee has a smooth, rich flavor with a balanced acidity, notes of caramel, nuts, and chocolate, and a medium body.

Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, on the other hand, is grown in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 5,500 feet above sea level. The climate in this region is cool, misty, and provides abundant rainfall, which results in a slower maturation of the coffee cherries and a more complex flavor profile. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee has a mild, clean, and sweet taste with a light body and a subtle fruity note.

In conclusion, Kona coffee and Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee are both premium coffees with distinct flavor profiles, but they are grown in different climates and regions. While Kona coffee has a rich and smooth flavor, Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee has a mild and sweet taste. Both coffees are worth trying for coffee aficionados and anyone who appreciates a high-quality cup of coffee.

We prefer Kona Coffee. 😉

Posted on

Why is Kona Coffee so Special?

Kona Coffee Plantations

Kona coffee is a type of coffee that is grown on the slopes of Mauna Loa volcano in the Kona district of the Big Island of Hawaii. Kona coffee is known for its unique flavor profile that is a result of the combination of factors such as the perfect climate, fertile soil, and the care and attention given to each coffee plant by the farmers.

The climate in the Kona district is ideal for growing coffee as it provides the right amount of sunshine, rainfall, and cloud cover, along with the rich volcanic soil which provides essential nutrients to the coffee plants. This results in a slow and consistent maturation of the coffee cherries, leading to a higher concentration of sugars and other flavor components.

Another reason why Kona coffee is special is that it is produced in limited quantities. Only around 700 farmers grow Kona coffee and the total area under cultivation is less than 5000 acres, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after coffees in the world. The small scale of production also ensures that each coffee plant receives individual care and attention from the farmer, leading to a consistently high quality of the beans.

Kona coffee has a rich and smooth flavor, with a hint of sweetness and a balanced acidity. It is medium-bodied and has notes of caramel, nuts, and chocolate. This unique flavor profile has earned Kona coffee several awards and accolades over the years, including being named one of the top 10 coffees in the world by the Specialty Coffee Association of America.

In conclusion, Kona coffee is special because of its unique flavor profile, limited production, and the care and attention given to each coffee plant by the farmers. Whether you are a coffee aficionado or just someone who enjoys a good cup of coffee, Kona coffee is definitely worth trying.

Posted on

Kona – The perfect growing environment for coffee.

Hualalai Mountain the home of the Kona Coffee belt.

Kona’s coffee growing environment and conditions

Kona Coffee PlantationKona is the perfect coffee growing environment in the United States and arguably, in the world. Kona combines the exacting combination of sun, soil, shade and water that coffee trees thrive in.

Coffee is an extremely temperamental crop, but coffee trees take perfectly to sunny mornings cloudy, rainy and humid afternoons.
Continue reading Kona – The perfect growing environment for coffee.

Posted on

Brewing Coffee Guide – how to get the most flavor!

Brewing Coffee in a French Press

Step by step instructions on grinding, brewing and making the perfect cup of Kona Coffee, every time!

Kona coffee is a rare, expensive treat that stimulates all the senses. So why do anything less than put some effort into brewing? As you’ll see, it doesn’t take that much more time.

Choose your favorite Kona bean

We stock all bean varieties, to fulfill your need for quality coffee. Choose from:

The Grind

Grinding beans is a treat all its own, with its rich, spicy aroma. Also a secret to good coffee often starts with its grind. It’s important to know what of grind works best for the flavor you’re chasing — whether its coarse, medium or fine.

Coarse Grind French Press, Toddy Makers (cold brew method), Vacuum Coffee Maker, and Percolaters
Medium/Fine Grind Auto Drip Makers (with flat bottom filters). Drip Makers (with cone-shaped filters)
Fine Grind Stove Top Espresso Pots
Super Fine Grind Espresso Machines

Amount of coffee:

Generally, a good rule to follow is to use 2 tablespoons of coffee beans for every 6 to 8 ounces of water.  Adjust for taste.

Using a blade grinder:

Load your fresh beans in the top of the grinder. Once the grinder is loaded, use the grinder in short bursts  a few seconds each so the coffee doesn’t overheat. Also shake the grinder as it’s grinding to get an even grind size.

Using a Burr Grinder:

Burr grinders offer coffee drinkers greater precision and consistent grind size. It’s a more expensive alternative to other grinding methods, so some time needs to be spent figuring out what burr grind works best for you.

The water: 

We recommend using filtered water for brewing. The better the water, the better the end result. Public water systems tend to add undesirable flavors.

Brew your Kona coffee

It’s not enough to bring your water to a boil. You want that water the right temperature  — between 195 and 205 fahrenheit. Just below boiling. Any hotter, and you’ll run the risk of burning the grinds when you add the water.

Kona Coffee in a french press
Kona Coffee steeping in a french press with nice crema.

We recommend using a French press. Add 1 rounded tablespoon of ground coffee for each 4 ounces of water to the French press. Stir the coffee, allowing the  grounds to interact with the hot water.  Wait 3 to 5 minutes for the coffee to steep, then plunge slowly. Complete instructions for getting the most from your French press here.

Drip coffee maker and pour over:

If you’re using a drip coffee maker or using the pour over technique, we recommend using a natural paper filter.  Cloth filters can add undesirable tastes to your cup of Kona. For drip or pour over brewing use the approximately the same amount of coffee described above.

Enjoy!

Posted on

Artisan Coffee Roasting – creativity in roasting

Artisan Roasted Coffee

Artisan coffee roasting. What is it?

Artisan coffee roasting is an art. While many roasters are now nothing more than glorified button-pushers on machines that have have pre-set roasting settings, artisan coffee roasters apply  creativity and art to the roasting process.
Continue reading Artisan Coffee Roasting – creativity in roasting

Posted on

What are Kona Peaberry Coffee Beans?

Peaberry Beans

Peaberry is not a type of coffee tree!

Occasionally people ask “If Peaberry coffee beans are so rare, why don’t you plant more peaberry coffee trees?” Unfortunately, that is not how it works.

How Kona Peaberry beans form

Like all 100% pure Kona coffees, peaberry beans are grown in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii (also known as Hawaii island). In most cases, the berry, or red fruit of coffee plant, develop two halves of a bean. But in very rare instances, some berries only have one “pea” shaped bean. Peaberry beans get their name from this shape . Albeit peaberry beans are a little more oval than round.
Continue reading What are Kona Peaberry Coffee Beans?

Posted on

Storage and Packaging of your Coffee

Photo of specially designed resealable, one-way valved bags to extend the shelf life of your Kona coffee

Storage and Packaging

Proper storage of your coffee will extend your shelf life and insure it does not get stale. Kona coffee from us comes in a resealable bag. This coffee packaging has a one way degassing valve. The valve allows the release of the natural C02 gases formed when roasting. It also keeps oxygen out.

Storage - resealable, one-way valved bags to extend the shelf life of your Kona coffee
Extend the shelf life of your coffee.

As with most food products exposure to air and moisture will spoil it. If you expose your coffee to air,  eventually it will lose it’s true flavor. Valved coffee bags  changed Kona coffee packaging significantly. Materials such as metalized films, aluminum foil laminations, high barrier packaging materials and custom blended barrier films, with degassing valves ensure your Kona coffee has a longer shelf life and stays fresh! We only use resealable zipper lock closures with gas release valves.

How to seal bag for maximum shelf life.

After opening your Kona coffee, we recommend you reseal the zipper lock. First squeeze the air out. Then seal the zipper lock and finally press any remaining air out through the degassing valve. Your Kona coffee will stay fresh and remain the best cup of coffee in the world!

While many tourists flock to Kona to drink its coffee from its source, care must be taken to preserve its taste over time.

We typically roast and package within days or a week of shipping to insure freshness.

Posted on

Health benefits of drinking coffee!

Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee

Coffee Health Benefits

Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee
Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee

Several years of research has allowed scientists to discover the amazing health benefits of drinking coffee. Even a few years ago, we read about the dangers of coffee, while now the researchers keep finding the evidence of coffee’s properties that were previously unknown.

Coffee Gives You Energy

For many, it is the main reason why they drink coffee – to restore energy in the morning after a long night of work. Consequently it works, all because of caffeine. However, caffeine also improves other aspects of our brain function, including mood, reaction, vigilance, and memory. So, not only can you feel energized after a cup of coffee, you’ll feel happier and remember things better.

Caffeine Improves Performance and Helps You Burn Fat

There is no need for expensive fat burners full of artificial ingredients when you can simply drink coffee. You can experience the benefits without harming your body. Coffee boosts metabolism and aids in fat burning, so it is a good idea to drink a cup before going to the gym. Moreover, because of breaking down body fat, caffeine turns it into fuel and improves your physical performance. Therefore your regular exercises at the gym can be more intense and beneficial.

Coffee Is Packed with Antioxidants and Nutrients

Though nutritional content of coffee is not the same as that of coffee beans. Brewed coffee retains many essential nutrients. These include Vitamins B2, B3, and B5, potassium and manganese. Coffee is also a great source of antioxidant flavanols and other antioxidants. For people living in the US, coffee may be the biggest source of antioxidants. Consequently due to lower consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Coffee May Offer Protection from Chronic Diseases

According to studies, drinking coffee every day can lower the risk of developing type II diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. Also coffee offers protection from dementia and Alzheimer’s. Prevention in these cases is crucial, since there is no cure for these chronic conditions. Offering protection for your body and mind is among other health benefits of drinking coffee.

Coffee Can Protect You from Cancer and Stroke

Liver and colorectal cancer are the third and the fourth leading causes of cancer deaths in the world.  Researchers have found out that coffee can offer protection from both of them. Studies show reduced risk of liver cancer in regular coffee drinkers. Also a reduced risk of colorectal cancer in those drinking 4-5 cups of coffee every day. Caffeine can also offer protection from stroke, and not cause it, as was thought years ago. In fact, the studies have demonstrated lower risk of heart disease and stroke in people consuming coffee regularly.

Coffee Promotes Longevity

Based on the studies showing that coffee offers disease protection. It is no surprise that promoting longevity is one of the health benefits of drinking coffee. Large studies conducted over several years found lower risks of death in both men and women. Especially in those suffering from diabetes.

Packed with antioxidants, caffeine gives you energy and fuels your exercises. Also it protects you from serious diseases and overall helps you live a longer life. If you would like to start enjoying the health benefits of drinking coffee, you’ll find the best Kona Coffee shipped fresh from Kona, Hawaii in the Kona Coffee Store – https://store.konacoffee.com.

 

Posted on

Learn More about Kona Coffee Family Farms!

 Learn about Kona Coffee Family Farms in Hawaii

Information about Kona Coffee Family Farms in Kona

Family Farms - Kona Coffee TreesKona coffee family farms are found in the district of Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii, the youngest of the island chain. Furthermore they are on the Hualalai and Mauna Loa mountains western slopes. In the Kona Coffee Belt.  On the leeward side of the Big island. For these reasons and more Kona is the tiny area of the world where the world’s best coffee is found.
Continue reading Learn More about Kona Coffee Family Farms!

Posted on

Farm Tour – Taking a Kona Coffee Farm Tour

Kona Coffee Mill

Love coffee? Take a Kona coffee farm tour!

No visit to the Big Island would be complete without a Kona coffee farm tour

Visiting the Big Island of Hawaii usually means sun, surf and volcanoes — but for coffee lovers, their stay wouldn’t be complete without a Kona coffee farm tour.
Continue reading Farm Tour – Taking a Kona Coffee Farm Tour