High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans are characterized by a distinctive flavor. Arabica is more susceptible to pests and disease than its low-elevation counterpart, Robusta.

The arabica variety that is high-grown is the one sought-after by specialty roasters and premium coffee shops. What makes this coffee so unique? Scientists have uncovered the reason: altitude.

High Altitudes

Coffee has a long tradition, spanning from Ethiopia to Yemen and the lower part of Africa. It is now a major part of the production world. While low-elevation beans are commercially viable, and make up the instant coffee found in grocery shops, true coffee lovers prefer specialty arabica grown high altitudes for greater complexity in taste.

Mountainous regions in the world's top coffee-producing countries, such as Central and South America, Southern Asia, some Pacific Islands and mid-to-southern Africa provide the ideal conditions for growing high-grown arabica beans. These high-elevation climates are not frosty and provide a pleasantly warm climate with a perfect average annual temperature of 64-73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cool mountain temperatures slow down the growth process of the coffee plant and permit it to mature slower. The coffee beans are able to absorb flavors from the environment, which gives them distinct flavors. The longer maturation period helps prevent the coffee bean borer, which is a small beetle that infests and eats the beans. It also helps keep out the coffee leaf miner, a flies, which hinders photosynthesis and decreases productivity.

Combining these factors results in a superior flavor profile and taste compared to coffees grown at lower elevations. Coffee that is grown at higher elevations is a better source of sweet flavors, including fruit, citrus and vanilla as well as being more rich and smoother than lower elevation counterparts. Roasters love this coffee due to its sweetness, richness of flavour and consistency.

High-grown arabica coffee is known as strictly high-grown, or strictly hard bean. This means that the coffee was cultivated at a higher elevation than 4,000 feet. Typically the beans are grown on volcanic soils and are shade-grown or organically cultivated which adds to their already amazing flavor profiles. Because these beans develop and mature more slowly than those with lower elevation, they tend to be denser, resulting in a stronger cup with a more intense and consistent flavor. This distinctive characteristic makes SHG and SHB arabica the most popular type of coffee for roasters looking to deliver an exceptional cup.

Cool Climate

The world's best coffee growing regions are located in the tropical zone that lies between the 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 flourish.

Arabica plants can tolerate the most diverse climate conditions. However, their greatest growth occurs in subtropical regions with cool nights and warm daytime temperatures. This unique climate allows for the plant to develop complex flavors that convey freedom. It's these tastes that make the coffee we enjoy so unique.

While the popularity of low-elevation instant espressos at your local grocery store is increasing, Authentic Segafredo Zanetti Single Origin Brasil Coffee lovers and experts agree that these types tend to be bitter and less flavorful compared to specialty coffee beans that are grown at higher elevations. In fact the majority of the coffee consumed around the world is high-elevation coffee.

The finest high-grown arabica coffee beans are generally located between 3,000 and 6,000 feet. The combination of high altitude, cool climate and fertile soil is what makes these beans distinctively delicious.

Coffee farmers are always searching for the perfect soil conditions that foster the growth of top-quality arabica coffee plants. The soil should be humus-rich and have a smooth texture that drains well. This type of soil is ideal for the cultivation of arabica as it facilitates the development of healthy roots and helps minimize plant diseases.

In addition to a soil with the right humus content, coffee farms prefer a cool climate with a distinct dry season. These conditions allow the plants to mature more slowly and produce a denser and more flavorful coffee.

Well-Drained Soil

The Arabicica coffee beans that are high-grown have a rich and sophisticated taste, which is different from the low-elevation species grown for mass production. The coffee trees are sheltered under tall canopy trees and the rich volcanic soil that is nutrient-rich is ideal for the cultivation of these special beans. The soil is abundant in nutrients, allowing the roots to absorb them, coffeee.uk but drains quickly so that there aren't any stagnant puddles.

The Arabian coffee plant has a long taproot and a few fibrous roots that spread outwards from 3 to 4 feet. (0.9-1.2m). The flowers of the cherry are tiny delicate, fragrant and white. These drupes are two-seeded and ripe when red or purple. The plant's ability to self-fertilize and does not require cross pollination to produce fruit.

The cooler climate at higher elevations slows the development of the coffee plant which allows it to mature more slowly. This allows the beans to develop more intense flavors. This leads to a deeper and more complex flavor that is more potent than lower-elevation coffees.

At higher altitudes, the temperatures are cooler and the air more humid. The cool weather is ideal for the coffee plant's sensitive growth, and helps in preventing the spread of pests and diseases that plague lower-elevation crops.

Due to the unique soil and climate particulars, high-altitude farms produce more beans than those in lower altitudes. This is the reason you'll often find these superior coffee beans in specialty cafes as well as top coffee roasters.

When you plant your own arabica plant, pay attention to the requirements of your particular plant and select the right soil mix to align with the needs. Avoid commercial mixes that contain excessive ingredients that could prevent the roots of your plant from developing. Include compost or other organic matter to improve the retention of water, without creating a concrete-like texture. Water your plant only when the soil feels dry to the surface. Avoid over- or underwatering which could cause root rot.

Unique Flavors

The unique flavor profile of arabica beans make them extremely 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 result in a smoother and sweeter taste. These beans also have less caffeine and acidity than other varieties which makes them less bitter and easier to drink.

Arabica beans grow in the mountains of the world that are part of the Coffee Belt, a tropical band that spans 30 degrees north and south of the equator. This is where the finest quality beans are produced. The coffee plants are planted in volcanic and other fertile soils, which produce small fruit that are known as coffee cherries.

These cherries contain two seeds. As the seeds mature, they are separated from their fleshy outer layer and roasted to make coffee. Arabica coffee beans are a premium variety because they are generally more expensive than other varieties and have a more complex taste.

The high altitudes at which arabica beans are grown is 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 altitudes. The higher elevations also have a positive impact on the maturation of the coffee beans. The cooler temperatures slow down the growth of the beans, allowing them time to mature.

Each region has its own distinctive flavors and characteristics. The arabica beans of Central America are known to possess a balanced blend with a light body. Those from Ethiopia and Kenya on the other hand, are known for their sweet-savory taste. Each country and region has a distinct type of soil, which is why each coffee has its own distinct flavor. Some soils are rich in water and give a rich chocolatey flavor. Some have a sand-like texture that makes the coffee taste less sweet.