At Kona Earth, we are committed to expanding our 26-acre Kona coffee farm by planting new areas. As part of this strategy, we add new varietals like Red Caturra and Red Bourbon alongside our existing Kona Typica. By diversifying the types of coffee grown on the farm, we aim to increase our overall production and improve the quality and flavor profile of our Kona coffee beans. Here are a few things we considered in the process:
Why should you consider planting new varietals on your Kona coffee farm?
Planting new varietals brings many benefits. Different coffee varieties have unique characteristics that thrive under different conditions. Our Kona coffee farm is located at 2200 feet, so our high-elevation microclimate tends to be cooler and wetter than some lower-elevation farms. We chose trees that perform well in this environment. Conversely, lower elevation farms may consider varietals that are drought resistant. Each farmer will make the best determination for their location.
While some varietals may be well suited to specific microclimates, others may be more resistant to pests or diseases. Diversifying your crop can mitigate these risks. Here on Hawaii's Big Island, we have two primary pests: A tiny beetle called CBB (coffee berry borer) destroys the seeds, and a fungus called CLR (coffee leaf rust) causes defoliation. Both can be managed with sprays, but having a hardy, young tree also increases its resistance.
Young Kona coffee trees are called "keiki", the Hawaiian word for child. Some farmers specialize in growing keiki trees, oftentimes grafting several different varietals to achieve the best yield. Farmers who don't have their own nursery can buy their keiki directly from these growers, who are also knowledgable about what plants work best in the different micro climates found within the Kona coffee belt.
How do new varietals enhance the quality of your Kona coffee?
Most of our existing Kona coffee orchard comprises Kona Typica, an Arabica varietal well-known among Big Island coffee growers. When expanding our farm, we chose Red Bourbon and Red Caturra as two varietals to add to the orchard. These varietals are known for their exceptional cup quality and are highly sought after in the specialty coffee market.
Each coffee varietal has its distinct flavor profile, aroma, and acidity levels. By planting new varietals alongside existing trees, we can experiment to create complex blends that appeal to a wide range of coffee enthusiasts. Additionally, some varietals are prized for their unique taste characteristics, such as floral or fruity notes, while others bring out chocolate and nutty flavors. Combining different varieties makes it possible to add depth and complexity to our Kona coffee offerings. We chose Red Bourbon and Red Caturra for this stage of our expansion.
Red Bourbon coffee is known for its rich, complex flavor profile, often featuring chocolate, fruit, and caramel notes. Its cup is characterized by full body, bright acidity, and prominent sweetness. The trees have a unique appearance, with thick stems and broad leaves with wavy edges. They are known to be prolific with small cherries that ripen quickly.
Red Caturra is a natural hybrid of Bourbon. A dwarf tree, its height maxes out at about 6 feet, allowing for denser planting and easy harvesting. It is also known to be prolific, with high production yields, and has a bright, balanced flavor with sweet, fruity, or floral notes.
By incorporating these new Kona coffee varietals into our farm, we hope to elevate our offerings and attract discerning specialty coffee connoisseurs. With their sweeter flavor profiles, they should deliver a nice counterbalance to our chocolate and nut-forward Kona Typica beans and make for some delicious and complex blends.
How can you ensure the successful growth of new varietals?
Before planting new varietals on our Kona coffee farm, we conducted thorough research and soil analysis to determine the optimal growing conditions for each varietal. Additionally, we work with agricultural experts to develop a planting and maintenance plan that considers factors such as spacing, pruning, and fertilization. But before any tree hits the ground, we prepare new areas of the farm by clearing and then marking out the grid for planting. This short video shows you a few steps in laying out a new plot of Kona coffee trees.
Expanding our Kona coffee farm by planting new varietals is a strategic way to enhance the quality and quantity of our coffee crop. By diversifying our offerings and embracing the unique characteristics of different varietals, we hope to position our farm for growth and success in the competitive Kona coffee specialty market.