High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans possess distinct flavor profiles. In contrast to their low-elevation counterpart Robusta, which has more resistance to diseases and pests, Arabica is more susceptible.

High-grown arabica is the sought-after variety in high-end coffee shops and specialty roasters. But what makes this type of coffee so sought-after? Scientists have identified the reason that is altitude.

High Altitudes

With a long history that stretches from Ethiopia and Yemen to lower Africa and lower Africa, coffee has made its way into the hearts of many, making up a large portion of the world's production today. While low-elevation beans can be sold commercially, and make up the instant coffee that is sold in grocery stores, real coffee enthusiasts prefer specialty arabicas grown at high altitudes for greater complexity in taste.

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

Cool mountain temperatures slow down the growth process of the coffee plant, allowing it to mature at a slower pace. The coffee beans absorb flavors from the environment, resulting in an unique flavor. The prolonged maturation also helps to prevent the coffee berry borer, a small beetle that infests and eats beans and also the coffee leaf miner moth, which hinders photosynthesis and reduces productivity.

The combination of these factors makes for a better taste and flavor profile as compared to lower-elevation coffees. Coffee grown higher up has higher levels of sweet flavors like fruit, citrus, and vanilla. It is also richer and smoother than coffee grown lower down. The bean's consistency, sweetness and fullness of flavor make it the preferred bean for roasters looking to produce an exceptionally premium cup of joe.

High-grown arabica is usually called strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB) meaning that the coffee is grown at an altitude higher than 4,000 feet. Typically the beans are cultivated on volcanic soils and are organically grown or shade-grown and have outstanding flavor characteristics. These beans are drier because they mature and develop slower than beans that are grown at lower elevations. This results in a stronger and more consistent coffee. This distinctive quality makes SHG and SHB arabica the most popular type of coffee for roasters seeking to create a unique cup.

Cool Climate

The 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 to buy arabica coffee beans the cooler climate and high altitudes create the ideal conditions for the plant to flourish.

Arabica plants are tolerant of many conditions of climate, but their optimal growth occurs in subtropical areas with cool nights and warm days. This unique climate permits the plant to create complex flavors that communicate the freedom. These flavors are what makes coffee so distinctive.

While the popularity of low-elevation instant espressos at your local supermarket is growing, coffee lovers and experts agree that these varieties tend to be more bitter and less tasty compared to specialty coffee beans that are grown at higher altitudes. The majority of the coffee consumed around the globe is high altitude coffee.

The highest quality high-grown arabica coffee beans are usually grown at altitudes ranging from three and six thousand feet. The combination of high altitude, cool climate and fertile soil is the reason these beans are distinctly delicious.

Coffee farmers are always looking for the ideal conditions for soil that will encourage the growth of top-quality arabica coffee plants. The ideal soil will be rich in humus with a well-draining texture. This kind of soil is ideal for growing arabica, as it promotes healthy roots and helps to minimize plant diseases.

In addition to having a soil that has the right humus content, coffee farms also prefer a cool climate with a distinct dry season. These conditions allow the plants to grow more slowly, which results in an even more dense and flavorful bean.

Well-Drained soil

In contrast to the low-elevation species which are grown to produce mass quantities and line the aisles of grocery stores the high-quality arabica beans are sought-after by aficionados due to their rich and exquisite flavor. The coffee trees are shaded by tall canopy trees and the volcanic soil is full of 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.

Arabian coffee plants have a long taproot as well as shallow fibrous roots that spread outwards for 3 to 4 ft (0.9-1.2 meters). The flowers of the cherry are small, fragrant and white. The drupes contain two seeds inside, and are ripe when they are red or purple in colour. The plant is self-fertile and does not require cross pollination to produce fruit.

The cooler temperatures at higher elevations slows the coffee plant's growth cycle, which allows the beans to mature more slowly and develop more complex flavors. This produces a coffee that is richer and more complex, with a stronger taste than coffees produced at lower elevations.

At higher altitudes, the temperature is cooler and the air is more humid. The cooler climate is ideal for sensitive development of the coffee plant, and helps to ward off the spread pests and diseases that attack lower elevation plants.

Due to the unique soil and climate particulars, high-altitude farms produce more beans than farms that are located at lower altitudes. This is the reason you'll typically find these top beans in specialty cafes and high-end coffee roasters.

When growing your own arabica plant, pay attention to the specific requirements of your plant and choose the right soil mix to align with the needs. Avoid commercial mixes that contain excessive ingredients that could stop the roots of your plant from growing. Incorporate compost or other organic matter to improve the retention of water, without creating a concrete-like surface. Water your plant as soon as the soil dries out to the touch, avoiding excessive or under-watering which can lead to root the rot.

Unique Flavors

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

Arabica beans are grown in mountains of the world that are part of the Coffee Belt, a tropical band that spans 30 degrees north and south of the Equator. The finest beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are grown in volcanic soils as well as other rich soils which produce small fruit, also known as coffee cherries.

The cherries contain two seeds within them. As the seeds mature they are separated from their outer layer of flesh and then roasted to create coffee. Arabica coffee beans are considered to be premium because they tend to be more expensive than other varieties of beans, and they have a more complex taste.

The high altitudes in which arabica beans are grown is one of the main factors that affect the taste and quality of these beans. The cool climate, fertile volcanic soils, and the cooler climate make arabica beans taste more delicious than those grown lower in elevation. The higher elevations influence the process of maturation of coffee beans. The cooler temperatures slow down the growth of the beans, giving them the chance to mature.

Each region has its own unique flavor and characteristic. The arabica beans from Central America are known to possess a balanced blend with a light body. Those from Ethiopia and Kenya, on the contrary, are noted for their sweet and savory flavor. These unique tastes are due to fact that each region and country has its own unique soil type. Certain soils can hold water well and give a rich, chocolaty taste, while others have a sandy texture that makes the coffee taste less sweet.