High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans possess distinct flavors. In contrast to 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 one most sought after by specialty roasters and premium coffee shops. What makes this coffee unique? Scientists have identified the reason behind this: altitude.

High Altitudes

Coffee has a long and rich history, spanning from Ethiopia to Yemen and even lower Africa. It is now a major part of the global production. Although low-elevation beans are commercially viable and populates the instant brew found in supermarkets, true enthusiasts seek out specialty arabica grown at higher altitudes to produce a more complex flavor profile.

The mountains of the world's top coffee producing countries--Central and South America, Southern Asia and some Pacific Islands, and mid to southern Africa--provide ideal growing conditions for high-grown arabica coffee 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 allow for a longer maturation process. This allows the coffee beans to absorb various flavors from their environment and imbue them with unique characteristics. The longer maturation period helps stop the coffee bean borer which is a tiny beetle that infests and eats the beans. It also helps to keep out the coffee leaf miner, a flies, which hinders photosynthesis and reduces productivity.

Combining these factors results in the best flavor profile and taste compared to coffees that are grown at lower elevations. Coffee grown higher up has a greater concentration of sweet flavors such as fruit, citrus and vanilla. It is also richer and more smooth than coffee grown lower down. Roasters like this bean because of its sweetness, richness of flavour and consistency.

High-grown arabica coffee is also called strictly high-grown or strictly hard bean. This means that the coffee was cultivated at a higher altitude than 4,000 feet. The beans are typically grown on volcanic soils and are shade-grown, or organically grown. This adds to their already delicious flavors. Because these beans grow and mature slower than those with lower elevation, they tend to be heavier, resulting in a stronger and more robust coffee with a more pronounced and consistent flavor. This unique characteristic makes SHG or SHB arabica a great choice for roasters who want to produce an espresso that is outstanding.

Cool Climate

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

Arabica plants can withstand 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 enables the plant to create complex flavours that reflect freedom. It's these flavors that make the coffee we enjoy so unique.

While the popularity of low-elevation instant espressos at your local grocery store is increasing, coffee lovers and experts agree that these types tend to be bitter and less tasty compared to specialty coffee beans cultivated at higher altitudes. In reality the majority of the coffee consumed around the world is high-elevation.

The best arabica coffee beans tend to be grown between 3,000 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 always on the lookout for the perfect soil conditions that foster the growth of top-quality pure arabica coffee beans coffee plants. The ideal soil will be rich in humus with a smooth, draining texture. This type of soil is ideal for growing wild harvested arabica coffee beans, as it promotes healthy roots and helps to reduce the risk of the risk of developing plant diseases.

Coffee farms prefer a climate that is cool and has a distinct dry season. These conditions allow plants to mature slow, resulting in a more flavorful and full-bodied bean.

Well-Drained soil

The Arabicica coffee beans that are high-grown have a rich and sophisticated taste, unlike the low-elevation variety that is used for mass production. The coffee trees grow sheltered by tall canopy trees and the rich volcanic soil that is nutrient-rich is ideal for the cultivation of these particular beans. The soil is abundant in nutrients, allowing the roots to absorb them, but drains quickly, so that there are no stagnant puddles.

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 cherry's flowers are tiny, fragrant and white. These drupes have two seeds inside, and are ripe when they're red or purple in color. The plant is self-fertile and doesn't require cross pollination to produce fruit.

The cool climate at higher elevations slows the coffee plant's growth cycle, which allows the beans to mature more slowly and develop deeper flavors. This produces a coffee that is more rich and complex, and has a more intense flavor than coffees that are produced at lower elevations.

At high altitudes the temperature is lower and the air is more humid. The cool weather is perfect for the coffee plant's sensitive growth, and also helps in preventing the spread of pests and diseases that plague lower-elevation crops.

Because of the particular conditions of the soil and climate, high-altitude coffee farms are able to produce more beans than low-elevation farms. You can find these top coffee beans in specialty cafes and in the finest coffee roasters.

When growing your own Arabica plant, be sure to pay attention to the specific needs of this plant and choose a mix of soil that meets these requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that contain too many ingredients, which could hinder the roots of your plant from developing. Include compost or other organic matter to increase the retention of water, without creating a concrete-like surface. Water your plant only when the soil feels dry to the feel. Avoid over- or underwatering which can cause root rot.

Unique Flavors

The distinctive flavor profile of arabica beans make them extremely sought-after. They are more rich and nuanced than other coffee types with notes of caramel, chocolate fruits and flowers. The careful cultivation and roasting of beans gives the smoother and sweeter flavor. These beans are also less acidic and have less caffeine than other varieties. They are therefore less bitter and more enjoyable for you to drink.

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

The cherries have two seeds. The seeds are separated from the fleshy outer layer when they begin to ripen, and then are crushed and roasted to make the coffee. Arabica coffee beans are a premium selection because they are typically more expensive than other varieties and have a more complex taste.

The high altitudes where arabica beans grow is among the major factors that influence their flavor and quality. The cool climate, the fertile volcanic soils, and the cooler climate make arabica beans taste more delicious than those grown at lower elevation. The higher altitudes also have a positive impact on the maturation of coffee beans. The cooler temperatures slow down the development of the beans, which gives them time to mature.

The various regions of coffee production around the world each possess their own distinct flavors and distinctive characteristics. For instance green arabica coffee beans beans originate from Central America tend to have a balanced composition and a light body, while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are popular for their savory sweet flavors. These unique flavors are due to the fact that each country and region has its own unique soil type. Some soils hold water well and give a rich, chocolaty taste, while others have a sand-like texture that makes the coffee taste less sweet.