High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans possess distinct flavor profiles. Arabica is more prone to diseases and pests than its low-elevation counterpart, Robusta.

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

High Altitudes

With a rich history that spans from Ethiopia and Yemen to lower Africa the coffee has made its way into the hearts of many, and is the majority of global production today. While low-elevation coffees are commercially viable and are the basis of instant coffee found in grocery stores, real coffee aficionados prefer specialty arabicas grown at in higher altitudes for a more complex taste profile.

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

Cooler temperatures in the mountains slow down the growth cycle of the coffee plant and allow for a longer maturation process. The coffee beans absorb flavors from the environment, giving them distinct flavors. The prolonged maturation helps keep the coffee bean borer which is a small beetle that feeds on the beans. It also helps to keep out the coffee leaf miner, a moth that inhibits photosynthesis, and can reduce productivity.

The combination of these elements contributes to a superior taste and flavor profile in comparison to lower elevation coffees. Coffee grown higher up has higher levels of sweet flavors such as fruit, citrus and vanilla. It's also more rich and more smooth than coffee grown lower down. Roasters love this coffee because of its sweetness, fullness of flavour and consistency.

High-grown freshly brewed arabica coffee beans is commonly referred to as strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB) meaning that the coffee is located at an elevation higher than 4000 feet. The beans are typically cultivated on volcanic soil and are shade-grown, or organically grown. This adds to their already delicious flavors. Because these beans develop and mature more slowly than those with lower elevation generally, they are denser, resulting in a stronger coffee with a more pronounced and consistent flavor. This unique characteristic makes SHG or SHB arabica the coffee of choice for roasters looking to make an espresso that is unique.

Cool Climate

The tropical zone spanning the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn known as the coffee belt, is home to the world's premier coffee growing regions. High grown arabica coffee beans are grown in these mountainous regions where to buy arabica coffee beans the low altitudes and cool climate provide the perfect conditions for the plant to flourish.

Arabica plants can tolerate an array of climate conditions. However, their most successful growth is seen in subtropical regions with cool nights and warm daytime temperatures. This unique climate permits the plant to develop complex flavours that convey the freedom of. It's these tastes that make the coffee we love so distinctive.

While the popularity of instant coffees with low elevation in your local grocery store is growing, coffee enthusiasts and experts agree that these types tend to be more bitter and less flavorful when compared to specialty coffee beans that are grown at higher altitudes. The majority of coffee consumed around the world is high altitude coffee.

The best brand of arabica coffee beans arabica coffee beans tend to be grown between 3,500 to 6,500 feet above sea level. The combination of high altitude, cool climate, and fertile soil is what makes these beans distinctly delicious.

Coffee farmers are constantly looking for the perfect soil conditions for growing high-quality arabica plants. The soil should be humus-rich and have a texture that drains well. This kind of soil is ideal for growing arabica coffee bean plantation as it facilitates the development of healthy roots as well as helps minimize the incidence of plant diseases.

Coffee farms prefer a climate that is cool and has a distinct dry time. These conditions permit plants to mature more slowly, which results in a more delicious and full-bodied bean.

Well-Drained soil

Contrary to the low-elevation varieties that are cultivated for mass production and lined the aisles of grocery stores the high-quality arabica coffee beans are prized by coffee lovers for their unique and sophisticated flavor. The coffee trees are protected by tall canopy trees and the volcanic soil is abundant in nutrients. This provides the ideal conditions for the cultivation of these particular beans. The soil allows the roots to absorb the nutrients they need, but it also drains quickly to prevent stagnant pools of water that hinder root growth and oxygen intake.

Arabian coffee plants have a long taproot, as well as small fibrous roots that extend outwards for 3 to 4 ft (0.9-1.2 m). The cherries' flowers are small and fragrant, as well as white. They have two seeds inside, and are ripe when they're either purple or red. The arabica plant is self-fertile and doesn't require cross pollination in order to produce fruit.

The cool climate at higher elevations slows the coffee plant's growth cycle, allowing beans to mature more slowly and develop deeper flavors. This results in a cup that is more rich and complex, and has a stronger taste than coffees grown at lower altitudes.

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

Due to the particular soil and climate characteristics, high-altitude farms can produce more beans than farms at lower elevations. This is the reason you'll typically find these top coffee beans in specialty cafes and premium coffee roasters.

When you plant your own arabica plant, be sure to be aware of the specific requirements of this plant and select a mixture of soil that meets these needs. Avoid commercial mixes that could contain too many ingredients and don't allow the roots of your plant to thrive. Organic matter such as compost or other can be added to the soil to increase water retention, but without creating a cement-like surface. Water your plant only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid excessive or submerging which could cause root rot.

Unique Flavors

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

Arabica beans are grown in mountains around the globe that are part of the Coffee Belt. The Coffee Belt is a tropical band that extends 30 degrees to the north or south of the Equator. The finest beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are cultivated in volcanic and other rich soils. They produce small fruits that are known as coffee cherries.

These cherries contain two seeds. The seeds are separated from the fleshy outer layer once they begin to ripen, and then are ground and roasted to make the coffee. Arabica beans are considered to be a premium coffee bean since they are more expensive and possess a more flavor.

The high altitudes at which arabica beans grow is among the major factors that influence their taste and quality. The cooler climate and the fertile volcanic soils make arabica beans taste better than beans grown at lower elevations. The higher elevations can have a positive effect on the maturation process of the coffee beans. The cooler temperatures slow the growth cycle of the beans, giving them more time to mature.

Each region has its own distinct flavors and characteristics. For instance, arabica beans from Central America tend to have balanced composition and a light body while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are popular for their savory sweet flavors. These unique flavor profiles are due to the fact that each region and country has its own unique soil type. Some soils are rich in water and have a rich, chocolatey taste. Others have a sand texture which makes the coffee taste lighter.