What Makes a Kona Coffee Unique?

If you’ve heard the buzz about Kona coffee but aren’t sure what makes this coffee so unique and special, the answer is simple! Kona coffee is exclusively grown in a small area of the Big Island of Hawaii (In fact, the Hawaiians call this coffee “Kope”) that is rich in minerals from volcanic ash and has perfect weather for coffee bean cultivation. That combination makes Kona coffee have a unique flavor that can’t be replicated by other types of coffee. 

Geography
The area of the Big Island where Kona is grown is only forty square miles and produces only two million pounds of pure Kona a year, making Kona one of the rarest types of coffee available. The weather of the area features sunny mornings, clouds or light rain in the afternoon and mild nights. This means that the Kona beans get proper sunlight, proper moisture and are never exposed to harsh elements. Because the area of land in the Kona district is at the base of two volcanoes, the soil is porous and rich in minerals for ideal growth.

What is a Kona blend? 
Because Kona is so rare and often so expensive, many coffee retailers (including iCoffeeGourmet) offer Kona blends as well. These coffees combine a pure Kona with a Columbian or Brazilian coffee to make them more affordable while also giving consumers a Kona taste. Typically, these blends will be about 10% Kona beans. 

iCoffeeGourmet Kona Products
iCoffeeGourmet features three different Kona products for your pleasure. 

If you’d like to experiment with a Kona blend, we’ve got one! There’s also a Kona Greenwells that combines the flavor of Hawaiian macadamia nuts with it. Finally, Kona Fancy is our premium Kona coffee. 

If you’ve ever been to Hawaii and had a cup of Kona while watching the sun rise over the ocean, then these coffees will take you right back there. If you’ve never been, then trying a Kona coffee is a great way to replicate the vacation you’re dying to take! Either way, hang ten and enjoy some of Hawaii’s best. 

Whether you’re a newbie or a skilled barista, iCoffee Gourmet has everything you need and want to know about premium, organic, decaf or fair trade coffees, gourmet espresso beans, espresso machines, coffee makers or coffee grinders. Get yours today @ http://www.iCoffeeGourmet.com. Remember to sign up for our free monthly e-newsletter to get digital coupons, specials, recipes, discounts, contests and much more.

How to survive these changing times?

(think simple, but guilty pleasure)

 
Keep your guilty pleasures. Because it appears that when we treat ourselves to a little escape and indulgent convenience it may be not only good for our psychological health, but part of a good strategy to weather tough economic times. In fact, during times of recession, it is reported that though people may reduce spending overall, that they continue to find ways to escape, whether it be a night out to the movies, a new novel or music selection, or having their favorite food delivered. The trick is to simply find new experiences that deliver enjoyment while saving money. And we don’t have to look further than our love affair with gourmet coffee to show you new ways to indulge and renew your spirit, your senses and your pocketbook.

Keep your Guilty Pleasures, but Take Back your Budget 

Our small guilty pleasures help us to maintain our emotional balance during times of change. And there is a way to do this while saving money.  “There is a definite shift happening”, according to Specialty Coffee Association of America.  “Consumers are preparing more coffee at home while still trying to enjoy a quality cup, but the focus on quality remains strong”. This is being driven by consumers’ desire to still enjoy fine coffee, but save money where possible.

Shake Up the Daily Grind

Whether you plant something new in your garden or rearrange your furniture, find ways to introduce variety in order to see and appreciate your everyday world in new and interesting ways. Coffee lovers are rediscovering the joys of brewing gourmet coffee at home and now have the convenience of iCoffeeGourmet, an on-line coffee store offering over 250 hand selected coffees from all over the world. Many iCoffee drinkers take advantage of iCoffee Club which delivers a different variety to your  doorstep every month.

Stay True to You 

During times of uncertainty, variety energizes our outlook, but it’s the comfort of our individual rituals which anchor us and remind the day that we are in control. So honor your morning coffee ritual with quality ingredients and presentation.  Grind that fresh espresso and add your favorite flavored syrups. Keep what’s uniquely yours to help keep your head in the game. 

Reduce the Background Noise 

We could all benefit with one less thing to think about these days. Take advantage of on-line coffee delivery. iCoffeeGourmet finds the highest quality coffee beans for you, so you don’t have to comb through unknown or inferior brands at the grocery store. One more thing is checked off your list, off your mind and waiting for you on your doorstep. What a nice surprise!

Be free 

Coffee Bean International VP, Joe Prewett says, “Newly liberated from old purchasing patterns, coffee drinkers have consequently become very open-minded about discovering new resources for specialty coffee and equipment”.  You have to admit, there is something very freeing about not being one of the franchised masses. You can be your own iCoffee Gourmet and you deserve it.

Whether you’re a newbie or a skilled barista, iCoffee Gourmet has everything you need and want to know about premium, organic, decaf or fair trade coffees, gourmet espresso beans, espresso machines, coffee makers or coffee grinders. Get yours today @ http://www.iCoffeeGourmet.com. Remember to sign up for our free monthly e-newsletter to get digital coupons, specials, recipes, discounts, contests and much more.

The Coffee Break-Down

Loan money for Lattes?

Have we lost our minds? Comparing the cost of designer drive-through vs. iGourmet home brew.

College kids are dipping into their college loan funds to support expensive designer coffee habits. And they are not alone. We all rationalize these “small purchases”. Hey, what’s $4 when I need my afternoon pick up? But when you add all of these impulses up over the course of a week or a year, you see the crazy hit to your budget. For example, if you purchase a gourmet coffee and muffin every morning, over the course of one week, you could be spending $50-$70.  Up to $2,000 per year. Wow, vacation money. Who knew?

Start packing because you have gourmet coffee options that are at least 20 times less expensive. When you shift from by the cup to by the pound, here is how the savings break down:

A pound of gourmet coffee (16 Ounces or 1 Lb.) divided by 1 1/2 ounces comes to roughly 10 pots of 10 cups (6 Ounce cups) equaling 100 cups for the cost of one pound of gourmet coffee beans. At the average of 1.5 tablespoons per 6 ounce cup and average size of 12 ounce coffee mug, you can expect 50 cups of home brewed coffee per pound of gourmet beans.

iCoffee Gourmet’s per cup price ranges from about .12- .20 cents for the highest quality coffee from all over the world. It will definitely get you thinking about your next vacation. Enjoy.

iCoffeeGourmet's Stimulus Act: Click for a immediate savings

Whether you’re a newbie or a skilled barista, iCoffee Gourmet has everything you need and want to know about premium, organic, decaf or fair trade coffees, gourmet espresso beans, espresso machines, coffee makers or coffee grinders. Get yours today @ http://www.iCoffeeGourmet.com. Remember to sign up for our free monthly e-newsletter to get digital coupons, specials, recipes, discounts, contests and much more.