COFFEE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)     What is Kona Coffee The United States is the world's largest importer of coffee. Americans are accustomed to drinking gourmet coffee of the highest quality and taste. Unfortunately, America will always be an importer of fine gourmet coffee because areas with the tropical and subtropical climates needed to grow coffee plants that would yield high quality coffee are limited in America. However, there is one part of the country that is renowned for the coffee that it produces. Kona is a high quality coffee produced in Hawaii that is renowned internationally. In 1825 a Hawaiian chief brought coffee plants from Brazil to the big island that is Hawaii. The rise of sugar cane as a major crop resulted in early Hawaiian coffee crops being located in the areas of Kona and Hamakua. Kona coffee plants are located on the cool slopes of the Hualalai and Mauna Loa Mountains in Hawaii. The coffee plants grown in these areas are coffea arabica or Arabica coffee, a type of coffee plant that originates in Ethiopia and is commonly grown throughout the world. The specific features of the area where coffee is grown will greatly influence the characteristics of the coffee. A coffee's body, flavor, and aroma will be greatly influenced by the soil, altitude, and climate in which the coffee plant is grown. The rich volcanic soil and afternoon cloud cover makes Hawaii one of the most unique coffee growing areas in the world and these conditions are responsible for the unique characteristics that make Kona coffee so loved throughout the world. Pure Kona coffee is one of the most prized coffees in the world. Its full bodied flavor and intoxicating aroma makes 100% Kona coffee one of Hawaii's most important exports. The climate of Hawaii creates a predictable coffee growing season for Hawaiian coffee growers. The only true coffee that can be described as Kona Coffee are ones that have been cultivated in the North and South districts of Kona. Kona coffee goes through a vigorous grading process. Kona coffee beans are sorted into different grades by size and shape with the peaberry coffee bean being the most elite of the Kona coffee beans. Peaberry coffee beans accounts for 5% to 10% of the total Kona coffee harvest. Peaberry beans have a more concentrated flavor than other Kona coffee beans. They are formed when one side of a flower on a coffee plant fuses with another flower, which will then leave only one Kona coffee bean in the coffee cherry. A peaberry bean will be graded as extra fancy, the highest grade awarded for a Kona coffee bean. Kona coffee is an elite type of coffee that can be compared to Java coffee and Mocha coffee. Kona coffee is demanded as much Java and Mocha coffees. However, it is important for coffee lovers to be careful when they are purchasing Kona coffee products. The best Kona coffee is labeled either 100 Kona coffee or 100% Kona coffee. Coffee products that describe themselves as Kona Blend generally contain only 10% Kona coffee beans that are mixed with other coffee beans from around the world. Buy some 100% Kona coffee and let it make your mouth water and give you a taste that is uniquely Hawaii!   Coffee  · About Us  · Privacy Policy  · Return Policy · Ordering and Shipping FAQ · Coffee Glossary · Coffee History · Site Map  · Links Copyright © 2005 Coffee Service Plus, 410 Andbro Drive, Pitman, NJ 08071