Most coffee beans are grown in sub-tropical climates all over the world. The altitude and region can make a world of difference in the taste of your coffee. The higher grown the coffee plant the better flavored coffee bean you'll get. The fruit of the coffee plant can only be picked when it is perfectly ripe, not too early and not too late. What this means is a year round supply of ripe coffee beans giving you the best quality and most flavorful coffee all the time.

It is a well known fact that Kona produces some of the best coffee in the world. The Mauna Loa region on the west side of the big island is where the Island's coffee plant flourishes. With the early morning sunshine, shade in the afternoon, and sufficient amounts of rainfall, growing conditions for the coffee beans are nearly perfect. Also, the volcanic soil and high altitude give this Kona arabica coffee plant everything it needs to thrive. All of these conditions are contributing factors in making this gourmet Hawaiian coffee world-renowned.

Once harvested, either by hand or machine, the picked beans are then dried and sorted. The green beans can now be shipped to the roasters or roasted immediately in preparation for your consumption. To optimize flavor and freshness have the beans roasted when you buy if possible. This is because once they have been roasted the flavor and aroma will deteriorate very quickly. However, vacuum sealing and freezer storage can slow down this process to some degree, giving you 6-8 weeks at the most to enjoy a real full flavored cup of coffee.

Although you can buy beans cheap at the nearest grocery store, you will probably think twice once you have tasted a cup of coffee brewed with freshly roasted beans! Sorry to say, but the coffee brands on the shelf just don't stand a chance. By the time it reaches the store shelf a huge portion of the flavor is already lost. So for genuine gourmet flavored beans be particular who you buy from.

There are several reputable merchants online that will roast the beans when you place your order and have them shipped to you in a matter of days. This is probably the best way to buy if you don't have a local shop that can roast the beans on the premises. This way you are assured authentic flavored coffee at its freshest.

Chris Rodriguez is the webmaster for http://www.1st-in-gourmet-coffee.com

We offer valuable tips on buying, roasting, and brewing coffee beans to get the fullest, most enjoyable cup of coffee. We also offer information on healthful green and black teas. For all your coffee and tea needs come and visit our website.