Coffee Growing Region On The Big Island Crossword Clue
Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and unique culture. However, the Big Island of Hawaii is also famous for its coffee. In fact, the Kona coffee belt on the west side of the island is one of the most famous coffee growing regions in the world.
The Kona Coffee Belt
The Kona coffee belt is a small region on the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii. It stretches from the town of Holualoa in the north to the town of Honaunau in the south. The region covers approximately 20 miles and is only about two miles wide. However, within this small area, some of the best coffee in the world is grown.
The Kona coffee belt is located on the slopes of the Mauna Loa volcano. The area has a unique combination of soil, climate, and altitude that make it perfect for growing coffee. The soil is rich in volcanic ash and minerals, and the climate is mild and sunny with plenty of rainfall. The altitude of the region ranges from 600 to 2,000 feet above sea level, which provides the perfect growing conditions for coffee plants.
Coffee Varieties Grown in the Kona Coffee Belt
The Kona coffee belt produces two main varieties of coffee: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is the most popular variety and is known for its smooth, rich flavor. Robusta is less common and has a stronger, more bitter taste. However, it is more resistant to pests and disease, which makes it easier to grow.
Within the Arabica variety, there are many different sub-varieties grown in the Kona coffee belt. Some of the most popular include Typica, Bourbon, and Caturra. Each of these sub-varieties has its own unique flavor profile and characteristics.
The History of Coffee in Hawaii
Coffee was first introduced to Hawaii in the early 19th century by a Frenchman named Captain Gabriel de Clieu. He brought a single coffee plant from the island of Martinique and planted it on the island of Oahu. From there, coffee spread to the other islands, including the Big Island.
The first coffee plantation on the Big Island was established in 1828 by an American missionary named Samuel Ruggles. He planted coffee trees in the Kona district and soon realized that the region had the perfect growing conditions for coffee. Today, the Kona coffee belt is home to over 600 small coffee farms and produces some of the most sought-after coffee in the world.
The Coffee Industry in Hawaii
The coffee industry is an important part of Hawaii's economy, and the Kona coffee belt is the heart of the industry. The region produces approximately 3 million pounds of coffee each year, which generates over $30 million in revenue. Most of the coffee is sold to tourists who visit the area, but some is also exported to other countries.
The coffee industry in Hawaii is unique in that it is made up primarily of small, family-owned farms. Most of the farms in the Kona coffee belt are less than 10 acres in size, and many are run by multi-generational families. This gives the industry a strong sense of community and tradition.
Kona Coffee in Cuisine
Kona coffee is not just for drinking. It is also used in many different types of cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes that use Kona coffee include pancakes, ice cream, and barbecue sauce. The coffee's unique flavor profile adds a rich, complex taste to these dishes.
Many restaurants in the Kona coffee belt also offer coffee tastings and tours of local coffee farms. This gives visitors a chance to learn more about the coffee industry and sample some of the region's best coffee.
Conclusion
The Kona coffee belt on the Big Island of Hawaii is a unique and beautiful region that produces some of the best coffee in the world. The combination of soil, climate, and altitude provides the perfect growing conditions for coffee plants, and the small, family-owned farms give the industry a strong sense of tradition and community. Whether you are a coffee lover or just looking to experience the beauty of Hawaii, a visit to the Kona coffee belt is a must.