High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

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

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

High Altitudes

Coffee has a long history that spans from Ethiopia to Yemen and lower Africa. It is now a major component of the global production. While low-elevation coffee can be commercially viable and populates the instant brew found in grocery stores, true aficionados seek out specialty arabica grown at high altitudes to elicit more of a complex flavor.

The mountains of the world's most renowned coffee-producing countries--Central and South America, Southern Asia and some Pacific Islands, and mid to southern Africa provide ideal growing conditions for the production of high-quality arabica beans. The high-elevation climate conditions are frost-free, and provide a mild climate with an average annual temperature of 64 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooler temperatures in the mountains slow down the growth cycle of the coffee plant and allows for a more prolonged maturation process. The coffee beans are able to absorb flavors from the surrounding environment, which gives them distinct flavors. The longer maturation period also helps to prevent the coffee berry borer, a tiny beetle that infests and eats beans and also the coffee leaf miner moth, which hinders photosynthesis and diminishes productivity.

The combination of these factors makes for a better taste and flavor profile as compared to lower-elevation coffees. Coffee grown at higher elevations is a better source of sweet flavors like fruit, citrus and vanilla as well as being more rich and smoother than their lower-elevation counterparts. Roasters like this bean due to its sweetness, richness of flavour and consistency.

High-grown arabica coffee beans with rich flavor is usually referred to as strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB) which means that the coffee is grown at an altitude higher than 4,000 feet. The beans are typically cultivated on volcanic soil and are shade grown arabica coffee beans-grown, or organically cultivated. This enhances their already amazing flavors. Because these beans develop and mature more slowly than low-elevation beans, they tend to be more dense, which results in a stronger cup with a more distinct and consistent flavor. This distinctive quality makes SHG or SHB arabica the coffee of choice for roasters who want to produce an espresso that is outstanding.

Cool Climate

The most renowned 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 (see this page) are grown in these mountainous regions where the cooler climate and high altitudes provide the perfect conditions for the plant to flourish.

Arabica plants are tolerant of many conditions of climate however their best growth is found in subtropical zones with cool nights and warm days. This unique climate permits the plant to create complex flavors that communicate freedom. It's these tastes that make the coffee we drink so unique.

While the popularity of low-elevation instant coffees at your local supermarket is growing, coffee lovers and experts agree that these varieties tend to be bitter and less flavorful when compared to specialty coffee beans cultivated at higher elevations. The majority of coffee consumed around the globe is high altitude coffee.

The best place to buy arabica coffee beans arabica coffee beans tend to be cultivated between 3,500 and 6,500 feet above sea level. They are delicious because of the combination of high elevation with cool climate and fertile soil.

Coffee farmers are always on the lookout for the perfect conditions for soil that will encourage the growth of top-quality arabica coffee plants. Ideally, the soil should contain a high amount of humus with a smooth, draining texture. This type of soil is perfect for arabica cultivation, since it promotes healthy roots and helps to prevent the spread of plant diseases.

In addition to having a soil with the right humus content, coffee farms also prefer a cooler climate with a distinct dry season. These conditions allow the plants to mature more slowly and produce an even more dense and flavorful coffee bean.

Well-Drained Soil

Contrary to the low-elevation varieties that are grown to produce mass quantities and line the aisles of supermarkets the high-quality arabica coffee beans are coveted by aficionados due to their rich and exquisite flavor. The coffee trees are sheltered by tall canopy trees, and the volcanic soil is rich in nutrients. This provides the ideal conditions for the cultivation of these unique beans. The soil allows the roots to absorb what they require however, it also drains quickly to avoid stagnant pools of water that hinder root growth and oxygen intake.

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 are tiny, white and fragrant and are known as cherries. They have two seeds inside and are ripe when they're red or purple in colour. The plant is self-fertile and requires no cross pollination to produce fruit.

The cooler climate at higher elevations slows the growth cycle of the coffee plant, allowing it to mature at a slower rate. This allows the beans to develop more intense flavors. This results in a coffee that is more affluent and complex, with a more pronounced flavor than coffees grown at lower altitudes.

At these high altitudes, the temperature is cooler, and the air more humid. The cool weather is perfect for the delicate coffee plant's growth, and it helps in reducing the spread of diseases and pests that plague lower-elevation crops.

Due to the unique soil and climate particulars, high-altitude farms produce more beans than farms at lower altitudes. You can find these premium beans at specialty arabica coffee beans cafes and in the finest coffee roasters.

When growing your own arabica plant, pay attention to the requirements of your particular plant and select an appropriate soil mix that is in line with those requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that could be too heavy in ingredients and don't permit the roots of your plant to grow. Compost or other organic matter can be added to the soil in order to improve water retention, without creating a texture that resembles cement. Water your plant only when the soil is dry to the surface. Avoid drowning or over-watering, which could cause root rot.

Unique Flavors

The distinctive flavor profile makes arabica beans highly sought-after. They are more rich and nuanced than other coffee types, with notes of chocolate, caramel fruits and flowers. The careful cultivation and roasting of beans result in smoother and more sweet taste. These beans also contain less caffeine and acidity than other varieties and are therefore less bitter and easier to drink.

Arabica beans are grown in the world's mountainous regions that are part of the Coffee Belt, a tropical band that stretches across 30 degrees north and south of the Equator. The most affluent beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are planted in volcanic soils and other soils rich in nutrients that produce small fruit called coffee cherries.

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

The altitude at which arabica beans are grown is among the major factors that influence their flavor and quality. The cooler climate and the fertile volcanic soils make arabica beans taste better than those grown at lower elevations. Higher altitudes also have a positive effect on the maturation of the coffee beans. The cooler temperatures slow the growth of the beans, which gives them time to mature.

The different coffee-growing regions across the globe each have distinctive flavor and distinctive characteristics. For instance, arabica beans from Central America tend to have a balanced composition and a light body while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are popular for their savory sweet flavors. These distinctive flavors are due to the fact that each region and country has its own unique soil type. Some soils are enriched with water and produce a full chocolaty taste. Some have a sand texture that makes the coffee taste lighter.