High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans possess distinct flavors. Arabica is more susceptible to diseases and pests than its low acidity arabica coffee beans-elevation cousin Robusta.

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

High Altitudes

With a long history that stretches from Ethiopia and Yemen to lower Africa the coffee has made its way into the hearts of many, forming a large portion of global production today. While low-elevation beans are commercially viable, and make up the instant coffee that is sold in supermarkets, true coffee enthusiasts prefer specialty arabica grown in higher altitudes for greater complexity in taste.

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

Cool mountain temperatures slow the growth process of the coffee plant and allow it to mature more slowly. This allows the coffee beans to absorb different flavors from their surrounding environment and imbue them with unique characteristics. The prolonged maturation helps prevent the coffee bean borer which is a tiny beetle that feeds on the beans. It also helps to keep out the coffee leaf miner, a moth, that inhibits photosynthesis, and decreases productivity.

The combination of these factors contributes to a superior flavor and taste profile when compared to lower-elevation coffees. Coffee that is grown at higher altitudes is a better source of sweet flavors, such as fruit, citrus and vanilla, while being richer and smoother than their lower elevation counterparts. Roasters prefer this bean due to its sweetness, fullness of flavour and consistency.

High-grown arabica is commonly called strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB) which means that the coffee is grown at a higher altitude than 4000 feet. The beans are typically grown on volcanic soil, and they are shade-grown or organically grown. This adds to their already impressive flavor. These beans are drier because they mature and develop slower than beans grown at lower elevations. This results in a stronger and more consistent coffee. This distinctive quality makes SHG and SHB buy arabica coffee beans a preferred choice of coffee for roasters looking to make a great cup.

Cool Climate

The world's best coffee growing regions are located in the tropical zone between Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This zone is known as the "coffee belt". High grown arabica coffee beans are grown in these mountainous regions where the low altitudes and cool climate create the ideal conditions for the plant to thrive.

Arabica plants are tolerant of a variety of climate conditions but their peak growth is found in subtropical zones with cool nights and warm days. This unique climate permits the plant to create complex flavors that express the freedom of. It's these tastes that make the coffee we enjoy so distinctive.

While the low-elevation coffees lining the instant coffee aisles of your local grocery store may be growing quickly, aficionados and experts alike realize that these coffees are more bitter and less flavorful than specialty coffee beans grown at higher elevations. The majority of coffee consumed around the globe is high-altitude coffee.

The best arabica coffee beans tend to be cultivated between 3000 to 6,500 feet above sea level. These beans are so delicious due to the combination of high elevation with cool climate and fertile soil.

Coffee farmers are always on the lookout for the perfect soil conditions that encourage the growth of high-quality arabica coffee plants. The soil should be humus-rich and have a smooth texture that drains well. This type of soil is perfect for arabica cultivation, since it aids in maintaining healthy roots and to minimize the risk of developing plant diseases.

Coffee farms prefer a climate that is cool and has a distinct dry time. These weather patterns allow the plants to mature slower and produce an even more dense and flavorful coffee bean.

Well-Drained soil

Unlike the low-elevation species that are cultivated for mass production and lining the aisles of grocery stores, the high grown arabica coffee beans are coveted by aficionados for their complex and exquisite flavor. The coffee trees are shaded 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 is rich in nutrients and allows the roots to absorb them, but drains quickly so that there aren't any 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 flowers are tiny, white and fragrant and are known as cherries. The drupes are double-seeded and mature when they are they turn red or purple. The arabica plant is self-fertile and doesn't require cross pollination to set fruit.

The cooler climate at higher elevations slows down the growth cycle 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 more affluent and complex, with a much more intense flavor than coffees that are that are grown at lower altitudes.

At high altitudes the temperatures are lower and the air is more humid. The cool climate is ideal for sensitive development of the coffee plant and it helps suppress the spread pests and diseases that attack lower elevation plants.

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

If you are planning to grow your own Arabica plant, ensure that you be aware of the particular requirements of this plant and choose a mix of soil that matches these needs. Avoid commercial mixes that contain too many ingredients, which could hinder the roots of your plant from growing. Include compost or other organic matter to increase the retention of water, without creating a concrete-like surface. Water your plant as soon as the soil dries out to the touch, avoiding over- or under-watering, which can lead to root the rot.

Unique Flavors

The distinctive flavor profile of arabica beans makes them highly sought-after. They are richer and more nuanced than other coffee types that have notes of chocolate, caramel, fruit, and flowers. The care that is taken during the cultivation and roasting process results in a smoother, sweeter taste. These beans also have less acidity and caffeine than other varieties and are therefore 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 band that extends 30 degrees north or south of the Equator. The most affluent beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are grown in volcanic and other fertile soils. They produce small fruit that are referred to as coffee cherries.

These cherries contain two seeds. The seeds are separated from the fleshy outer layer as they mature and are then ground and fresh roasted arabica coffee beans to make a cup of coffee. Arabica coffee beans are a premium selection because they tend to be more expensive than other varieties of beans, and they have a more complex taste.

The altitudes at which arabica beans are grown are one of the most important factors that affect their taste and quality. The cooler climate and the fertile volcanic soils make arabica beans taste better than those that are grown at lower elevations. Higher elevations have a positive impact on the process of maturation of coffee beans. This is due to the cooler temperatures slow down the beans' growth cycle, which gives them time to mature and develop a rich and satisfying taste.

The various coffee-growing regions across the globe each have their own signature flavors and distinctive characteristics. The arabica coffee bean blend beans from Central America are known to possess a balanced blend with a light body. The beans from Ethiopia and Kenya on the other hand, are known for their sweet and savory flavor. Each country and region has a distinct soil type, which is why each bean has a distinct flavor. Certain soils are rich in water and have a rich, chocolatey taste. Others have a sand texture which makes the coffee taste less sweet.