4 Things you didn't know about Kona Coffee

The Kona story has permeated the world of coffee lovers unlike any variant in the history of coffee. Right from where it’s found to how it’s cultivated, the way it tastes to the price it commands, every detail – small to big, has been dug out and savored by communities of coffee drinkers around the world, with virtually the same delight as the coffee itself.

While the world has woken up to the emergence of Kona Coffee as one of the most prized coffees, there is a side to the Kona story that not many may know. Here are a few facts that will complete your encyclopedia of knowledge on the world-famous Kona Coffee.

Fact #1 Kona Coffee didn’t originate in Kona

The Big Island had no history or trace of coffee until 1828, when a cargo of Brazilian beans made its way to the land of eternal sunshine and pristine beaches. Now, if you think this lot of beans made its way to Kona and sowed the seeds for one of the biggest success stories in coffee farming, you’ll need to wait a bit more (64 years to be precise).

The Brazilian beans were planted in the Hilo area and Kona still hadn’t the slightest whiff of the product that would elevate both its economy and status in the league of coffee growing nations. In 1892, Guatemalan coffee seeds made their entry into Hawaii as part of a vision to better the yield of the original Brazilian crop. This African varietal – Guatemalan Typica, journeyed beyond the reach of the earlier Brazilian beans, straight into Kona territory, and set the foundation for the cultivation of Kona Typica.

Once coffee found its way to the famed and blessed Kona soil, the rest as they say, is history. The unique Hawaiian geography – its nutrient-rich volcanic soil and climate – an optimal blend of sun, breeze and moisture, brought forth the distinct and enchanting Kona Coffee. 

Fact #2 The quality of Kona Coffee is ensured by laws

The high cost of Kona Coffee coupled with its escalating global demand spawned a wave of counterfeit ‘Kona Coffees’, that were in fact blends made with cheaper quality coffee beans sourced from other coffee growing nations. The market for Kona regained its trust and authenticity with the State of Hawaii passing a legislation that further evolved with even stricter standards to govern the quality of Kona Coffee.

As per current laws, Kona blends must have a minimum of 10% Kona Coffee with the percentage clearly mentioned on the label while pure Kona Coffee has to carry the 100% Kona Coffee label.

Fact #3 A festival that celebrates the magic of Kona Coffee

The world is full of exciting festivals that celebrate the distinct traditions, beliefs and history of diverse cultures. The  world of coffee too has its festivals and the Kona Coffee Festival is a much awaited event on the calendar of true coffee aficionados. A yearly event that has been celebrating Hawaii’s most acclaimed export since 1970, the Kona Coffee Festival is the longest running food festival in Aloha State. Also, unlike other global coffee festivals, the Kona Coffee Festival is dedicated purely to honor and propagate the experience of Kona Coffee among coffee lovers and connoisseurs. 

While the festival was held over a weekend back in 1970, Kona Coffee Festival is presently held across 10 days and includes as many as 50 events. Festival visitors can indulge in signature events that include Coffee & Art Stroll, International Lantern Parade, Farm & Mill Tours and Cupping Competition to  name a few, explore Kona Coffee country cafes and shopping areas, participate and engage with communities and do so much more.  

Fact #4 The world’s most delectable coffee has grades

While Kona Coffee has the aroma and flavor to conquer even the most discerning taste buds, the nature and intensity of the conquest will vary from Kona bean to Kona bean. The variety in Kona Coffee includes: *Extra Fancy (highest grade) *Fancy (high grade) *Kona #1 (mid-grade) *Prime (lowest grade and yet superior to most coffees). These Kona coffees are categorized as Type 1 coffees, as they have two half beans per coffee cherry.

Kona Coffee also has a Type II category, which has one whole bean per coffee cherry and is the rarest type of coffee bean. The lowest member of this category is Peaberry Prime and the highest variant is Peaberry #1. If you desire to savor the best of the best, then Peaberry coffees are what you need to be getting into your cup.

At Social Brew, our mission is to get the exotic and exclusive experience of Kona Coffee into the lives of genuine coffee lovers across the US and beyond. While at it, we would also like to inspire every coffee drinker we come across, to join us in helping fight human trafficking (we channel 50% of our profits to anti-human trafficking outfits). If you’ve been looking forward to elevating your tastebuds to a higher league of delight with Kona Organic Coffee or Kona Coffee, look up socialbrew.us. Browse through our fine range which includes 100% Kona Coffee, 100% Waialua Coffee, Hawaiian Blend Coffee and Decaf Brazil Coffee and buy Kona Coffee that will change not only your experience but even your perception of coffee.

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