High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans possess distinct flavor profiles. Contrary to their lower elevation counterpart, Robusta, which has greater resistance to pests and diseases, Arabica is more susceptible.

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

High Altitudes

With a rich history that spans from Ethiopia and Yemen to lower Africa and lower Africa, coffee has made its way into the hearts of many, making up the majority of global production today. While low-elevation coffees are commercially viable and are the basis of instant coffee that is sold in supermarkets, true coffee aficionados prefer specialty arabicas that are grown at higher altitudes to enjoy an enticing flavor profile.

The mountainous regions of the world's foremost coffee producing countries - Central and South America, Southern Asia and a few Pacific Islands, and mid to southern Africa -- provide the ideal growth conditions for the high-quality arabica beans. These high-elevation climates are not frosty and provide a temperate atmosphere with a perfect annual average temperature of 64-73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooler temperatures in the mountains slow down the coffee plant's growth cycle and permit a longer maturation process. The coffee beans absorb flavors from the environment, which gives them an unique flavor. The prolonged maturation helps stop the coffee bean borer, which is a small beetle, from infesting and eating the beans. It also helps to keep out the coffee leaf miner, a moth, that inhibits photosynthesis, and decreases productivity.

The combination of these elements creates a more palatable taste and flavor profile in comparison to lower elevation coffees. The higher elevation coffees have more sweet flavors like citrus, fruit, and vanilla. It's also more astringent and more smooth than coffee grown lower. Roasters love this coffee due to its sweetness, fullness of flavour and consistency.

High-grown arabica is commonly referred to as strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB) which means that the coffee is located at an elevation higher than 4000 feet. The beans are usually grown on volcanic soil and are shade-grown, or organically grown. This adds to their already amazing flavors. These beans are denser due to their maturation and growth slower than beans grown at lower altitudes. This makes for an even stronger and consistent coffee. This distinctive characteristic makes SHG and SHB arabica coffee bean plantation a preferred choice of coffee for roasters looking to make a great cup.

Cool Climate

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

Arabica plants can withstand the most diverse climate conditions. However, their greatest growth occurs in subtropical regions with cool night temperatures and warm daytime temperatures. This unique climate allows the plant to develop complex flavors that convey the freedom of. These flavors are what makes coffee so special.

While the low-elevation coffees that line the instant coffee aisle of your local grocery store can grow quickly, aficionados and experts alike realize that these coffees are less bitter and flavorful than specialty coffee beans grown at higher altitudes. In reality the majority of coffee consumed in the world is high-elevation coffee.

The highest quality arabica coffee beans high-grown arabica coffee beans are usually located between 3000 and 6,000 feet. The combination of high altitude, cool climate and fertile soil is what makes these beans so distinctively delicious.

Coffee farmers are always seeking out the ideal soil conditions to cultivate high-quality arabica plants. The ideal soil will have a high humus content with a well-draining texture. This kind of soil is perfect for arabica plants, since it aids in maintaining healthy roots and to minimize plant diseases.

Coffee farms prefer the cool climate and has a distinct dry period. These weather patterns permit plants to mature more slowly, which results in a more flavorful and full-bodied bean.

Well-drained soil

Contrary to the low-elevation varieties that are grown for mass production and lined the aisles of supermarkets, the high grown arabica beans are sought-after by aficionados due to their rich and exquisite flavor. The coffee trees are sheltered by tall canopy trees and the volcanic soil is full of nutrients. This creates ideal conditions for growing these special beans. The soil allows the roots to absorb what they require, but it also drains quickly to prevent 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 extend outwards from 3 to 4 feet. (0.9-1.2m). The flowers are small, white, and fragrant and are referred to as cherries. They have two seeds inside and are ripe when they're either purple or red. The plant's arabica can 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 at a slower rate. This allows the beans to develop more intense flavors. This results in a more rich and more complex flavor that is more potent than coffees from lower elevations.

At higher altitudes, the temperature is cooler and the air is more humid. The cool climate is ideal for the sensitive development of the coffee plant and it aids in reducing the spread pests and diseases that plague lower-elevation plants.

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

If you are planning to grow your own Arabica plant, be sure to be aware of the particular requirements of the plant and choose a mix of soil that meets these requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that could be too heavy in the ingredients and do not allow the roots of your arabica plant to grow. Organic matter such as compost or other can be added to the soil to improve water retention, without creating a cement-like surface. Water your plant only when the soil is dry to the feel. Avoid excessive or submerging which could cause root rot.

Unique Flavors

The distinctive flavor profile of arabica beans make them sought-after. They are richer and more complex than other types of coffee that have notes of chocolate, caramel fruit and flowers. The careful cultivation and roasting of beans results in a smoother and sweeter taste. They are also less acidic and contain less caffeine than other varieties. They are therefore less bitter and are easier to drink.

Arabica beans are grown in mountains around the globe that are part of the Coffee Belt. The Coffee Belt is a tropical region which extends 30 degrees north or south of the Equator. The most affluent beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are cultivated in volcanic soils and other rich soils which produce small fruit, also known 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 roasted to make the coffee. Arabica beans are regarded as a premium coffee bean because they are more expensive and possess a more flavor.

The high altitudes at which arabica beans are grown is among the primary factors that influences their flavor and quality. The cool climate, the fertile volcanic soils, and the cooler climate makes arabica beans taste much better than those grown lower in elevation. Higher altitudes also have a positive effect on the maturation of the coffee beans. This is because the cooler temperatures slow down the cycle of growth and gives them the time to mature and develop a rich and satisfying taste.

The various regions of coffee production around the world each have their own signature flavor and distinctive characteristics. For instance, arabica beans originate from Central America tend to have balanced composition and a light body, while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are known for their savory-sweet flavors. Each region or country has a distinct soil type and that is why every bean has a distinct flavor. Some soils are enriched with water and have a rich, chocolatey taste. Some have a sand texture which makes the coffee taste less sweet.