Hawaii is sometimes called the “Coffee State.” That is because Hawaii is the only U.S. state that grows coffee. Coffee was first planted in 1817. Unfortunately, the plants died. Several years later, a Hawaiian Chief planted Brazilian plants in Manoa Valley. In addition, plants were introduced in several other areas on different islands. The only area where coffee thrived was the Kona region. Kona coffee remains the most well-known of Hawaii’s coffees. Today, coffee is grown throughout the islands.
Hawaii grows many types of coffee including Kauai Blue Mountain, Typica, Catuai and Mokka. Typica, from the Kona region, is the most well-known coffee variety. Interestingly, the Kona region sits on the slopes of two volcanoes, Hualalai and Mauna Loa. Many growers are trying Peaberry Coffee in Hawaiian soil. Peaberry beans from Tanzania are prominent in the coffee market. However, the Kona variety has cornered a share of the market. The fruit of the coffee plant is known as a cherry. The cherry contains two seeds that flatten each other. Sometimes, only one seed is fertilized and the other does not flatten. The result is a pea-shaped coffee bean or peaberry.
Coffee farming in Hawaii is very diverse. Many operations are small family farms. Most private farms grow coffee on three-to-five acres of land. The beans are eventually sold to larger operations for processing. There are also several coops or groups of farmers who band together. The farmers put their money together to buy equipment and plants. Likewise, they share the work and profits. Not surprisingly, company-owned farms dominate the industry. Sugar cane was the state’s major crop until the eighties. Many of the large sugar operations were turned into coffee farms. These farms are often more than 150-acres.
The Hawaiian coffee industry continues to evolve and grow. This is important to maintain the industry’s prominence. Peaberry Coffee in Hawaiian markets is an example. Many coffee drinkers think the round berries make better tasting coffee. There are those who say the flavor is due to the shape. The berries are round and roast more evenly than flat ones. If you would like to sample peaberry coffee, contact Mulvadi Corporation Kona.
