High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans have a distinct flavor profile. In contrast to their low-elevation counterpart Robusta, which has a greater resistance to diseases and pests, Arabica is more susceptible.

High grown arabica is the sought-after variety in high-end coffee shops and specialty roasters. What makes this coffee unique? Scientists have identified the reason behind this: altitude.

High Altitudes

With a rich history that spans from Ethiopia and Yemen to lower Africa, coffee has found its way into the hearts of many, and is a large portion of the world's production today. While low-elevation coffee is commercially viable and populates the instant brews sold in grocery stores, serious coffee lovers look for specialty arabicas that are grown at higher altitudes for an even more complex flavor profile.

The mountainous regions 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 ideal growing conditions for the production of high-quality arabica beans. These high-elevation climatic conditions are frost-free and offer a mild climate with an average annual temperature between 64 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cool mountain temperatures slow down the growth rate of the coffee plant and allow it to mature more slowly. This allows the coffee beans to absorb a variety of flavors from their surrounding environment and impart them with distinctive characteristics. The extended maturation also helps to prevent the coffee berry borer which is a small beetle that infests and eats the beans and also the coffee leaf miner, a moth that inhibits photosynthesis and decreases productivity.

Combining these elements results in a superior flavor profile and a better taste compared to coffees that are grown at lower elevations. Coffee that is grown at higher altitudes is a better source of sweet flavors like citrus, vanilla and fruit, while being richer and smoother than their lower elevation counterparts. Roasters like this bean due to its sweetness, richness of flavor 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 altitude than 4000 feet. The beans are typically grown on volcanic soils and are shade-grown, or organically grown. This adds to their already impressive flavor. Because these beans develop and mature more slowly than those grown at lower elevations, they tend to be heavier, resulting in a stronger and more robust coffee with a more distinct and consistent flavor. This unique quality makes SHG and SHB arabica the most popular type of coffee for roasters who want to deliver an exceptional cup.

Cool Climate

The world's best arabica coffee beans coffee growing regions are located in the tropical zone between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This zone is known as the "coffee belt". Arabicica coffee beans that are high-quality are produced in these mountainous regions where to buy arabica coffee beans the low altitudes and cool climate create the ideal conditions for the plant to flourish.

Arabica plants are tolerant of many conditions of climate but their peak development occurs in subtropical regions with cool nights and warm days. This unique climate permits the plant to develop complex flavors that convey the freedom of. These flavors are what makes coffee so unique.

While the popularity of low-elevation instant espressos in your local grocery store is growing, coffee lovers and experts agree that these types tend to be more bitter and less flavorful when compared to specialty coffee beans cultivated at higher altitudes. The majority of the coffee consumed around the globe is high altitude coffee.

The highest quality high-grown arabica coffee beans are usually grown at altitudes ranging from 3,000 and 6,000 feet. These beans are delicious because of the combination of high elevation with cool climate and fertile soil.

Coffee farmers are always searching for the ideal soil conditions that encourage the growth of top-quality arabica coffee plants. The soil must be rich in humus and have a texture that drains well. This type of soil is ideal for cultivating arabica since it encourages the growth of healthy roots as well as helps minimize the risk of plant diseases.

In addition to a soil that has the right humus content, coffee farms prefer a cool climate that has a distinct dry season. These conditions allow the plants to mature slow, resulting in a more delicious and a more dense bean.

Well-Drained soil

The arabica beans that are grown to the highest quality have a rich and sophisticated taste, which is different from the low-elevation varieties that are used for mass production. The coffee trees grow sheltered under tall canopy trees, and the rich volcanic soil that is nutrient-rich creates the ideal conditions for the growth of these unique beans. The soil allows the roots to absorb the nutrients they require but also drains quickly to prevent stagnant pools of water that hinder the growth of the roots and oxygen intake.

The Arabian coffee plant has a long taproot and a few fibrous roots that extend outwards from 3 to 4 feet. (0.9-1.2m). The cherries' flowers are tiny delicate, fragrant and white. They are two-seeded and ripe when they turn red or purple. The plant is self-fertile and requires no cross pollination in order to produce fruit.

The cooler climate at higher altitudes slows the growth cycle, allowing the beans to mature more slowly and develop deeper flavors. This results in a more rich, more complex taste that is far more potent than lower-elevation coffees.

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

Because of the particular climate and soil characteristics high-altitude coffee farms are able produce much more beans than low-elevation farms. You can find these top coffee beans in specialty cafes and in premium coffee roasters.

If you are planning to grow your own Arabica plant, ensure that you be aware of the specific requirements of the plant and use a mix of soil that matches these requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that could contain too many ingredients and don't 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, but without creating a texture that resembles cement. Water your plant only when the soil is dry to the surface. Avoid over- or underwatering which could cause root rot.

Unique Flavors

The distinctive flavor profile of arabica beans makes them extremely sought-after. They are more rich and complex in flavor than other coffees, and have notes of flowers, fruit caramel, and chocolate. The attention to detail that is taken during the cultivation and roasting process results in a smoother, sweeter taste. They are also less acidic and have less caffeine than other varieties. They are therefore less bitter and are easier to drink.

Arabica beans grow in the mountainous regions of the world, which are part of the Coffee Belt, a tropical band that stretches across 30 degrees north and south of the Equator. This is where to buy arabica coffee beans the highest-quality beans are grown. The coffee plants are planted in volcanic and other nutrient-rich soils, which produce small fruit, which are referred to as coffee cherries.

The cherries contain two seeds within them. When the seeds begin to mature they are separated from their fleshy outer layer and roasted to make coffee. freshly brewed arabica coffee beans beans are regarded as a premium coffee bean since they are more expensive and possess a a richer flavor.

The altitude at which arabica beans are grown is among the major factors that affect their taste and quality. The cooler climate, the fertile volcanic soils, and the cooler climate makes arabica beans taste much better than those grown at lower elevation. The higher elevations influence the process of maturation of coffee beans. The cooler temperatures slow down the development of the beans, which gives them the chance to mature.

Each region has its own distinct flavor and distinctive characteristics. For example green arabica coffee beans beans originate from Central America tend to have an even composition and a light body while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are popular for their savory sweet flavors. The distinctive flavor profiles are due to the fact that each country and region has its own distinct soil type. Some soils are enriched with water and have a rich, chocolatey taste. Some have a sand texture which makes the coffee taste lighter.