From Bean to Cup – The First Ever Comprehensive Look at Hawai‘i Coffee: Book Serves Up History, Tips, Tours, Cafés, Recipes and More
The Hawaii Coffee Book by Shawn Steiman
The Hawaiian Islands are known worldwide for gourmet coffee from the Kona Coast, but real aficionados know that in Hawai‘i, Kona coffee is only the beginning. The only place in the United States growing coffee as a commercial crop, the Aloha State hosts a thriving industry encompassing 11 major regions on five islands—producing more than seven million pounds of coffee in 2007 valued at over $30 million. The Hawai‘i Coffee Book: A Gourmet’s Guide from Kona to Kaua‘i is the first-ever comprehensive overview of the Islands’ most recognizable and highly coveted product.
The Hawaii Coffee Book author, Shawn Steiman, empties coffee cherries from a picking basket. Photo by Matt Milleto.
Coffee scientist Shawn Steiman’s revealing book is the definitive work on the subject, including a region-by-region guide and flavor profiles of the major varieties cultivated in the Islands. Hawai‘i is unique as a coffee-producing center: Whereas most coffee is consumed far from its origins, Hawaiian coffee is drunk and sold in local cafes and stores. It’s an environment that provides a unique vantage point for bean-and-brew guru Steiman’s overview of Island coffee history, from modest beginnings on O‘ahu—not Kona as many might assume—to current-day production systems, as it makes its way from bean to cup, farm to coffeehouse.
Mediterranean Beef Roll from The Hawaii Coffee Book
The Hawai‘i Coffee Book includes a guide to farms offering tours, listings of cafés that roast on-site, and detailed information on where Hawai‘i-grown coffees can be purchased in person or online. In addition, the book includes more than a dozen recipes for cooking with coffee, complete with mouthwatering photography. Ranging from entrées of lamb and ‘ahi to desserts that go beyond brulées and brownies, many of the recipes are past winners of the annual Kona Coffee Festival Cooking Contest.
This comprehensive coffee book also dispenses tips on coffee appreciation and provides a thorough education on coffee essentials. Common questions such as, “What’s the best way to store coffee—is the refrigerator OK?” and, “How is coffee decaffeinated?” are answered in an easy-to-digest sidebar format.
Cupping is the formal process of evaluating coffee, similar to wine tasting. Photo by Shawn Steiman.
A resource for everyone, even coffee fanatics who might think they know it all about their favorite beverage, The Hawai‘i Coffee Book addresses all aspects of the coffee industry and culture, from ethical farming to roasting techniques and coffee tasting to events and festivals.
Author Steiman earned his doctorate from the University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa, specializing in coffee studies. His doctoral dissertation addressed the effects of shade culture on coffee quality, physiology, and chemistry.
Shawn Steiman, author, consultant and coffee scientist
Steiman frequently lectures and conducts workshops with farmers and the general public on coffee-related topics. His recently launched business, Coffea Consulting, uses science-based information to help farmers grow high-quality coffee, sustainably. Working with small farmers is a passion for Steiman, who has traveled to Zambia to help smallholder coffee growers compete in the world coffee market. Private lectures and tasting sessions for coffee connoisseurs are among the services Coffea Consulting offers.
The Hawaii Coffee Book Five-Island Blend coffee. Roasted exclusively for Watermark Publishing by Maui Oma Roasting. Available from www.bookshawaii.net.
The Hawai‘i Coffee Book has been featured by HAWAI‘I Magazine, the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, and Sunrise on KGMB9, among several other media. Visit the Watermark Publishing site for a full list of press coverage.
Bonus Material:
Author Shawn Steiman gives an overview of Hawai‘i coffee for Hawaii-Arukikata (video plays in English)
General coffee tips, facts & FAQs
The Hawai‘i Coffee Book is available for purchase at your local bookstore and at online booksellers, including direct from the publisher at www.bookshawaii.net.
Author: Shawn Steiman
Softcover, concealed spiral binding, 144 pp
Release Date: June 2008
ISBN: 978-0-9815086-2-7
$15.95 retail price
Tags: Coffea Consulting, coffee, recipes, Shawn Steiman, The Hawaii Coffee Book
