High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans are characterized by a distinctive flavor. Unlike their low-elevation counterpart, Robusta, which has more resistance to diseases and pests, Arabica is more susceptible.

The Arabicica variety with the highest quality is the one sought after by specialty roasters and high-end coffee shops. What makes this kind of coffee so sought-after? Scientists have discovered the reason: 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, and is the majority of global production today. While low-elevation beans can be sold commercially, and make up the instant coffee you can find in your local grocery shops, true coffee lovers prefer specialty arabicas grown at higher altitudes to enjoy greater complexity in taste.

The mountainous regions 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. The high-elevation climate conditions are frost-free, and provide the climate with a moderate climate, with an average annual temperature ranging from 64 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cool mountain temperatures slow the growth cycle of the coffee plant and permit it to mature at a slower pace. The coffee beans are able to absorb flavors from the surrounding environment, which gives them a unique flavor. The prolonged maturation also helps in preventing the coffee berry borer, a small aphid that infests and eats the beans, as well as the coffee leaf miner moth, which hinders photosynthesis and decreases productivity.

Combining these elements results in a superior flavor profile and taste compared to coffees grown at lower elevations. Coffee that is grown at higher altitudes is a better source of sweet flavors like fruit, citrus and vanilla, while being richer and smoother than their lower-elevation counterparts. The consistency, sweetness and fullness of flavor make it the preferred bean for roasters seeking to create a truly premium cup of joe.

High-grown arabica is known as strictly high-grown or strictly hard bean. This means that the coffee was grown at a higher elevation than 4,000 feet. The beans are usually grown on volcanic soil and are shade-grown or organically cultivated. This enhances their already delicious flavors. These beans are drier because they mature and grow slower than those grown at lower altitudes. This makes for more robust and consistent coffee. This unique characteristic makes SHG or SHB arabica the coffee of choice for roasters that want to create an espresso that is exceptional.

Cool Climate

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

Arabica plants are tolerant of many conditions of climate, but their optimal development occurs in subtropical regions with cool nights and warm days. This unique climate enables the plant to develop unique flavours that reflect freedom. It's these flavors that make the coffee we enjoy so special.

While the popularity of low-elevation instant coffees in your local grocery store is increasing, coffee lovers and experts agree that these kinds tend to be more bitter and less flavorful when compared to specialty coffee beans cultivated at higher elevations. In fact the majority of the coffee consumed around the world is high-elevation.

The best high grown arabica coffee beans are typically grown at altitudes ranging from 3,000 and 6,000 feet. The combination of high altitude, cool climate and fertile soil is what makes these beans so unique and delicious.

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

In addition to having a soil that has the proper 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 whole bean arabica coffee.

Well-Drained Soil

Contrary to the low-elevation varieties that are cultivated for mass production and lining the aisles of supermarkets the high-quality reserve Arabica coffee beans coffee beans are coveted by aficionados for their complex and sophisticated flavor. 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 able to allow the roots to absorb what they need but also drains quickly to avoid stagnant puddles of water that limit root growth and oxygen intake.

The Arabian coffee plant has a long taproot and fibrous roots that are shallow, which spread outwards from 3 to 4 ft. (0.9-1.2m). The cherry's flowers are tiny delicate, fragrant and white. These drupes have two seeds inside and are ripe when they're either purple or red. The arabica plant is self-fertile and requires no cross pollination to set fruit.

The cooler climate at higher elevations slows the coffee plant's growth cycle, which allows the beans to mature more slowly and develop deeper flavors. This translates to a richer and more complex flavor that is more potent than coffees from lower elevations.

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

Due to the unique soil and climate characteristics, high-altitude farms are able to produce more beans than those at lower elevations. This is why you'll typically find these top beans in specialty cafes and high-end coffee roasters.

When growing your own arabica plant pay attention to its specific needs and use a soil mix that aligns with the requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that contain too many ingredients, which could hinder the roots of your plant from developing. Incorporate compost or other organic matter to improve water retention without creating a concrete-like appearance. Water your plant only when the soil feels dry to the surface. Avoid drowning or over-watering, which can cause root rot.

Unique Flavors

The unique flavor profile of arabica beans make them highly sought-after. They are more sophisticated and nuanced in taste than other coffees, and have notes of fruit, flowers caramel, and chocolate. The care that is taken during growing and roasting produces the smoother, sweeter taste. They also have less acidity and caffeine than other varieties, making them less bitter and easier to drink.

Arabica beans are grown in the mountainous regions of the world, which are part of the Coffee Belt, a tropical band that extends across 30 degrees north and south of the equator. This is where the highest-quality beans are grown. The coffee plants are cultivated in volcanic and other nutrient-rich soils, which produce small fruit that are known as coffee cherries.

These cherries contain two seeds inside them. When the seeds begin to mature they are separated from their fleshy outer layer and then roasted to create coffee. Arabica beans are considered to be a premium coffee bean because they are more expensive and have greater flavor.

The high altitudes in which arabica beans are grown are one of the main factors that influence their taste and quality. The cool climate, the fertile volcanic soils and the cooler climate make arabica beans taste more delicious than beans grown at lower elevation. Higher altitudes also have a positive impact on the maturation process of coffee beans. The cooler temperatures slow down the growth cycle of the beans, allowing them the chance to mature.

The various coffee-growing regions around the world each possess their own distinct flavors and distinctive characteristics. The arabica beans of 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 region and country has a distinct soil type and that is why every coffee has its own distinct flavor. Certain soils are able to hold water and give a rich chocolaty taste, whereas others have a sandy texture that makes the coffee taste less sweet.