Gourmet Coffee Snob

Kona coffee is a marketing name for coffee that comes from the Kona District of Hawaii. Pure Kona coffee is highly sought after all round the world. It has a richer flavor than others due to the location and environment they are cultivated.

The land of Hawaii is rich with volcanic soil and is perfect for coffee growing. The afternoon clouds also provide a good cover for it to grow. These factors give Kona coffee its character, loved by many around the world.

A Peek At History

The first coffee plant was introduced to Kealakekua-Kona by Reverend Samuel Ruggles in 1828. It was not considered a viable agricultural commodity at that time until very much later. During the California gold rush era, demand for coffee from this region starts to pick up and farmers start planting their crops along the slopes of Mauna Loa and Mount Hualalai. Many of the large estates were leased to their Japanese workers during the world coffee market crash in 1899. There are now about 600 plantations all around the district and each of them having a size of not more than 5 acres.

Coffee Farming & Process

The coffee plants in Kona will start to bloom from February to March. Green berries will soon start to appear after the flowers have been pollinated. Majority of the berries will be harvested from August to December or early January. It is estimated that each tree can produce around 20 to 30 pounds of berries.

During peak harvesting period, most mills work round the clock. All the berries will be processed within 24 hour time frame to maintain quality. The berries will be tested for freshness and color before being sent to the pulper. The pulper will strip the flesh leaving the beans. The flesh is transported back to the farms to be used as fertilizer. The stripped beans will next undergo a fermentation process of around 8 to 18 hours in giant tanks. After completing the fermentation process, the beans are cleaned and dried on drying racks covered by hoshidanas. Depending on the weather, it might take about 10 to 14 days before the Kona coffee beans are ready for the next process.

It is essential to constantly rake the beans during the drying phase. This is to prevent mildew from forming and maintain consistent quality throughout the batch. The beans are then graded according to size, shape and weight.

Controversial Kona

There is a high demand for Kona coffee due to its unique taste and quality. Many large corporations and individuals have tarnished the name by selling coffee that is not truly Kona. These blends are normally made up of only 10% Kona coffee and the remaining 90% from cheaper imports from Colombia or Brazil. It hurts the industry in Kona and gives a false impression to the consumers about the quality of pure Kona coffee. The farmers have been fighting a loosing battle to trademark the name. Even though there are labeling laws in Hawaii, there is no corresponding Federal law to support it.

Conclusion

There is no denying in the quality of Kona coffee. Great care is taken to ensure quality from the many who toil in the farms and mills to deliver you that perfect cup of beverage possible. They are all committed to deliver you the true taste of Kona - Gold of Hawaii.

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Having a cup of coffee has been a very popular pastime for almost everybody. Be it in the workplace, coffee shops or even in the comforts of our very own homes, we get to enjoy it with our family and peers. It provides opportunities for social interactions to some and while to others it gives them a time to relax and wind up.

Coffee was first discovered in the highlands of Ethiopia. It later on spread to Egypt, Yemen, Persia, Turkey, northern Africa and then to the Venetian ports of Italy. Then from Venice it was introduced to the rest of Europe and to the Americas. Initially, it was used for spiritual reasons. It became a substitute of wine for various spiritual practices. Today, coffee has become one of the most popular beverages enjoyed worldwide.

Coffee preparation involves a number of processes. It starts from harvesting (usually by hands), separating the fruit from the beans, fermentation (to remove the slimy layer on the beans), washing (to remove the fermentation residue), drying and finally sorting. Roasting comes in next since coffee beans are sold in its roasted state. It is in this process where more care is employed because roasting influences the flavor of the coffee bean, while undergoing physical and chemical change.

There are quite a number of health benefits from drinking coffee. One would be the theophylline in coffee which reduces the symptoms of asthma. It also has natural antioxidants which flush out the body from free radicals that contribute to cell damage and thus reduce the risk of cancer. It also appears to help in reducing the risk of certain ailments such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cirrhosis of the liver, gout, heart diseases and type II diabetes. It was also known to reduce depression and is popularly known to “perk you up” in the morning. It is commonly used by athletes to aid in lengthening their endurance for physical activity and their recovery afterwards. Scientists have already had some proof that taking coffee breaks is beneficial to anyone especially in the workplace. Recent studies show that coffee can help an individual become more productive and allow their mind to function well. However, excessive coffee drinking also poses some negative effects as well. It is mostly due to a stimulant found in coffee called caffeine, which can cause stiffening on the walls of the arteries. Caffeine is also an addictive compound so it is necessary that you drink coffee in moderation for if taken in excessive amounts could lead to insomnia, arrhythmia, psychomotor agitation and osteoporosis.

Coffee can be enjoyed in various ways, whether you are in the workplace or at home. It may be served black, which is with no additives, or served with sugar or creamers or both. It may also be served either hot or cold. When served cold, it is called iced coffee and is a special treat especially during the summer months. Hot or iced coffee can be prepared with a variety of flavors which would surely tease your taste buds. A few would include chocolate, French vanilla, hazelnut, Almond amaretto, caramel, and Kona.

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Hawaii’s Big Island is filled with supremely satisfying sights, but none is quite equal to Kailua Kona. Nestled at the bottom of Hualalai volcano and tucked along the picturesque shoreline of Kailua Bay, this stretch of vacationing heaven is just what you need to replenish your energy and recharge your soul.
Not to be confused with Kailua of Oahu, Kailua Kona is an attractive locale sometimes referred to only as Kona. If you can keep all of that straight (it’s really not too hard), you’ll be free to discover everything offered here, and we promise it’ll be worth it.
Start out by exploring the main street, Ali’i Drive, where you’ll get a taste for the history of this region as a playground for kings and later on, a site for sea fishing and missionary work. Modern conveniences now add to the flavor, so be assured that you’ll see plenty of grocery stores, shopping opportunities, and restaurants. The Ali’i Gardens Marketplace is the location for all the Hawaiian arts and crafts, Kona coffee, and fresh produce that you’ll want to sample while you’re here, so make some time to soak it all in.
Kailua Pier is a must-see in order to gain a true perspective of your surroundings. Watch the sunset from your perch on the seawall, or charter a boat for some angling in what are supposedly some of the best game-fishing waters around. In fact, every summer this is the site of the International Billfish Competition, so grab a rod and reel if this is your kind of thing.
From the pier, you might have caught a glimpse of an interesting landmark; further investigation will reveal to you that this is King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, a place that is available for a closer look. Head over there to see the well-restored religious site that now exists on the grounds of the hotel and is open to the public on a daily basis. Historical walking tours will reveal to you the secrets of this worshipping site and explain the significance of the tall statues. Luaus are also held nearby, so make this the spot to uncover Hawaii’s authentic past.
If you’d like a calm beach to enjoy some leisurely activities upon, look no further than Kamakahonu Beach right next door. Go for a swim, rent some snorkel gear, or guide a canoe down the sandy slope and into the waves for an adventurous tour of the shoreline. Shallow waters and soft sand make for great conditions for all sorts of activities, but don’t be surprised if you end up sitting back for a long-overdue snooze in the sun. Bring the sunscreen and a towel, and the rest will take care of itself.
If your rest amps you up for a bit more historical sightseeing, then you’ll want to check out Hulihe’s Palace just down the road. Built in 1838 by Governor John Kuakini, this long-ago vacation home now operates as a museum. The interior has been restored to its original state, and several artifacts are under display. Free monthly concerts are also held here, so it’s really quite the place to continue to educate yourself about Hawaii while having fun as well.
To round out what is looking to be a distinctive vacation, be sure to plant yourself in the kind of lodgings that will increase your pleasure factor rather than bring it down. You might not realize it, but this cozy area of the Big Island is packed with vacation rentals that range from luxury condos to romantic, beach side villas. Choosing a rental property over a hotel usually means that you’ll have access to a greater supply of amenities and probably a bit more privacy, so it’s worth looking into.
Whatever you decide to do, you’ll surely be enjoying yourself in Kailua Kona. Improve your knowledge of Hawaiian history, stroll the beach with some delicious shaved ice in hand, or reconnect with that special someone as you recline on your lanai while the sun goes down. This is the kind of escape you’ve probably been dreaming about, so get the planning process started today.
Go online to check out all the Kailua Kona Vacation Rental options, and prepare to say goodbye to the mainland for a few precious, rejuvenating days.

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A lot of people love coffee. For some individuals, mornings are simply not complete without a great steaming cup of aromatic and flavorful coffee. This is probably why coffee has now also invaded the wedding scene. If you’re also thinking of handing out coffee favors then take a look at these great tips for coming up with the perfect coffee wedding favor.

Study the Basics of Coffee

Coffee brands and blends were not created equal. Coffee fanatics among your guests would notice if your coffee wedding favor is not the best kind. Take time then to get to know basic details about coffee.

Your coffee wedding favor research should start with the beans. The two major beans are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is more popular and reputedly more flavorful. Robusta however generally has more caffeine content and is cheaper. You can have ground coffee or coffee beans in your coffee wedding favor. From your coffee wedding favor bean inquiry you can move on to choosing among the many bean variations like Kona, Columbian, decaf, organic and many more. The most common choice is to have a coffee bean blend. There are also a great variety of flavors to choose from such as vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, butter rum, cinnamon and Irish cream.

Sample the Merchandise

The best way to choose the right kind of coffee for your coffee wedding favor is to sample the different kinds of coffee yourself. Your coffee wedding favor should be able to speak well about your own personal taste and personality. If you are not confident about your choice, you can ask a group of friends to help you choose a good blend or flavor.

Be Creative with the Package

Most coffee favors are simple packs of coffee bean blends with the details of the event up front. You can however be more creative with your coffee wedding favor. You have the choice among mugs, tin cans and baskets to hold your coffee wedding favor. The advantage with these containers is that your guests can still have a useful reminder of your special day long after they have consumed their coffee giveaway.

Be Generously Sweet

A lot of coffee drinkers prefer to pair their cups of coffee with little sweet edibles. Generously add a few things in your wedding favor like homemade cookies or chocolate candies.

Add Some Great Accessories

You may include a personalized coffee favor accessory with your coffee pack instead of having a personalized container for your coffee wedding favor. Wrap a silver spoon or stirrer or a heart shaped coffee scoop in tulle and ribbons to add to your coffee pack.

Be Considerate of Others

It’s true that a lot of people really drink coffee but there are also some who prefer tea or do not drink coffee at all. Add a few items in your giveaway for your non coffee drinking guests. The most common options include tea and chocolate drinks. You should be careful though with how you pack your wedding favor. Include too many items and it may start to look like a grocery store goods giveaway.

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While most people don’t associate coffee farms with Hawaii, it is the only state in the Union that has the climate and soil where coffee plants can flourish. Rich, slightly acidic volcanic soil, sunny mornings with cloudy afternoons and over 60 inches of rain during the summer months provide the perfect environment to grow primo coffee.

There are numerous traditional Hawaiian coffees cultivated in the Hawaiian Isles, but for this trip, I chose to visit the Big Island of Hawaii to tour the agricultural region where Kona Coffee is farmed.

To further experience the real “aloha” of Hawaii, husband Shaun and I opted to kip at two very distinctive Bed & Breakfasts nestled in the Kona Coffee Belt instead of the typical resort hotel where most palm tree smitten tourists go.

Roger Diltz, proprietor of Aloha Farms Bed and Breakfast formerly A Place of Refuge B&B, gave us crucial directions to find his home (elevation 800 feet) in between Kealakekua Bay and Puuhonua O Honaunau National Park (City of Refuge). When trying to find any location in this region, it is wise to drive during daylight as the roads are not well marked and street signs that not so easily discernible during the day are almost invisible at night.

Prior to our arrival at this eco-tourist B&B, Roger, off fishing for the catch of the day, left his dog Koa and a note on the door to greet us. Disarming at first, this Rottweiler/Lab mix became our companion for an early walk of the grounds before breakfast at 7:30 a.m.

We thought an alarm might be necessary. But as daylight broke, the sounds of the “jungle” began as single twitter and within 20 minutes the birds had orchestrated their calls into a full blown crescendo of tweets, cackles and whistles.

The aroma of Kona coffee wafted through the house as Roger prepared a rib-sticking breakfast complete with Jaboticaba syrup over coconut hotcakes. The view during breakfast from the lanai (covered porch) was exactly as you would imagine, a tropical forest of exotic flora backdropped by an indigo ocean as far as a person could see.

The evenings at Aloha Farms were quite amusing. We were invaded by hordes of nocturnal Geckos as they arrived in full force sticking to the walls like gum to a shoe. These timid chartreuse lizards kept the mosquitoes at bay as did the potted Citronella plants. In the distance, the echoing thump of five-pound avocados dropping from over-burdened tree limbs would usually lead Koa to investigate just in case it might be a wild pig.

Still each morning we didn’t plan the normal tourist diet of snorkel, kayak or swim-with-the-dolphin excursions. Instead, we tediously tried to map out the hidden farms nestled in this region that is only two to three miles wide, twenty miles long and spans the southwest coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. We wanted to find out how Kona coffee was grown, picked, pulped, fermented, dried, milled (hulled) and roasted. (You didn’t realize that there were so many processes to get that eye-opening cup each morning, now did you?)

Our itinerary took us first to Langenstein Farms where manager Darcee Lucas met us for a non-traditional cupping.

As we entered the roasting room, Darcee had placed three china cups starkly alone with a pot of freshly brewed coffee on a corner table; no cream or sugar in sight. Shaun, an instant coffee drinker, frowned; I got the “How am I going to drink coffee without milk?” look.

As Darcee poured, she said, “Now take your cup and look at the oils floating on top of the coffee. Notice the colors. Smell the coffee. Now, drink the coffee.” We sipped this classically delicate, cleanly fruity, floral Kona cup of coffee. I could see a sigh of relief from Shaun. “I can actually drink this coffee black, it almost tastes sweet and without the sugar,” said Shaun.

My ulterior motive had now been exposed; I wanted to get my instant coffee drinking Brit of a husband down the path to enjoying a proper brewed cupper. Its mild taste appeared to have won him over.

Our trek took us on to Pele Plantations, overlooking Kealakekua Bay, where Captain Cook discovered the Hawaiian Islands. Owners Gus and Cynthia Brockson were busily roasting and packing online orders ready to be shipped.

Their Kona Coffee farm is Certified Organic, which means that the coffee is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. These organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture.

According to the Brocksons, it is not enough to have a certified organic coffee farm: “In order to call Kona coffee ‘organic,’ it must also be processed at a facility with equipment and procedures that are certified organic. We’re proud to be one of only four processors in Kona to have received this status.”

Heading up Koa Road, we visited KOA Plantations, which is situated at an elevation of 2,500 feet on the slopes of the Hawaiian volcano, Mauna Loa. Located in the small town of Captain Cook, this is the only farm where we were able to see Kona blossom as well as green and red cherry all on the same plant. The sweet smell of the blossom — fondly dubbed “Kona snow” – reminded me of its sister plant, the Gardenia. During May, the blossoms give way to the green coffee fruit; it is a rare sight to see red cherry at the lower elevations this time of year.

KOA Plantations has a state-of-the-art wet mill facility from Colombia, a dry mill from Brazil and their entire parchment/green bean is temperature and humidity controlled.

In the roasting room, we watched the beans being roasted in a large commercial roaster. The temperature and time were carefully monitored so as not to burn the beans. “The most important thing is to listen for the first crack,” said tour guide John Langenstein. After about 15 minutes, the coffee beans literally “pop” as they expand. This first “crack” signifies the first roast, which a mildly roasted coffee commonly referred to as American roast. The second “crack” is a much darker roast of coffee.

Tired and hungry, we made our way down the highway to Old Tobacco Road, which is an old farm road and rough enough to suggest that a four-wheel drive vehicle might be necessary. It is a mile long drive up to our next digs through orchards of coffee and macadamia nuts. We arrive at the upscale Aloha Guest House owned and operated by Johann Timmerman and Greg Garriss along with resident artist Lino Laure.

The grounds at Aloha Guest House were impeccably manicured for a tropical estate where the vines and foliage grow at an accelerated rate! Exotic flowers and fruits thrive in this volcanic rock.

We are greeted by Lino and pooch Mango, who, as it turned out, liked to scratch her back – every morning — on a chair just outside our room’s private entrance creating quite a commotion. (She became our onsite alarm clock.)

Aloha Guest House — located 1500 feet above the Kona coast where the climate is tempered by the cool ocean breezes — features such amenities as a seven-person Jacuzzi spa, HDTV, WI-FI, a shared guest kitchenette and a 24-hour coffee and tea bar serving up freshly brewed 100% Kona Peaberry coffee – their own private label grown and roasted by Kena Coffee Farms.

Breakfast, prepared by Johann, was usually a simplistic version of haute cuisine and was served at a grand dining table with elegant table settings; exotic flowers included.

Throughout the B&B paintings by Lino Laure are showcased. Lino’s natural talent is apparent; he paints the wonders of the Hawaiian Islands taking into account the minutest details only an artist would note.

Yet, daytime beckoned us to leave all this luxury behind in order to complete our eco-tour.

A trip to Greenwell Farms in Kealakekua, Hawaii, took us on a historical familial journey that dates back to 1850 when Henry Nicholas Greenwell left England and first set foot on the fertile soil of rural Kona.

Together with his wife, Elizabeth Caroline, Henry spent the next forty years farming, ranching and perfecting his Kona Coffee, soon exporting it to Europe and the Americas.

Today, the farm is managed by the descendants of Henry and Elizabeth, and grows its own coffee on 150 acres of the most productive land in the Kona District. Greenwell Farms offers walking tours of the coffee fields and processing facilities that run continuously from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A stone-throw away is the Kona Historical Society’s Living History Farm Tour. This seven-acre farm was homesteaded in the 1900’s by Japanese immigrants. The tour is an interpretation of the daily life of coffee farmers in the early 20th century brought to life through the use of historic buildings, artifacts, authentic landscapes, live animals, working machinery, and producing gardens, orchards and fields.

David Bateman, owner of Heavenly Hawaiian Farms, observed that the process is much the same today: “Because not all the cherry ripens at the same time there usually are four to six pickings during the picking season. Pickers manually pick the red cherry fruit containing the coffee beans. A good picker can pick 400 pounds of cherry in a day. Some pickers have picked as much as 1,200 pounds per day, all by hand, bean by bean.” The standard ratio of cherry to produce a pound of roasted coffee is seven to one.

Nearby at Lehuula Farms, Owner Bob Nelson readies his equipment for a batch of cherry that needs to be pulped and dried. Besides owning a pulper, Bob – a transplant from Alaska — has one of two unique apparatuses in the Islands that dry the coffee bean through a dehumidifying process that he uses to speed up the drying process. Most farms – including Lehuula — still sun-dry their beans on large decks to a moisture level between 10 and 13 percent.

This four-acre coffee farm – sited at 1400 feet on the western slope of Hualalai Mountain — currently supports more than 4,000 coffee trees many of which are 90 or more years old and are said to provide an exceptionally tasting coffee that cannot be found in younger trees. “The cherry is as good as it is ever going to be,” said Bob about the picked cherry, reminding us that there is always a way to spoil it through the many steps that it takes to process coffee.

Dr. Joe Alban explained that on his coffee farm he produces 35 percent more cherry than at other coffee farms due to his unique vineyard style coffee groves. Sold at $65 per pound, it is the world’s first trellised coffee plantation owned and operated by Dr. Joe Alban and wife Deepa.

Kona Joe® Trellised Coffee holds USA Patent 6,449,898 B1 for “Method and Apparatus for Enhancing Coffee Bean Production” and has been recognized for adapting fine wine growing techniques to coffee production. “The inspiration for adapting traditional viticultural practices to coffee growing came from our family vineyard, Alban Vineyards, an award-winning vineyard and winery located in the Central Coast of California,” said Joe.

Kona Joe Coffee will sponsor the first-ever Barista competition to be held at this year’s Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, a 10-day festival that takes place in early November when the harvest of Kona Coffee is well underway.

I came to Kona to see how coffee was grown and what an education I received. Anyone can go on this journey to see the workings of a coffee farm, without a passport and without apprehension about traveling to a foreign country.

Each morning as I grab my freshly-brewed cup of java, I have a deep respect for the labor intensive process it takes to produce coffee and the farmers that who work tirelessly to bring us this commodity we can’t seem to do without.

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It is that time of year again when we pay tribute to the single, most important lady in our lives–our mom. Mother’s day is often a day filled with gifts and activities as we try to make it as special for her as possible. And because mother knows best, she probably does not even want you to go out for your way just to get her something extraordinary or expensive. This may be a good opportunity to introduce her to something simple yet novel–gourmet coffee.

Even if your mother stays at home and does not work, keep in mind that she is kept busy by numerous household chores. Giving her something complicated like electronic items may just end up with the gift being neglected because she simply does not have the time to use it. Food and beverage items are most likely closer to her heart especially if she spends a lot of time in the kitchen.

Most reputable coffee vendors pack their products in shiny, well-designed foil bags that make them elegant gifts. Bundling different types in a basket makes the gift even more classy. Aside from being simple and elegant, here are a few more reasons why gourmet coffee makes a wonderful gift for mom:

Different flavors to choose from. There is always a coffee flavor to delight anybody’s palate–from premium, exotic Hawaiin Kona coffee and Blue Mountain coffee to flavored coffee types to the regular house blends. The choices are many. Some vendors even offer a sampler package where you get a little bit of this and that.

Brings out the scientist in mom. Some of the greatest discoveries were made in the kitchen. We will not even attempt to expound on this reason. Just leave it to mom to mix, match, blend, or shake the coffee and come up with one of her amazing kitchen creations.

Make her learn something new. Notice how some of those fancy packs of coffee have an entire short story printed at the back? It should make good reading for mom especially when her favorite magazine subscription does not arrive on time.

Leaves no mess in her kitchen. All she has to do is open up the bag, scoop out the appropriate amount, pour it in the coffee maker and that is pretty much it.

Gives mom something to brag to her friends about. When mom goes out with her group or chats with her friends on the phone, she is sure to tell them about the great new coffee she just discovered, thanks to you.

Something handy to serve her visitors. And you can be sure she will let her visitors know who gave her the wonderful coffee.

A gift that keeps giving. Mom does not have to think too hard next time she has to give a gift to relatives or friends. She will just give the same kind of coffee you have given her, her relatives and friends will love her for it, and she will be the star.

So as you can see, nothing makes a more versatile gift than gourmet coffee. The challenge for you now is to find out what kind of coffee maker she has, whether she can grind the coffee herself and maybe whether she needs a new coffee mug. Once you have all that information, shopping is the easy part especially if you choose to do it online. Your knowledge and expertise in gourmet coffee will guide you along the way because this time around, you know best.

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