When we think about coffee production in America, the first place that comes to mind is undoubtedly Hawaii, and Kona in particular. But it’s not the only state that grows coffee commercially. There are some extremely petite coffee plantations in California, although few have grown beyond novelty; it is unlikely that even the most avid specialty coffee lovers will ever try it. But that may change soon, thanks Frinj Coffee. The Ventura-based farm will be the first mainland American producer to participate in an international coffee auction.
Taking place at the end of this month, Coffee Auction in Dubai will feature 21 batches from 17 of the most renowned producers from around the world, including substantial names such as Hacienda La Esmeralda, Finca Sofia, Inmaculada, Daterra, Al-Khanshali Estate in Mokha Harbor and Gesha Village. For the first time, the offer will also include Frinj coffee from California, as well as anaerobic SL34 from Kona Farm.
The 20-kilogram batch from Frinj – washed gesha grown on the Condor Ridge Ranch in the Santa Barbara foothills – the family farm where Frinj CEO Jay Ruskey planted his first coffee trees 23 years ago – is said to be the result of “a California sun-ripened sweetness combined with the distinctly floral character of the Panamanian and Ethiopian Gesha lines.”
“This is a significant moment of recognition that pays tribute to the California growers who have dedicated themselves to growing these crops,” says Ruskey Sprudge. “It vindicates everyone who believed California could produce world-class coffee when the rest of the industry said it couldn’t.”
The online auction will take place in two stages. The open auction will take place on January 18volwith the three highest bidders on each lot moving forward to the next day to make bidding free for all. Frinj Gesha will open at $250 per kilogram.
This is an stimulating development in American coffee production. And while coffee probably won’t become a national product anytime soon (or ever), it’s proof that truly high-quality coffee can be produced outside the classic coffee belt. And with global warming changing the coffee growing landscape, the more places that can properly produce coffee, the better.
