What Makes Hawaii's Kona Coffee So Special (And Expensive)?

Enjoying a cup of coffee brewed from high-end beans is a sought-after experience. If you love Kona coffee from Hawaii, you know how true this is. Grown on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kona coffee is one of the most rare varieties and fetches a higher price tag than most others. There are several factors that contribute to the greater price including the location and production process. The climate is ideal for its consistent good weather, rich volcanic soil, and steep terrain, allowing for proper drainage. Additionally, Kona coffee berries are handpicked and prepared through a lengthy process to ensure optimal quality and taste. Kona coffee amounts to about one percent of coffee in the whole world, and this limited supply and high demand makes it a holy grail for drinkers seeking an extra indulgent cup.

Among the best Hawaiian coffee brands, those like Kona Coffee Purveyors take pride in the process and effort, showing respect to the land where the coffee is grown. Often imitated but never replicated, you can find Kona coffee on the mainland, but be sure to carefully and thoroughly read the label to ensure authenticity. For example, Costco's extremely pricey coffee beans include Kona coffee made by San Francisco Bay Coffee, which carries both 100% Kona and Kona blend coffee products. Kona coffee can be enjoyed by itself or used in a number of delicious recipes.

There are several different ways to brew Kona coffee to perfection, depending on the type of roast and your own personal preferences. Whether you choose to drip brew, French press, cold brew, pour-over, or prepare it as an espresso, the bold and unique taste will be evident. With a somewhat nutty flavor and syrupy notes of caramel and honey, Kona coffee is the epitome of smoothness in every sip. Choosing authentic beans will prove to be well worth the higher price point rather than trying a shortcut such as Nespresso's limited-edition Hawaii Kona capsules. In addition to being a luxurious cup, you can also use Kona coffee in cooking and baking.

Adding Kona coffee to sweet treats is an obvious choice. For example, you can use it to mix into a rich banana bread batter or prepare the coffee to infuse with heavy cream for a luscious chocolate truffle filling. On the more savory side, try using finely ground beans as a dry rub for steak to give it the ultimate bold seasoning. You can also mix it into a tangy and spicy barbecue sauce. No matter how you decide to use it, make sure to savor every last sip, knowing that you've got a rare gem of brewable goodness on your hands.