High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans
Arabica coffee beans are characterized by a distinctive flavor. Arabica is more susceptible to diseases and pests than its lower elevation counterpart, Robusta.
The arabica variety that is high-grown is the most sought after by specialty roasters and high-end coffee shops. But what makes this type of coffee so popular? Scientists have found the reason: altitude.
High Altitudes
Coffee has a long tradition that spans from Ethiopia to Yemen and lower Africa. It is now a major component of the production world. While low-elevation coffee is economically viable and is a major component of the instant coffee sold in supermarkets, true aficionados seek out specialty arabica that is grown at high altitudes to elicit a 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 the ideal growth conditions for the high-quality arabica beans. These high-elevation climates are not frosty and offer a pleasant climate with a perfect annual average temperature of 64 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cool mountain temperatures slow down the process of growth for the coffee plant and allows for a more prolonged maturation process. The coffee beans absorb flavors from the environment, giving them distinct flavors. The longer maturation period helps keep the coffee bean borer which is a tiny beetle that infests and eats the beans. It also helps keep out the coffee leaf miner, a moth which hinders photosynthesis and decreases productivity.
Combining these elements results in a superior flavor profile and taste compared to coffees that are grown at lower elevations. Coffee grown at higher elevations has a higher concentration of sweet flavors like citrus, fruit and vanilla, while being richer and smoother than their lower-elevation counterparts. Roasters love this coffee because of its sweetness, richness of flavour and consistency.
High-grown arabica coffee is also called strictly high-grown or strictly hard bean. This means that the coffee was cultivated at a higher elevation than 4000 feet. Typically the beans are grown on volcanic soil and are organically grown or shade-grown which adds to their already impressive flavor profiles. Because these beans develop and mature more slowly than those with lower elevation and are therefore more dense, which results in a stronger coffee with a more intense and consistent flavor. This distinctive characteristic makes SHG and SHB arabica the most popular type of coffee for roasters seeking to deliver an exceptional cup.
Cool Climate
The best coffee-growing regions are located in the tropical zone between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This zone is referred to as the "coffee belt". High grown arabica coffee beans are grown in these mountainous regions where the cooler climate and high altitudes create the ideal conditions for the plant to thrive.
Arabica plants are tolerant of a variety of conditions of climate, but their optimal development occurs in subtropical regions with cool nights and warm days. This unique climate allows the plant to develop unique flavors that communicate the freedom. These flavors are what makes coffee so special.
While the popularity of low-elevation instant espressos 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 that are grown at higher altitudes. The majority of the coffee consumed around the globe is high altitude coffee.
The finest high-grown arabica coffee beans are generally grown at altitudes between 3,000 and 6,000 feet. The combination of high altitude, cool climate, and fertile soil is the reason these beans are unique and delicious.
Coffee farmers are always on the lookout for the perfect conditions for soil that will encourage the growth of top-quality arabica coffee plants. The soil must be rich in humus and have a texture that drains well. This kind of soil is ideal for the cultivation of arabica since it encourages the development of healthy roots and helps minimize plant diseases.
Coffee farms prefer an environment that is cool and has a distinct dry time. These climate patterns allow plants to mature slowly, resulting in a more flavorful and full-bodied coffee bean.
Well-Drained Coffeee -grown arabica coffee beans have a complex and sophisticated taste, unlike the low-elevation variety that is used for mass production. The coffee trees are sheltered under tall canopy trees, and the volcanic soil is rich in nutrients and creates the ideal conditions for the growth of these special beans. The soil is able to allow the roots to absorb the nutrients they need however, it also drains quickly to prevent stagnant puddles of water that limit the growth of the root and oxygen intake.
The Arabian coffee plant has a long taproot and fibrous roots that are shallow, which spread outwards between 3 and 4 feet. (0.9-1.2m). The cherries' flowers are tiny delicate, fragrant and white. These drupes have two seeds inside and are ripe when they are either purple or red. The plant's arabica can self-fertilize and does not require cross pollination in order to produce fruit.
The cooler climate at higher elevations slows the growth cycle of the coffee plant and allows it to mature at a slower rate. This allows the beans to develop deeper flavors. This produces a coffee that is more rich and complex, with a more pronounced flavor than coffees grown at lower altitudes.
At these altitudes, temperatures are colder, and the atmosphere more humid. The cool climate is ideal for the sensitive growth of the coffee plant, and helps to ward off the spread pests and diseases that plague lower-elevation plants.
Because of the particular conditions of the soil and climate high-altitude coffee farms are able to produce more beans than low-elevation farms. You can find these top coffee beans in specialty cafes and in the finest coffee roasters.
When you plant your own arabica plant, pay attention to the requirements of your particular plant and select an appropriate soil mix that is in line with the needs. 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, without creating a cement-like surface. Water your plant as soon as the soil is dry to the touch, and avoid over- or under-watering, which can cause root decay.
Unique Flavors
The distinctive flavor profile of arabica beans makes them highly sought-after. They are more sophisticated and nuanced in taste than other coffees, and have notes of flowers, fruit, caramel and chocolate. The careful cultivation and roasting beans results in smoother and more sweet taste. They are also less acidic and have less caffeine than other varieties. They are, therefore, less bitter and are easier for you to drink.
Arabica beans are grown in the mountainous regions of the world, which are part of the Coffee Belt, a tropical band that spans 30 degrees north and south of the Equator. The finest beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are cultivated in volcanic and other nutrient-rich soils, which produce small fruit that are referred to as coffee cherries.
The cherries contain two seeds inside. The seeds are separated from the fleshy outer layer as they begin to ripen, and then are crushed and roasted to make a cup of coffee. Arabica beans are considered a premium coffee bean due to the fact that they are more expensive and have more flavor.
The high altitudes at which arabica beans grow is one of the main factors that influences their flavor and quality. The cooler climate and the fertile volcanic soils make arabica beans taste better than beans grown at lower elevations. The higher elevations also have a positive impact on the maturation of coffee beans. This is due to the cooler temperatures slow down the process of growing beans, which gives them time to mature and develop a rich and satisfying taste.
Each region has its own distinct flavor and distinctive characteristics. The arabica beans from Central America are known to have a balanced and balanced composition, with a light body. The beans from Ethiopia and Kenya on the other hand, are renowned for their sweet and savory flavor. These unique tastes are due to fact that each region and country has its own soil type. Certain soils are rich in water and have a rich chocolatey flavor. Some have a sand texture which makes the coffee taste lighter.