SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Saturday morning, coffee enthusiasts will sample a rare coffee grown for the first time right here in San Diego.
The geisha coffee bean, generally grown in Panama, is a rare coffee bean known for its unique flavor profile. The variety grown in Oceanside has tasting notes of jasmine tea, honey, key lime pie, and elderflower, according to Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, who are offering the coffee.
The bean's exclusivity is also reflected in its price. Bird Rock will sell pour over cups Saturday at 10 a.m. at all locations for $35 each. It can also be purchased online, starting at $200 for 4 ounces.
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The San Diego-grown variety was grown at Mraz Family Farms, created by Grammy-winning singer Jason Mraz. Mraz first planted coffee at the Oceanside farm in 2015, where 2,800 coffee trees offer other varieties like Caturra Amarillo, Caturra Rojo, Catuai Rojo, Catisic, Cuicateco, Laurina, Mundo Novo, Pacamara, Pacas, Puerto Rico, and Tekisic.
Mraz will reportedly stop by one of Bird Rock's locations as well to celebrate the Geisha bean release.
The farm has teamed with Frinj Coffee to offer the beans. Jay Ruskey, CEO of Frinj, says he's hopeful Southern California becomes a new powerhouse for coffee growers.
“We would love to see another 50,000 coffee plants here in Southern California this year, and expand to millions in the next ten years,” said Ruskey. “I see a rapid expansion I think it's going to be huge [in San Diego]."
