Q. What makes Kona Le'a Cafe different?

A. Grown in the high mountains of Holualoa, Kona Coast, on the big Island of Hawai'i, where nature combined elements of volcanic soils, temperature, rainfall, sunshine, and cloud cover provide perfect coffee growing conditions throughout the year. So, what it is that makes Kona Le'a Cafe different than other Kona Coffees? The majority of our Kona Typicia trees are 90 or more years old; the older the coffee plans are produces a bean of a remarkable taste. To the true coffee lover this remarkable rich flavor is unsurpassed.

With little or no exception, Kona Le'a Cafe coffee beans are processed using a unique wet method system as it yields coffee of the best quality. This system, developed by the agricultural Extension Service in the 1950's, is slowly becoming popular as farmers see as well as taste the difference.

Q. Does espresso have more caffeine than a regular cup of coffee?
A. Generally, a serving of drip coffee has more caffeine than a shot of espresso. In fact, in the espresso brewing method, water is in contact with the grounds for only 20-25 seconds and therefore extracts less caffeine than methods in which water is in contact with the grounds for several minutes.

Q. Does strong tasting coffee have more caffeine than weak tasting coffee?
A. Caffeine contributes no flavor to coffee. Caffeine content is primarily a product of the type of coffee beans used, the water-to-coffee ratio and method of brewing.

Q. Is only one brand of coffee mountain grown?
A. The vast majority of the world's coffee is of "arabica" species and is best when grown at high altitudes.

Q. Did coffee originate in Colombia or Brazil?
A. No. Coffee originated in Ethiopia.

Q. Does the term "Specialty Gourmet Coffee" refer to espresso-based drinks as cappuccinos, lattes and mochas?
A. The term "Specialty Gourmet Coffee" refers to the highest quality green coffee beans roasted to their greatest flavor potential by the true craftspeople and then properly brewed to well established standards. Such coffee is not defined by a brewing method, such as the use of an espresso machine.

Q. Properly stored, can ground coffee remain fresh for several weeks or even months?
A. Once a roasted coffee bean is ground, oxidation quickly damages the aromatics and most of the flavor is lost rapidly. Roasted coffee should only be ground immediately before brewing.