High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans have distinct flavors. Unlike their low-elevation counterpart, Robusta, which has a greater resistance to pests and diseases, Arabica is more susceptible.

The arabica variety that is high-grown is the most sought-after by specialty roasters and high-end coffee shops. What makes this kind of coffee so desirable? Scientists have identified the reason behind this: altitude.

High Altitudes

Coffee has a long and rich history that stretches from Ethiopia to Yemen and the lower part of Africa. It is now a major component of the global production. While low-elevation beans can be sold commercially and comprise the instant coffee found in grocery stores, real coffee aficionados prefer specialty arabicas grown at high altitudes for a more complex taste profile.

The mountainous regions of the world's top coffee-producing countries--Central and South America, Southern Asia and a few Pacific Islands, and mid to southern Africa provide ideal growing conditions for high-grown arabica coffee beans. These high-elevation climatic conditions are frost-free and provide the climate with a moderate climate, with an average annual temperature between 64 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooler temperatures in the mountains slow down the growth cycle of the coffee plant and allows for a more prolonged maturation process. The coffee beans can absorb flavors from the surrounding environment, giving them an unique flavor. The extended maturation can also help to prevent the coffee berry borer, which is a small aphid that infests and eats the beans and also the coffee leaf miner moth, which hinders photosynthesis and diminishes productivity.

The combination of these factors contributes to a superior taste and flavor profile compared to lower-elevation coffees. Coffee grown higher up has higher levels of sweet flavors like citrus, fruit, and vanilla. It is also richer and smoother than coffee grown lower. The bean's consistency, sweetness and richness of flavor make it the top bean for roasters looking to produce an exceptionally premium cup of joe.

High-grown arabica is usually referred to as strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB) which means that the coffee is located at an elevation higher than 4,000 feet. The beans are usually grown on volcanic soils, and they are shade-grown or organically cultivated. This enhances their already impressive flavors. Since these beans grow and mature slower than low-elevation beans, they tend to be denser, resulting in a stronger cup with a more intense and consistent flavor. This unique quality makes SHG or SHB arabica the preferred choice for roasters who want to create an espresso that is exceptional.

Cool Climate

The best coffee-growing regions are located in the tropical zone between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This region is known as the "coffee belt". High grown arabica coffee beans are grown in these mountainous regions where the cooler climate and high altitudes provide the ideal conditions for the plant to flourish.

Arabica plants can withstand a wide range of climate conditions. However, their best growth occurs in subtropical regions with cool night temperatures and warm daytime temperatures. This unique climate permits the plant to develop complex flavors that express the freedom of. It's these flavors that make the coffee we enjoy so distinctive.

While the low-elevation coffees that line the instant coffee aisles at your local supermarket may grow quickly, aficionados and experts alike recognize that these varieties are more bitter and less flavorful than specialty coffee beans that are grown at higher elevations. In fact the majority of the coffee consumed around the world is high-elevation coffee.

The finest high-grown sustainable arabica coffee bean farm coffee beans are generally located between 3000 and 6,000 feet. They are delicious because of the combination of high elevation, cool climate and fertile soil.

Coffee farmers are always looking for the ideal soil conditions that foster the growth of high-quality arabica coffee plants. Ideally, the soil should have a high humus content with a well-draining texture. This kind of soil is perfect for growing arabica, as it promotes healthy roots and helps to minimize the risk of developing plant diseases.

Coffee farms prefer a climate that is cool and has a distinct dry period. These conditions permit plants to mature more slowly, which results in a more flavorful and dense coffee bean.

Well-Drained soil

In contrast to the low-elevation species which are grown to produce mass quantities and line the aisles of grocery stores the high-quality arabica coffee beans are prized by aficionados for their complex and sophisticated flavor. The coffee trees are shaded by tall canopy trees and the volcanic soil is full of nutrients. This provides the ideal conditions for the cultivation of these particular beans. The soil allows the roots to absorb what they need however, it also drains quickly, preventing stagnant water puddles that restrict root growth and oxygen intake.

The Arabian coffee plant has a long taproot, and fibrous roots that are shallow, which spread outwards from 3 to 4 ft. (0.9-1.2m). The flowers are tiny, white and fragrant and are known as cherries. These drupes are two-seeded and ripe when they turn red or purple. The plant is self-fertile and doesn't require cross pollination to produce fruit.

The cooler climate at higher elevations slows down the development of the coffee plant which allows it to mature more slowly. This allows the beans to develop deeper flavors. This produces a coffee that is more affluent and complex, with a more intense flavor than coffees that are that are grown at lower elevations.

At high altitudes the temperature is lower and the air is more humid. The cooler climate is perfect for the sensitive growth of the coffee plant, and it helps suppress the spread of diseases and pests that affect lower elevation plants.

Due to the particular soil and climate characteristics, high-altitude coffee farms are able produce far more beans than low-elevation farms. This is the reason you'll typically find these top coffee beans in specialty cafes and high-end coffee roasters.

When you plant your own arabica plant, be aware of its specific needs and use the right soil mix to align with those requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that contain too many ingredients that can stop the roots of your plant from growing. Organic matter such as compost or other can be added to the soil to increase water retention, but without creating a cement-like texture. Water your plant only when the soil feels dry to the feel. Avoid drowning or over-watering, which can cause root rot.

Unique Flavors

The distinctive flavor profile of arabica beans make them highly sought-after. They are more sophisticated and nuanced in taste than other coffees, and have notes of flowers, fruit caramel, chocolate and. The careful cultivation and roasting beans gives smoother and more sweet taste. They also have less caffeine and acidity than other varieties which makes them less bitter and easy to drink.

Arabica beans are grown in mountains around the globe which are part of the Coffee Belt. The Coffee Belt is a tropical region that extends 30 degrees north or south of the Equator. This is where the highest-quality beans are produced. The coffee plants are cultivated in volcanic and other nutrient-rich soils, and produce small fruit that are referred to as coffee cherries.

The cherries contain two seeds inside. The seeds are separated from the fleshy outer layer as they begin to ripen, and then are ground and roasted to make a cup of coffee. handpicked arabica coffee beans coffee beans are a premium selection because they are generally more expensive than other varieties of bean and also have a more complex flavor.

The high altitudes in which arabica beans are grown is one of the major factors that affect their taste and quality. The cooler climate and the fertile volcanic soils make highland arabica coffee beans beans taste better than those grown at lower elevations. The higher elevations can have a positive effect on the maturation process of coffee beans. This is because the cooler temperatures slow down the beans' growth cycle and gives them the time to mature and create a rich and satisfying taste.

The various regions of coffee production around the globe have their own signature flavors and characteristics. For example arabica beans from Central America tend to have a balanced composition and a light body, while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are well-known for their sweet and savory flavors. Each country and region has a distinct type of soil and this is the reason each bean has a unique flavor. Certain soils are able to hold water and produce a rich chocolaty taste, whereas others have a sandy texture that makes the coffee taste lighter.