So you’ve heard about Kona coffee, but where can you find one? This island-grown coffee is unique in its flavor and grows only on two volcanoes on the Big Island. However, growing and buying are expensive, making it difficult to get your hands on a whole bean. What’s more, Kona is incredibly expensive. So, where can you find the best Kona coffee?
Kona coffee grows only on two Big Island volcanoes
Because Kona coffee grows only on two Big Island volcanic cones, it is considered the most expensive beverage. Prices can range from $30 to $50 per pound, nearly double the expense of other premium coffees. This is due to the high cost of labor and land in the island state of Hawaii. In addition, all Kona coffee is flown out of the state to reach the market faster. However, this cost does not translate to a higher quality cup of coffee.
The Kona coffee growing region is characterized by 60 to 70 inches of annual rainfall, slightly acidic volcanic soil, mild temperature swings, and mostly sunny skies. The area is wind-protected, which makes the coffee trees thrive. The Kona coffee cherry grows in the spring and blooms in February. Each cherry will yield about two pounds of coffee once roasted. While the Kona coffee growing region is a small fraction of the Big Island, its production has increased dramatically.
While Kona coffee is grown only on two Big Island volcanoes, other areas of the island are also producing fine coffee. Hawaii’s coffee-growing regions include Kau, Puna, Hamakua, and Hilo. Most farms are small and family-owned, with many following traditional methods. Many use the “Kona method” to harvest coffee cherries at the peak of ripeness.
Besides being the most expensive form of coffee, the Kona growing region is also notable for its volcanic soil. Because the island is relatively young, it has nutrient-rich soil, is quick to absorb moisture, and is not dense. As a result, Kona coffee is renowned for its high-quality flavor and aroma. There are more than 600 farms dedicated to coffee in Hawaii, and the coffee is estimated to make up about half of the state’s total coffee production.
The volcanic soil of the island’s mountains has essential minerals that help the coffee trees grow. These plants thrive at altitudes of about three thousand feet. The volcanic soil also provides plenty of shade for the coffee plants. This ensures a milder cup of coffee. But how do you know if coffee is genuinely Kona? Here’s a look at where it grows. For more information, visit the Kona Coffee website.
It is expensive to produce
It is costly to produce Kona coffee. The beans are so expensive that farmers would have to leave the market. However, 90% of Kona coffee comes from a cheap location, which offsets the costs. If the cost of production were higher, then it would be impossible for growers to compete. But the high demand for Kona coffee makes it worthwhile. But how does it work? What are the risks of production?
First of all, land in Kona is minimal. Farmers can only grow a few acres of coffee on one plantation. Land costs money as well. Then, there are equipment and labor costs. Since the coffee is produced at a small scale, it is expensive to create Kona coffee. It costs between $3 and $10 per pound. In addition to high land prices, growing Kona coffee requires a lot of labor and equipment.
Since the plantation costs a lot, it is not feasible for farmers to make a living from the income. The coffee farmers do not earn an American minimum wage. However, it does pay off for the consumers. It costs less than $4 a pound for a 7oz bag of Kona coffee, which makes 5 to 6 pots depending on its strength. That’s not too bad when you consider that a single pound of Kona coffee makes approximately five to six pots, which can easily double the amount of regular coffee you buy.
Because Kona coffee is grown on US soil, it is pretty expensive. Labor costs for hand-picking coffee beans are higher in the Kona region than in other areas. In addition to labor costs, Hawaii is a highly regulated state, so that the final price will reflect these costs. This is one of the significant reasons why Kona coffee is so expensive. It’s not cheap, but it is worth every penny because it is so rare.
While most countries use machines to harvest coffee beans, the volcanic terrain in Hawaii requires hand-picking. In addition, this labor requires special equipment, which is expensive. Also, coffee farmers are paid a minimum wage, which only increases the cost of production. While it is true that labor costs for Kona coffee are high, it is a small price to pay for the laborers’ hard work and the need to make a living wage.
It has a unique flavor
The flavor of Kona coffee is unique. It comes from a particular type of Arabica bean, Coffea arabica, and it is the most popular coffee in the world. Its unique location in Hawaii has several nuanced flavors, which helps bring out these flavors. The coffee is grown using a specific method and process, contributing to the finished product’s distinctive taste and aroma.
In addition to tasting the coffee, you can visit a Kona coffee plantation to learn more about the process. You can even roast your beans and purchase souvenirs from the plantation. The gift shop is significant, and items are spread out to accommodate tour groups. You can purchase Kona Joe coffee, but remember it’s not 100% Kona. Some people prefer the coffee they get from Kona Joe, but it will still have a unique flavor.
Coffee has been part of Hawaii’s taste for centuries. In 1828, Samuel Reverend Ruggles planted the first coffee tree in Hawaii. Coffee was virtually unknown in Hawaii until then, and it took over a decade for the coffee plant to flourish. The plantation faced many challenges, including problems with weather, workers, and pests, nearly destroying the industry. Over the years, the industry has expanded to include several varieties and growing methods and an expanded list of different qualities. Since Kona coffee is considered a specialty product, only a small number of plants can produce the desired flavor.
A distinctive taste and aroma distinguish Kona coffee from other varieties. Some coffees from the plantation taste like caramelized sugar, while others resemble chocolate or citrus fruit. Some are floral in aroma, with floral notes. But whatever the case, the distinctive flavor of Kona coffee is guaranteed to be a memorable experience for coffee lovers. So go ahead and indulge in a delicious cup. It’s well worth the extra effort.
One of the most notable differences between Kauai and Kona coffee is the elevation of the coffee fields. Kona coffee is grown on the slopes of two massive volcanoes on Big Hawaii Island. The soil is rich in minerals and has a unique flavor. Kona coffee is a costly beverage, but the taste and aroma will blow you away. The experience is also amazing, as it supports a small family business.
It is expensive to buy
The coffee from Kona is famous for its full-bodied flavor and aroma, but you need to pay a lot to get it. The price ranges from seventy-five to eighty-five cents a pound. However, there are many ways to buy this coffee without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll explore some of the options. Let’s start with a basic overview of the process.
First of all, coffee is expensive to produce. The cost of land, supplies, and labor is often relatively high. Additionally, many coffee farmers in Kona manually pick the berries and cherries. The work involved is expensive, and the cost is 20 times higher than in other regions. After all, the coffee beans cost eight cents a pound! Once you add up the labor cost, you’ll be spending $40-$60 per pound.
Second, a Kona coffee plantation has a high-quality crop. Because Kona coffee trees are hand-picked, the harvest process is complex and requires a lot of labor. Pickers shake the coffee trees to pick the cherries, which are then graded and processed. In addition to making coffee, farmers also sell roasted coffee beans. And finally, coffee is expensive – about $45 per pound for 100% Kona.
Purchasing a Kona coffee plantation is not for the faint of heart. The labor costs are high, the land is scarce, and the prices of materials and equipment are prohibitive. Because Kona is a small region, land, and labor are highly expensive. The average size of a Kona farm is three acres, as opposed to the eighteen acres that other countries have. So, you could say that each harvest of Kona coffee is like an uber micro lot of coffee!
In addition to being expensive, buying a Kona coffee plantation will enable you to reap all the benefits. The quality of the coffee will be exceptional; the Plantation and your investment will pay off in the long run. In addition to the high-quality Kona coffee, you’ll enjoy the benefits of working in a community of passionate coffee lovers. And as we all know, the coffee in Hawaii is delicious! So, what are you waiting for? Buy a Kona coffee plantation today!
