High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans
Arabica coffee beans are distinguished by a distinct taste. In contrast to their low-elevation counterpart Robusta, which has greater resistance to diseases and pests, Arabica is more susceptible.
High-grown arabica is a sought-after variety that is found in premium coffee shops and specialty roasters. But what makes this type of coffee so sought-after? Scientists have discovered the reason that is altitude.
High Altitudes
With a long history that stretches from Ethiopia and Yemen to lower Africa, coffee has found its way into the hearts of many, forming an enormous portion of the world’s coffee production. While low-elevation coffee can be economically viable and is a major component of the instant coffee sold in grocery stores, true enthusiasts look for specialty arabicas that are grown at higher altitudes for a more complex flavor profile.
The mountains of the world’s top 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 climatic conditions are frost-free and offer the climate with a moderate climate, with an average annual temperature of 64 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cool mountain temperatures slow the growth process of the coffee plant and permit it to mature more slowly. The coffee beans absorb flavors from the surrounding environment, giving them a unique flavor. The longer maturation period also helps to prevent the coffee berry borer which is a small aphid that infests and eats the beans, as well as the coffee leaf miner moth, a pest that hinders photosynthesis and diminishes productivity.
Combining these factors results in a superior flavor profile and taste when compared to coffees grown at lower elevations. Coffee grown at higher elevations has a higher concentration of sweet flavors like citrus, fruit and vanilla and is also richer and smoother than their lower-elevation counterparts. Roasters love this coffee due to its sweetness, fullness of flavor and consistency.
High-grown arabica coffee beans gift is commonly 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 grown on volcanic soil and are organically grown or shade-grown, adding to their already impressive flavor characteristics. Because they mature and grow slower than those grown at lower elevations, they tend to be more dense, which results in a stronger coffee with a more distinct and consistent flavor. This distinctive quality makes SHG or SHB single estate arabica coffee beans the coffee of choice for roasters that want to produce the perfect cup of coffee. is unique.
Cool Climate
The tropical zone that stretches across the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, known as the coffee belt is home to the world’s premier coffee-growing regions. High-quality arabica coffee beans are grown in these mountainous regions where the cool climate and high altitudes provide the ideal conditions for the plant to flourish.
Arabica plants can withstand a wide range of climate conditions. However, their greatest growth is seen in subtropical regions with cool night temperatures and warm daytime temperatures. This unique climate enables the plant to create complex flavors that communicate freedom. These flavors are what make the coffee we enjoy so unique.
While the popularity of instant coffees with low elevation at your local grocery store is increasing, coffee lovers and experts agree that these varieties tend to be bitter and less tasty compared to specialty coffee beans grown at higher elevations. The majority of coffee consumed around the world is high altitude coffee.
The highest quality high-grown arabica coffee beans are generally grown at altitudes between 3,000 and 6,000 feet. They are delicious because of the combination of high elevation with cool climate and fertile soil.
Coffee farmers are constantly seeking out the perfect soil conditions to grow high-quality arabica plants. The soil should be rich in humus and have a texture that drains well. This type of soil is ideal for the cultivation of arabica because it promotes the growth of healthy roots as well as helps to reduce the incidence of plant diseases.
Coffee farms prefer a climate that is cool and has a distinct dry period. These climate patterns allow plants to mature slowly, which results in a more flavorful and a more dense 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 freshly ground arabica coffee beans beans are sought-after by coffee lovers for their unique and refined flavor. The coffee trees are shaded by tall canopy trees, and the volcanic soil is rich in nutrients. This provides the ideal conditions for growing these special beans. The soil is high in nutrients and allows the roots to absorb them, however it drains quickly, so that there are no stagnant puddles.
The Arabian coffee plant has a long taproot, and shallow fibrous roots which spread outwards between 3 and 4 ft. (0.9-1.2m). The flowers of the cherry are tiny delicate, fragrant and white. The drupes contain two seeds inside, and are ripe when they are red or purple in color. The plant is self-fertile and requires no cross pollination to set fruit.
The cooler climate at higher altitudes slows the coffee plant’s growth cycle, allowing beans to mature more slowly and develop more complex flavors. This translates to a richer flavor, more complex and complex taste that is much more potent than coffees from lower elevations.
At these high altitudes, the temperature is more frigid, and the air is more humid. The cooler climate is ideal for the sensitive growth of the coffee plant and it aids in reducing the spread of pests and diseases that affect lower elevation plants.
Due to the particular soil and climate particulars, high-altitude farms produce more beans than those in lower elevations. This is why you’ll often find these premium beans in specialty cafes and high-end coffee roasters.
When growing your own arabica plant pay close attention to its specific needs and use a soil mix that aligns with the needs. Avoid commercial mixes that may contain too many ingredients and do not allow the roots of your plant to grow. Compost or other organic matter can be added to the soil in order to improve water retention, but without creating a cement-like texture. Water your plant when the soil dries out to the touch. Avoid excessive or under-watering which can lead to root rot.
Unique Flavors
The unique flavor profile makes arabica beans highly sought after. They are more affluent and complex than other types of coffee, with notes of chocolate, caramel fruit, and flowers. The care taken in growing and roasting produces a smoother, sweeter taste. These beans also have less caffeine and acidity than other varieties and are therefore less bitter and easy to drink.
Arabica beans are grown in mountains around the globe which are part of the Coffee Belt. The Coffee Belt is a tropical region which extends 30 degrees north or south of the Equator. This is where the finest quality beans are produced. The coffee plants are cultivated in volcanic soils and other fertile soils that produce small fruits called coffee cherries.
The cherries have two seeds. The seeds are separated from the fleshy outer layer once they ripen and are roasted and fresh ground arabica coffee beans to create the coffee. Arabica beans are considered to be a premium coffee bean because they are more expensive and have a richer flavor.
The high altitudes in which arabica beans are grown is one of the main factors that influence the taste and quality of these beans. The cool climate and fertile volcanic soils make arabica beans taste better than beans grown at lower altitudes. The higher altitudes have a positive impact on the maturation process of the coffee beans. This is because cooler temperatures slow down the cycle of growth which allows them to mature and develop a rich and satisfying taste.
The different coffee-growing regions around the world each possess their own distinct flavor and distinctive characteristics. For example arabica beans from Central America tend to have a balanced composition and a light body while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are well-known for their sweet and savory flavors. These unique flavors are due to the fact that each country and region has its own soil type. Certain soils can hold water well and result in a full chocolaty taste, whereas others have a sandy texture which makes the coffee taste less sweet.
