The distinction between 100% Kona coffee and Kona blends lies in their purity, quality, and the resultant sensory experience.
100% Kona coffee, a revered gem in the world of gourmet specialty coffee, is cultivated exclusively in the mineral-rich volcanic soils of the Kona coffee belt on Hawaii’s “Big Island”. This area, known for its “Goldilocks” growing conditions is relatively small, covering just 3 miles wide and 30 miles long.
Kona coffee is handpicked by fair wage farm workers
The growing and production process for 100% Kona coffee is meticulous. Ripe cherry is handpicked over multiple rounds during the harvest season, which varies depending on the farm’s elevation. Pickers are paid a living wage, a dollar or more per pound of cherry, often picking three hundred pounds each day.
Kona coffee is sun-dried on a large drying deck over several weeks
Once picked, the cherries are pulped to remove the outer layer and laid out to sun dry on large drying decks over several weeks. During the drying, farmers must frequently rake the beans to aid in the drying process. In order to qualify as Kona coffee, moisture content must be between 9% and 12% - no more, no less.
Next, the coffee is dry milled to remove the parchment layer, resulting in the green coffee that can then be roasted. During dry milling, the coffee is sorted by size and weight, with defective beans being rejected.
Throughout the entire production process, great attention is paid by the Kona coffee farmer to ensure the highest quality at every stage. It is this care that translates into a superlative bean that delivers an exceptional flavor & aroma for the discerning coffee drinker.
In stark contrast, Kona blends often consist of as little as 10% Kona beans mixed with inferior coffee from other regions. This not only diminishes the purity of the coffee but often creates a less harmonious and less distinctive cup.
In essence, Kona blends don’t represent Kona coffee at all. Worse still, Kona blends trade on the sterling reputation of authentic Kona coffee, duping unsuspecting consumers into buying it. This dilutes the value of the Kona brand and, ultimately, harms the farmers who grow it.
The Hawaii legislature agrees. Years in the making, Hawaii House Bill 2298 CD1 was recently passed. Beginning in 2027, coffee blends named after a specific growing region in Hawaii must contain at least 51% coffee from that region by weight. This is an increase from the current 10% requirement. The bill also applies to roasted, instant, and ready-to-drink coffee that is marketed as "locally sourced".
How do you avoid buying an inferior Kona blend? Be wary of coffee labeled with just “Kona coffee”, “Kona-roasted”, or “Kona-sourced”. Always look for 100% Kona coffee on the label. Producers of pure Kona coffee will always emphasize 100% on their labels.
Single-estate, 100% Kona coffee farm, Kona Earth
Grown exclusively on Hawaii since the early 1800’s, the full-bodied elegance of 100% Kona coffee delivers an exceptional experience steeped in authenticity and tradition, making it a prized possession for coffee aficionados. This single-origin coffee is a testament to the unique terroir of Hawaii's Kona district and the dedication of its farmers to produce the finest beans possible.
This quality comes at significant cost to the growers, most small family-owned farms. In addition to fair wage labor costs, 100% Kona coffee producers have significant costs for farm management including fuel, fertilizers and inputs that control pests. This is the reason that authentic, 100% Kona coffee is considerably pricier than lower quality Kona blends.
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, 100% Kona coffee is a prized possession that elevates a daily caffeine fix to a delicious indulgence worth savoring. Though the price tag is higher than that of Kona blends, you will be experiencing “the real deal”, an affordable luxury that is worth every penny. As a side benefit, buying 100% Kona coffee is a way to support a USA-grown coffee that supports fair wage labor and fuels the local Kona economy.
So why settle for anything less than the best? Treat yourself to the unparalleled quality and sophistication of 100% Kona coffee.