A Step-By Step Guide For Choosing The Right High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans have a distinct flavor profile. Arabica is more prone to pests and disease than its low-elevation cousin, Robusta.

The arabica variety that is high-grown is the one sought-after by specialty roasters and high-end coffee shops. What makes this coffee special? Scientists have identified the reason behind this: altitude.

High Altitudes

Coffee has a long history that stretches from Ethiopia to Yemen and lower Africa. It is now a major part of the production world. Although low-elevation beans are economically viable and is a major component of the instant coffee sold in grocery stores, true aficionados look for specialty arabicas that are grown at high altitudes to elicit a more complex flavor profile.

The mountainous regions in the world's most renowned coffee producing countries, including Central and South America, Southern Asia and a few Pacific Islands and mid-to-southern Africa, provide ideal conditions to grow high-quality arabica beans. These high-elevation regions are frost-free and provide a temperate atmosphere with a perfect average annual temperature of 64-73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooler temperatures in the mountains slow down the growth cycle of the coffee plant and allows for a more prolonged maturation process. This allows the coffee beans to absorb a variety of flavors from their surroundings and imbue them with unique characteristics. The prolonged maturation helps prevent the coffee bean borer which is a small beetle that infests and eats the beans. It also helps to keep out the coffee leaf miner, a flies, which hinders photosynthesis and decreases productivity.

The combination of these elements makes for a better taste and flavor profile as compared to lower-elevation coffees. Coffee grown at higher elevations has a heightened concentration of sweet flavors, such as citrus, vanilla and fruit as well as being more rich and smoother than their lower-elevation counterparts. The bean's consistency, sweetness and fullness of flavor make it the most popular bean for roasters seeking to create a truly premium cup of joe.

High-grown arabica is called strictly high-grown or strictly hard bean. This means that the coffee was grown at a higher altitude than 4000 feet. The beans are typically cultivated on volcanic soils, and they are shade-grown, or organically cultivated. This adds to their already amazing flavors. Because they mature and grow slower than those with lower elevation and are therefore denser, resulting in a stronger and more robust coffee with a more distinct and consistent flavor. This distinctive characteristic makes SHG and SHB arabica the most popular type of coffee for roasters who want to deliver an exceptional cup.

Cool Climate

The tropical zone spanning the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn known as the coffee belt, is the most prestigious of coffee growing regions. These mountainous regions are ideal for growing high-quality arabica coffee beans due to the cool climate.

Arabica plants are tolerant of a variety of climate conditions but their peak growth is found in subtropical zones with cool nights and warm days. This unique climate enables the plant to develop unique flavors that express the freedom of. It's these tastes that make the coffee we drink so unique.

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 more bitter and less flavorful when compared to specialty coffee beans that are grown at higher altitudes. The majority of coffee consumed around the world is high altitude coffee.

The finest arabica coffee beans are said to be grown between 3000 to 6,500 feet above sea level. They are delicious due to the combination of high elevation with cool climate and fertile soil.

Coffee farmers are always searching for the perfect soil conditions that foster the growth of high-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 arabica cultivation, since it encourages healthy roots and helps to reduce the risk of the risk of developing plant diseases.

Coffee farms prefer an environment that is cool and has a distinct dry season. These weather patterns permit plants to mature more slowly, resulting in a more delicious and full-bodied coffee bean.

Well-Drained Soil

In contrast to the low-elevation species which are cultivated to produce mass quantities and line the aisles of supermarkets The high-quality arabica coffee beans are prized by coffee lovers for their unique and exquisite flavor. The coffee trees grow sheltered by tall canopy trees and the volcanic soil is rich in nutrients and provides ideal growing conditions for these special beans. The soil allows the roots to absorb what they need, but it also drains quickly, preventing stagnant pools of water that hinder the growth of the roots 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 tiny, white and fragrant and are referred to as cherries. These drupes are two-seeded and mature when they are red or purple. The arabica plant is self-fertile and doesn't require cross pollination to set fruit.

whole bean arabica coffee Coffeee at higher altitudes slows the growth cycle, allowing the beans to mature more slowly and develop more complex flavors. This translates to a richer and more complex flavor that is more potent than lower-elevation coffees.

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

Due to the particular soil and climate characteristics, high-altitude farms are able to produce more beans than those that are located at lower altitudes. This is the reason you'll often find these premium beans in specialty cafes and premium 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 with excessive ingredients that could hinder the roots of your plant from growing. Include compost or other organic matter to improve the retention of water, without creating a concrete-like appearance. Water your plant once the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid excessive or under-watering which can cause root the 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. They have notes of fruit, flowers, caramel and chocolate. The care taken in the cultivation and roasting process results in a smoother, sweeter flavor. These beans are also less acidic and have less caffeine than other varieties. They are, therefore, less bitter and easier for you to drink.

Arabica beans are grown in mountainous regions of the world that are part of the Coffee Belt. The Coffee Belt is a tropical band which extends 30 degrees north or south of the Equator. The best beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are cultivated in volcanic soils and other fertile soils which produce small fruit, also known as coffee cherries.

The cherries have two seeds. As the seeds mature, they are separated from their outer layer of flesh and then roasted to create coffee. Arabica coffee beans are a premium selection because they are typically more expensive than other varieties of beans and also have a more complex flavor.

The high altitudes at which arabica beans grow is one of the main factors that influences their quality and taste. The cooler climate and the fertile volcanic soils make arabica beans taste better than beans grown at lower elevations. Higher elevations have a positive impact on the maturation process of the coffee beans. The cooler temperatures slow the growth of the beans, which gives them time to mature.

Each region has its own unique flavors and characteristics. For example, arabica beans from Central America tend to have an even 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. Some soils are enriched with water and give a rich chocolatey flavor. Some have a sand texture that makes the coffee taste less sweet.