| Kona coffee is a marketing name for coffee | | | | is transported back to the farms to be used |
| that comes from the Kona District of Hawaii. | | | | as fertilizer. The stripped beans will next |
| Pure Kona coffee is highly sought after all | | | | undergo a fermentation process of around 8 to |
| round the world. It has a richer flavor than | | | | 18 hours in giant tanks. After completing the |
| others due to the location and environment | | | | fermentation process, the beans are cleaned |
| they are cultivated. The land of Hawaii is | | | | and dried on drying racks covered by |
| rich with volcanic soil and is perfect for | | | | hoshidanas. Depending on the weather, it |
| coffee growing. The afternoon clouds also | | | | might take about 10 to 14 days before the |
| provide a good cover for it to grow. These | | | | Kona coffee beans are ready for the next |
| factors give Kona coffee its character, loved | | | | process. It is essential to constantly rake |
| by many around the world. A Peek At History | | | | the beans during the drying phase. This is to |
| The first coffee plant was introduced to | | | | prevent mildew from forming and maintain |
| Kealakekua-Kona by Reverend Samuel Ruggles in | | | | consistent quality throughout the batch. The |
| 1828. It was not considered a viable | | | | beans are then graded according to size, |
| agricultural commodity at that time until | | | | shape and weight. Controversial Kona There is |
| very much later. During the California gold | | | | a high demand for Kona coffee due to its |
| rush era, demand for coffee from this region | | | | unique taste and quality. Many large |
| starts to pick up and farmers start planting | | | | corporations and individuals have tarnished |
| their crops along the slopes of Mauna Loa and | | | | the name by selling coffee that is not truly |
| Mount Hualalai. Many of the large estates | | | | Kona. These blends are normally made up of |
| were leased to their Japanese workers during | | | | only 10% Kona coffee and the remaining 90% |
| the world coffee market crash in 1899. There | | | | from cheaper imports from Colombia or Brazil. |
| are now about 600 plantations all around the | | | | It hurts the industry in Kona and gives a |
| district and each of them having a size of | | | | false impression to the consumers about the |
| not more than 5 acres. Coffee Farming & | | | | quality of pure Kona coffee. The farmers have |
| Process The coffee plants in Kona will start | | | | been fighting a loosing battle to trademark |
| to bloom from February to March. Green | | | | the name. Even though there are labeling laws |
| berries will soon start to appear after the | | | | in Hawaii, there is no corresponding Federal |
| flowers have been pollinated. Majority of the | | | | law to support it. Conclusion There is no |
| berries will be harvested from August to | | | | denying in the quality of Kona coffee. Great |
| December or early January. It is estimated | | | | care is taken to ensure quality from the many |
| that each tree can produce around 20 to 30 | | | | who toil in the farms and mills to deliver |
| pounds of berries. During peak harvesting | | | | you that perfect cup of beverage possible. |
| period, most mills work round the clock. All | | | | They are all committed to deliver you the |
| the berries will be processed within 24 hour | | | | true taste of Kona - Gold of Hawaii. |
| time frame to maintain quality. The berries | | | | |
| will be tested for freshness and color before | | | | More information on Coffee, visit Green |
| being sent to the pulper. The pulper will | | | | Coffee and Espresso Coffee. |
| strip the flesh leaving the beans. The flesh | | | | |