High volcanic slopes with fertile soil and a tropical climate provide the basis for one of the most exclusive and expensive Arabica coffees in the world. Hawaiian Kona coffee is best known for its large coffee beans. The luxury coffee is grown on the west coast of the island of Hawaii – also known as the Big Island. The cultivation area is extremely limited and covers an area of about 30 x 3 kilometers.
Although coffee is also grown on the other islands of Hawaii, this may not be called Kona coffee. There are three varieties of Kona coffee. Type 1 includes only the largest beans. Type 2 hides the special and rare pearl beans, as they do not ripen in pairs in the coffee cherry, as is usually the case, but individually. In addition, there are not various blends, but they must contain at least 10% Kona coffee. Packaging containing pure Kona coffee must be labeled “100% Kona Coffee.” But how does this luxury coffee taste? Kona coffee has a powerful body with balanced flavors and notes of cinnamon. It is best prepared in the French Press, the Chemex or by hand infusion so that the coffee can best develop its aromas and acids.
