Why All The Fuss? High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans? High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

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

High-grown arabica is the sought-after variety that is found in specialty coffee shops and premium roasters. What makes this coffee unique? Scientists have uncovered the reason: altitude.

High Altitudes

With a long history that stretches from Ethiopia and Yemen to lower Africa and lower Africa, coffee has made its way into the hearts of many, and is an enormous portion of global production today. Although low-elevation beans are economically viable and is a major component of the instant coffee sold in grocery stores, serious coffee lovers seek out specialty arabica that is grown at high altitudes to elicit more of a complex flavor.

The mountains 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 ideal growing conditions for high-grown arabica coffee beans. These high-elevation climates are frost free and provide a temperate atmosphere with an average annual temperature of 64 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cool mountain temperatures slow the growth process of the coffee plant, allowing it to mature at a slower pace. This allows the coffee beans to absorb various flavors from their surrounding environment and imbue them with unique characteristics. The prolonged maturation helps prevent 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 flies, which hinders photosynthesis and can reduce productivity.

Combining these factors results in the best flavor profile and a better taste compared to coffees grown at lower elevations. Coffee grown higher up has higher levels of sweet flavors, such as citrus, fruit, and vanilla. It's also more rich and more smooth than coffee grown lower down. Roasters love this coffee due to its sweetness, fullness of flavor and consistency.

High-grown arabica is commonly called strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB) which means that the coffee is located at an elevation higher than 4,000 feet. The beans are usually grown on volcanic soil and are shade-grown, or organically grown. This enhances their already amazing flavor. They are more dense because they mature and grow slower than those that are grown at lower elevations. This makes for a stronger and more consistent coffee. This unique quality makes SHG or SHB arabica a great choice for roasters looking to make an espresso that is exceptional.

Cool Climate

The tropical zone that spans the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, known as the coffee belt, is one of the most sought-after coffee-growing regions. These mountainous regions are ideal for growing high-quality arabica coffee beans because of the cool climate.

Arabica plants are tolerant of many climate conditions however their best growth is found in subtropical zones with cool nights and warm days. This unique climate allows the plant to develop unique flavors that convey freedom. These flavors are what make the coffee we enjoy so unique.

While the popularity of instant coffees with low elevation at your local supermarket is growing, coffee enthusiasts and experts agree that these varieties tend to be more bitter and less flavorful compared to specialty coffee beans grown at higher elevations. The majority of coffee consumed around the globe is high altitude coffee.

The best high grown arabica coffee beans are typically located between 3,000 and 6,000 feet. The combination of high altitude, cool climate, and fertile soil is what makes these beans unique and delicious.

Coffee farmers are constantly seeking out the perfect soil conditions to cultivate high-quality arabica plants. The ideal soil will contain a high amount of humus with a smooth, draining texture. This kind of soil is ideal for growing arabica since it encourages the growth of healthy roots as well as helps reduce the risk of plant diseases.

In addition to having a soil with the right humus content, coffee farms also prefer a cool climate with a distinct dry season. These climate patterns allow plants to mature slowly, which results in a more delicious and full-bodied coffee 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 for their complex and exquisite flavor. The coffee trees are sheltered under tall canopy trees and the nutrient-rich volcanic soil provides ideal growing conditions for these special beans. The soil allows the roots to absorb what they need but also drains quickly to avoid stagnant puddles of water that limit root growth and oxygen intake.

Arabian coffee plants have a long taproot, as well as thin fibrous roots that stretch outwards for 3 to 4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters). The flowers are small, white, and sweet and are often referred to as cherries. They have two seeds inside, and are ripe when red or purple in colour. The plant is self-fertile and requires no cross pollination to produce fruit.

The cooler climate at higher elevations slows down the growth cycle of the coffee plant and allows it to mature more slowly. This allows the beans to develop more intense flavors. This results in a more rich, more complex taste that is much more potent than the lower elevation coffees.

At these higher altitudes, the temperatures are more frigid, and the air is more humid. The cool climate is perfect for the sensitive growth of the coffee plant, and helps to ward off the spread of pests and diseases that plague lower-elevation plants.

Because of the unique conditions of the soil and climate, high-altitude coffee farms are able produce far more beans than low-elevation farms. This is why you'll often find these superior coffee beans in specialty cafes and top coffee roasters.

If you are planning to grow your own Arabica plant, ensure that you be aware of the specific requirements of this plant and choose a mix of soil that is compatible with these requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that may be too heavy in the ingredients and do not allow the roots of your arabica plant to flourish. Compost or other organic matter can be added to the soil to increase water retention, without creating a cement-like texture. Water your plant only when the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid excessive or submerging which can cause root rot.


Unique Flavors

The distinctive flavor profile of arabica beans make them sought-after. They are more complex and nuanced in flavor than other coffees. They have notes of flowers, fruit, caramel and chocolate. gourmet arabica coffee beans that is taken during the cultivation and roasting process results in the smoother, sweeter taste. These beans also contain less caffeine and acidity than other varieties, making them less bitter and more enjoyable to drink.

Arabica beans are grown in mountainous regions of the world, which are part of the Coffee Belt, a tropical band that extends across 30 degrees north and south of the equator. The most affluent beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are cultivated in volcanic soils as well as other soils rich in nutrients which produce small fruit, also known as coffee cherries.

The cherries contain two seeds within them. When the seeds begin to mature, they are separated from their outer layer of flesh and roasted to make coffee. Arabica coffee beans are considered to be premium because they tend to be more expensive than other varieties and also possess a distinct flavor.

The altitude where arabica beans grow is one of the main factors that influences their quality and taste. The cool climate and fertile volcanic soils make arabica beans taste better than those grown at lower altitudes. The higher elevations can have a positive effect on the process of maturation of 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.

Each region has its own distinctive flavor and characteristic. For instance arabica beans originate 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 distinctive tastes are due to fact that each region and country has its own soil type. Some soils hold water well and result in a full, chocolaty taste, while others have a sand-like texture which makes the coffee taste lighter.