High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans are distinguished by a distinct flavor. Arabica is more susceptible to diseases and pests than its lower elevation counterpart, Robusta.

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

High Altitudes

With a long history that stretches from Ethiopia and Yemen to lower Africa, coffee has found its way into the hearts of many, forming the majority of the world's coffee production. While low-elevation coffee is economically viable and is a major component of the instant brews sold in grocery stores, true enthusiasts seek out specialty arabica grown at higher altitudes for a more complex flavor profile.

The mountains of the world's most renowned coffee producing countries - Central and South America, Southern Asia and some Pacific Islands, and mid to southern Africa--provide ideal growing conditions for the high-quality arabica beans. These high-elevation regions are frost-free and provide a pleasantly warm climate with an average annual temperature of 64 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cool mountain temperatures slow the growth process of the coffee plant and permit it to mature more slowly. The coffee beans can absorb flavors from the surrounding environment, which gives them a unique flavor. The prolonged maturation helps keep the coffee bean borer which is a small beetle that infests and eats the beans. It also helps to keep out the coffee leaf miner, a moth that inhibits photosynthesis, and can reduce productivity.

Combining these elements results in the best flavor profile and taste compared to coffees grown at lower elevations. Coffee grown higher up has higher levels of sweet flavors like citrus, fruit and vanilla. It's also more astringent and more smooth than coffee grown lower down. The consistency, sweetness and fullness of flavor make it the most popular bean for roasters looking to create a truly premium single origin arabica coffee beans cup of joe.

High-grown ethically sourced arabica coffee beans is usually called strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB), meaning that the coffee is grown at an altitude higher than 4000 feet. The beans are typically grown on volcanic soils and are shade-grown, or organically grown. This enhances their already amazing flavors. Since these beans develop and mature more slowly than those grown at lower elevations, they tend to be more dense, which results in a stronger cup with a more intense and consistent flavor. This distinctive characteristic makes SHG and SHB arabica the preferred type of coffee for roasters who want to create a unique cup.

Cool Climate

The tropical zone that spans the tropical regions of Cancer and Capricorn, also known as the coffee belt is the most prestigious of coffee growing regions. High grown arabica coffee beans are produced in these mountainous regions where the cool climate and high altitudes provide the ideal conditions for the plant to flourish.

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

While the popularity of instant coffees with low elevation in your local grocery store is increasing, coffee lovers and experts agree that these varieties tend to be bitter and less flavorful compared to specialty coffee beans that are grown at higher elevations. The majority of the coffee consumed around the globe is high altitude coffee.

The finest arabica coffee beans are said to be cultivated between 3000 to 6,500 feet above sea level. They are delicious because of the combination of high elevation and cool climate, as well as fertile soil.

Coffee farmers are constantly on the lookout to find the ideal soil conditions to grow high-quality arabica plants. The ideal soil will contain a high amount of humus with a well-draining texture. This kind of soil is perfect for arabica plants, since it encourages healthy roots and helps to prevent the spread of the risk of developing plant diseases.

Coffee farms prefer the cool climate and has a distinct dry period. These climate patterns allow plants to mature slow, resulting in a more delicious and dense bean.

Well-Drained Soil

Contrary to the low-elevation varieties that are grown for mass production and lining the aisles of grocery stores The high-quality arabica beans are sought-after by aficionados for their complex and sophisticated flavor. The coffee trees grow sheltered under tall canopy trees and the volcanic soil is rich in nutrients and provides ideal growing conditions for these unique beans. The soil allows the roots to absorb what they require however, it also drains quickly, preventing stagnant puddles of water that limit the growth of the root and oxygen intake.

Arabian coffee plants have a long taproot, as well as shallow fibrous roots that spread outwards for 3-4 ft (0.9-1.2 meters). The cherries' flowers are small and fragrant, as well as white. The drupes contain two seeds inside, and are ripe when they are red or purple in colour. The arabica plant is self-fertile and requires no cross pollination to set fruit.

The cooler temperatures at higher elevations slows the development of the coffee plant which allows it to mature more slowly. This allows the beans to develop deeper flavors. This results in a coffee that is more rich and complex, with a stronger taste than coffees that are grown at lower altitudes.

At higher altitudes, the temperature is cooler and the air is more humid. The cooler climate is ideal for sensitive growth of the coffee plant and it aids in reducing the spread pests and diseases that plague lower-elevation plants.

Due to the particular climate and soil characteristics high-altitude coffee farms are able to produce far more beans than low-elevation farms. You can find these premium coffee beans in specialty cafes and in the finest coffee roasters.

When growing your own Arabica plant, ensure that you be aware of the specific needs of this plant and select a mixture of soil that is compatible with the requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that could contain too many ingredients and do not allow the roots of your plant to thrive. Include compost or other organic matter to improve retention of water without creating a concrete-like surface. Water your plant only when the soil is dry to the surface. Avoid drowning or over-watering, which could cause root rot.

Unique Flavors

The distinctive flavor profile makes arabica beans highly sought-after. They are more rich and complex in flavor than other coffees, with notes of fruit, flowers caramel, and chocolate. The careful cultivation and roasting beans gives the smoother and sweeter flavor. These beans also contain less caffeine and acidity than other varieties which makes them less bitter and easier 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 which extends 30 degrees north or south of the Equator. The most affluent beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are cultivated in volcanic soils as well as other fertile soils which produce small fruit, also known as coffee cherries.

The cherries have two seeds. The seeds are separated from the fleshy outer layer once they mature and are then roasted and ground to create a cup of coffee. Arabica beans are considered a premium coffee bean because they are more expensive and have greater flavor.

The high altitudes at which arabica beans are grown is one of the main factors that influences their flavor and quality. The cool climate and fertile volcanic soils make arabica beans taste better than beans grown at lower elevations. Higher altitudes also have a positive effect on the maturation process of coffee beans. The cooler temperatures slow down the growth cycle of the beans, which gives them more time to mature.

Each region has its own distinct flavor and distinctive characteristics. For example, arabica beans originate from Central America tend to have balanced composition and a light body, while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are well-known for their sweet and savory flavors. The distinctive flavor profiles are due to the fact that each region and country has its own distinct soil type. Some soils hold water well and produce a rich chocolatey flavor, while others have a sandy texture that makes the coffee taste less sweet.