Grades of Kona coffee

Got it — here’s a more natural, typo-included version of the article without calling attention to them:

The Different Grades of Kona Coffee – What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Kona coffee isn’t just one thing. If you’ve ever visited the Big Island or looked around a specialty coffee shop, you might’ve seen labels like “Extra Fancy” or “Number 3” on bags of Kona beans. But what do those actually mean? And is it worth paying more for the higher grades?

Kona coffee is one of the few coffees in the world that’s state inspected and officially graded by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. That means the beans go through a pretty strict process where they’re sorted by size, shape, and the number of defects. Those grades then get stamped on the bags (at least when it’s real Kona, not a blend).

Extra Fancy is the highest grade you can get. The beans are big, perfect looking, and very uniform. It’s got a really smooth taste and a clean finish, no bitterness, no sourness. It’s also the most expensive, but a lot of folks who try it say they can taste the diference right away. You’re basically paying for perfection.

Right below that is Fancy, which is still really high quality but maybe has a couple more small imperfections or slightly smaller bean size. Most people probably wouldn’t notice a diference unless they were really looking for it.

Then there’s Number 1, which is the most common grade sold. It’s a nice balance between quality and price. Still has that smooth, mellow Kona flavor with some good size and minimal defects. A solid everyday cup.

After that you have Prime. This grade has more variation in the beans—some might be chipped or a little discolored—but it still makes a decent cup if it’s roasted right. Some local roasters actually prefer it for cold brew or darker roast styles.

At the bottom of the list is Number 3. Smaller beans, more defects, kind of a mixed bag. But even this low grade still comes from Kona trees grown on volcanic soil in the Hawaiian sun. So it’s not like it’s bad coffee—it’s just not as clean or consistent. Alot of farmers actually drink Number 3 themselves.

So next time you’re buying Kona, take a look at the grade. If you want the best of the best, go for Extra Fancy or Fancy. If you’re looking for a daily brew that’s smooth and doesn’t break the bank, Number 1 or Prime is a great pick. And if you just want that Kona flavor without paying too much, don’t be afraid to try Number 3—especially if you’re into bold or experimental roasting.

Just make sure it says 100% Kona. If it says “Kona blend,” that probly means it’s only 10% Kona and the rest is from somewhere else. Real Kona deserves better than that.