Why is Kona coffee so highly regarded?
Kona coffee is perhaps the best-known specialty coffee to come from the Americas. Its reputation is nothing short of legendary. Kona is not only rare but also renowned for its astounding quality. Enthusiasts will travel all the way to Hawaii just to taste this unique brew at its source. Fortunately, you need not travel to the Pacific Islands to enjoy Kona.
As part of Hayman’s select specialty coffee collection, Kona is available year-round. Enjoying this speciality coffee has never been easier. Now, let’s answer the most pressing question: Why is the best Kona coffee Hawaii produces so highly regarded?
Kona Hawaiian Coffee Origin
Kona is a district on Hawaii’s Big Island. It overlooks the island’s western coast, an area known as the ‘dry side’ of Hawaii. Here, the volcanic slopes of Mauna Loa and Hualālai provide altitude and mineral-rich yet challenging soils to the region’s coffee plantations.
Reverend Samuel Ruggles brought the first coffee beans to the island in 1828. English merchant Henry Nicholas Greenwell later developed the industry. Japanese farmers took over in the late 19th century and were later joined by skilled growers from around the world. It soon became clear that the Kona Coffee Belt was the source of high-quality beans. Today, thanks to strict regulation, Kona is synonymous with quality, and it is regarded as one of the finest varieties on the planet.
Kona Coffee Beans
Kona coffee is made with high-quality arabica coffee beans — the type that thrives at high altitudes and benefits from shade. The region’s altitude, between 550 and 700 meters, along with its mineral-rich volcanic soils, helps the plants produce intensely flavorful beans.
When ripe, the cherries are hand-picked and their beans are mechanically separated from the pulp. The beans ferment naturally before being rinsed and spread to dry in the shade, protected from direct sunlight and Kona’s signature frequent rainfall. The beans are then painstakingly hand-sorted by size and shape, creating the range of grades the style is known for.
Kona Coffee’s Flavor and Aroma
Kona coffee is exclusive, but its rarity is not the only reason it’s so popular among enthusiasts. Kona has a unique aroma and distinctive flavor that make it a favorite among many experts.
On the nose, a cup of Kona opens with scents of red berries and milk chocolate. Caramel notes are persistent, reminiscent of brown sugar with hints of toasted nuts. On the palate, the coffee is rich and smooth, velvety from start to finish, with a gently comforting aftertaste. Of all specialty coffee varieties, Kona is one of the easiest to enjoy by seasoned tasters and casual coffee drinkers alike.
Try the Best Kona Coffee Today
Kona coffee is Hawaii’s gift to the world. Born from hardened lava and volcanic ash, this delicious coffee proves that the most exciting coffees come from the most beautiful places. It is rightly considered one of the best coffee beans in the world.
At Hayman Coffee, we proudly offer certified Hawaiian Kona coffee in a range of formats, including whole beans, ground coffee, and coffee pods or coffee capsules compatible with all major systems. Discover our range and add Kona coffee to your coffee subscription today.
