High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans are distinguished by a distinct flavor. Contrary to their lower elevation counterpart, Robusta, which has a greater resistance to pests and diseases, Arabica is more susceptible.

High grown arabica is the coveted variety found in premium coffee shops and specialty roasters. What is it that makes this kind of coffee so popular? Scientists have discovered the reason that is altitude.

High Altitudes

Coffee has a long history that spans from Ethiopia to Yemen and lower Africa. It is now a significant part of the world's production. While low-elevation beans can be sold commercially and comprise the instant coffee you can find in your local supermarkets, true coffee aficionados prefer specialty arabicas grown at in higher altitudes for an enticing flavor profile.

The mountainous regions in the world's top coffee-producing countries, including Central and South America, Southern Asia, a few Pacific Islands and mid-to-southern Africa provide the ideal conditions for the cultivation of high-quality arabica beans. These high-elevation climates are frost free and provide a temperate atmosphere with a perfect annual average temperature of 64 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cool mountain temperatures slow down the process of growth for the coffee plant and permit a longer maturation process. This allows the coffee beans to absorb a variety of flavors from their surrounding environment and impart them with distinctive characteristics. The prolonged maturation also helps in preventing the coffee berry borer, which is a tiny beetle that infests and eats beans as well as the coffee leaf miner moth, a pest that hinders photosynthesis and decreases productivity.

Combining these elements results in a superior flavor profile and a better taste compared to coffees grown at lower elevations. Coffee that is grown at higher altitudes has a higher concentration of sweet flavors, including fruit, citrus and vanilla and is also richer and smoother than their lower-elevation counterparts. The consistency, sweetness and richness of flavor make it the top bean for roasters seeking to make a top-quality cup of joe.

High-grown arabica coffee is known as strictly high-grown, or strictly hard bean. This means that the coffee was grown at a higher altitude than 4,000 feet. Typically the beans are cultivated on volcanic soils and are shade grown arabica coffee beans-grown or organically cultivated which adds to their already impressive flavor characteristics. These beans are drier due to their maturation and growth slower than those grown at lower altitudes. This results in more robust and consistent coffee. This unique quality makes SHG or SHB arabica a great choice for roasters that want to make the perfect cup of coffee. is outstanding.

Cool Climate

The best coffee-growing regions are located in the tropical zone between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This region is referred to as the "coffee belt". High-quality arabica coffee beans are grown in these mountainous regions where the low altitudes and cool climate provide the perfect conditions for the plant to thrive.

Arabica plants can tolerate an array of climate conditions. However, their greatest growth occurs in subtropical regions with cool evenings and warm temperatures during the daytime. This unique climate allows for the plant to develop unique flavors that reflect the freedom of. These flavors are what make coffee so distinctive.

While the low-elevation coffees lining the instant coffee aisles at your local supermarket may grow quickly, aficionados and experts alike recognize that these varieties are less bitter and flavorful than specialty coffee beans produced at higher altitudes. The majority of coffee consumed across the globe is high-altitude coffee.

The highest quality high-grown arabica coffee beans are typically located between 3,000 and 6,000 feet. The combination of high altitude, cool climate and fertile soil is what makes these beans so distinctly delicious.

Coffee farmers are always searching for the perfect soil conditions that foster the growth of top-quality arabica coffee plants. The soil must be rich in humus and have a smooth texture that drains well. This type of soil is ideal for cultivating arabica as it facilitates the development of healthy roots as well as helps minimize plant diseases.

In addition to a soil that has the proper humus content, coffee farms prefer a cooler climate with a distinct dry season. These conditions allow the plants to mature more slowly, which results in a denser and more flavorful coffee bean.

Well-Drained Soil

Contrary to the low-elevation varieties that are cultivated to produce mass quantities and line the aisles of supermarkets, the high grown arabica coffee beans are coveted by aficionados due to their rich and sophisticated flavor. The coffee trees are sheltered by tall canopy trees and the volcanic soil is abundant in nutrients. This provides the ideal conditions for the cultivation of these unique beans. The soil is able to allow the roots to absorb what they require however, it also drains quickly to avoid stagnant water puddles that restrict the growth of the root and oxygen intake.

The Arabian coffee plant has a long taproot, and fibrous roots that are shallow, which extend outwards from 3 to 4 feet. (0.9-1.2m). The cherries' flowers are tiny and fragrant, as well as white. They have two seeds inside and are ripe when they are red or purple in colour. The arabica plant can self-fertilize and doesn't require cross pollination to produce fruit.

The cooler climate at higher elevations slows the growth rate of the coffee plant which allows it to mature at a slower rate. This allows the beans to develop deeper flavors. This produces a coffee that is richer and more complex, with a more pronounced flavor than coffees grown at lower altitudes.

At these higher altitudes, temperatures are colder, and the atmosphere more humid. The cool, dry weather is perfect for the sensitive coffee plant's growth, and helps in preventing the spread of pests and diseases that plague lower elevation crops.

Due to the particular conditions of the soil and climate high-altitude coffee farms can produce far more beans than low-elevation farms. This is why you will often find these premium blend arabica coffee beans beans in specialty cafes and top coffee roasters.

When you plant your own handpicked arabica coffee beans plant pay attention to its specific needs and use the right soil mix to align with these requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that may be too heavy in the ingredients and don't allow the roots of your plant to grow. Include compost or other organic matter to increase retention of water without creating a concrete-like appearance. Water your plant when the soil is dry to the touch, avoiding excessive or inadequate watering, which can lead to root decay.

Unique Flavors

The distinctive flavor profile makes arabica beans highly sought after. They are more rich and complex in flavor than other coffees, and have notes of fruit, flowers, caramel and chocolate. The careful cultivation and roasting beans gives a smoother and sweeter taste. They are also less acidic and have less caffeine than other varieties. They are, therefore, less bitter and are easier for you to drink.

Arabica beans are grown in mountainous regions of the world which are part of the Coffee Belt. The Coffee Belt is a tropical region that extends 30 degrees to the north or south of the Equator. The most affluent beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are grown in volcanic soils as well as other soils rich in nutrients that produce small fruit called coffee cherries.

These cherries have two seeds inside. When the seeds ripen they are separated from their fleshy outer layer and roasted to make coffee. Arabica coffee beans are a premium variety because they are typically more expensive than other varieties of beans and have a more complex taste.

The high altitudes where arabica beans grow is among the primary factors that influence their flavor and quality. The cool climate, fertile volcanic soils and the cooler climate make sustainable arabica coffee bean farm beans taste more delicious than beans grown at lower elevation. The higher elevations influence the maturation process of the coffee beans. This is because the cooler temperatures slow down the beans' growth cycle, which gives them time to mature and develop a rich and satisfying taste.

Each region has its own distinct flavor and characteristic. For instance arabica beans from Central America tend to have balanced composition and a light body, while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are known for their savory-sweet flavors. Each region or country has a different soil type and this is the reason each bean has a distinct flavor. Certain soils are rich in water and give a rich chocolaty taste. Some have a sand-like texture that makes the coffee taste less sweet.