High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans are characterized by a distinctive flavor. Arabica is more prone to diseases and pests than its low-elevation counterpart Robusta.

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

High Altitudes

Coffee has a long and rich history that stretches from Ethiopia to Yemen and even lower Africa. It is now a major part of the global production. Although low-elevation beans are commercially viable and populates the instant brew found in grocery stores, true coffee lovers seek out specialty arabica grown at high altitudes to elicit an even more complex flavor profile.

The mountainous regions in the world's leading coffee producing countries, including Central and South America, Southern Asia, a few Pacific Islands and mid-to-southern Africa, provide ideal conditions for growing high-grown arabica beans. These high-elevation climates are not frosty and provide a temperate atmosphere with an average annual temperature of 64-73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooler temperatures in the mountains 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 surroundings and give them unique characteristics. The longer maturation period can also help to prevent the coffee berry borer which is a small aphid that infests and eats beans, as well as the coffee leaf miner, a moth that inhibits photosynthesis and diminishes productivity.

The combination of these elements creates a more palatable taste and flavor profile in comparison to lower elevation coffees. The higher elevation coffees have more sweet flavors like citrus, fruit and vanilla. It's also more astringent and more smooth than coffee that is grown lower down. Roasters like this bean due to its sweetness, richness 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 grown at a higher altitude than 4,000 feet. The beans are typically cultivated on volcanic soil, and they are shade-grown, or organically grown. This adds to their already impressive flavors. They are more dense because they mature and develop slower than beans grown at lower altitudes. This results in an even stronger and consistent coffee. This unique quality makes SHG and SHB arabica a preferred choice of coffee for roasters looking to create a unique cup.

Cool Climate

The world's best coffee growing regions are located in the tropical zone between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This region is known as the "coffee belt". High grown arabica coffee beans are produced in these mountainous regions where the cool climate and high altitudes provide the perfect conditions for the plant to thrive.

Arabica plants can withstand an array of climate conditions. However, their best growth occurs in subtropical regions with cool evenings and warm temperatures during the daytime. This unique climate enables the plant to create complex flavors that express the freedom. It's these flavors that make the coffee we enjoy so special.

While the low-elevation coffees that line the instant coffee aisles of your local grocery store may be growing quickly, experts and aficionados alike realize that these coffees are less bitter and flavorful than specialty coffee beans produced at higher elevations. In reality, the majority of the coffee consumed around the world is high-elevation coffee.

The best arabica coffee beans tend to be grown between 3,500 and 6,500 feet above sea level. These beans are delicious due to the combination of high elevation and cool climate, as well as fertile soil.

Coffee farmers are always seeking out the perfect soil conditions for growing high-quality arabica plants. The soil must be humus-rich and have a smooth texture that drains well. This type of soil is ideal for growing arabica because it promotes the growth of healthy roots and also helps to reduce the incidence of plant diseases.

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

Well-Drained soil

Contrary to the low-elevation varieties that are cultivated to produce mass quantities and line the aisles of supermarkets the high-quality gourmet arabica coffee beans coffee beans are coveted by aficionados due to their rich and refined flavor. The coffee plants are protected 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 what they need but also drains quickly, preventing stagnant water puddles that restrict 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 flowers are small, white, and sweet and are often referred to as cherries. The drupes are double-seeded and ripe when they are purple or red. The arabica plant is self-fertile and doesn't require cross pollination to produce fruit.

The cooler climate at higher altitudes slows the growth cycle, allowing beans to mature more slowly and develop more complex flavors. This results in a cup that is richer and more complex, and has a more intense flavor than coffees that are produced at lower elevations.

At high altitudes the temperature is lower and the air is more humid. The cool weather is ideal for the coffee plant's sensitive growth, and also helps in preventing the spread of pests and diseases that affect lower elevation crops.

Because of the particular conditions of the soil and climate, high-altitude coffee farms are able to produce much more beans than low-elevation farms. You can find these top beans in specialty cafes as well as in premium single origin arabica coffee beans coffee roasters.

When you plant your own arabica plant, make sure you pay attention to the specific needs of this plant and use a mix of soil that meets these requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that could contain too many ingredients and do not 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 only when the soil feels dry to the feel. Avoid excessive or submerging which could cause root rot.

Unique Flavors

The distinctive flavor profile of arabica beans make them highly sought-after. They are more rich and complex in flavor than other coffees, with notes of fruit, flowers caramel, and chocolate. The careful cultivation and roasting of beans gives a smoother and sweeter taste. These beans are also less acidic and have less caffeine than other varieties. They are also less bitter and are easier for you to drink.

Arabica beans are grown in mountainous regions of the world which are part of the Coffee Belt. The Coffee Belt is a tropical band that extends 30 degrees to the north or south of the Equator. This is where the best-quality beans are grown. The coffee plants are grown in volcanic soils as well as other rich soils which produce small fruit, also known as coffee cherries.

These cherries contain two seeds. As the seeds mature, they are separated from their fleshy outer layer and roasted to make coffee. Arabica beans are considered a premium arabica coffee beans blend coffee bean due to the fact that they are more expensive and have greater flavor.

The altitudes at which arabica beans are grown are one of the main factors that influence the taste and quality of these beans. The cool climate, fertile volcanic soils, and the cooler climate make arabica beans taste more delicious than those grown lower in elevation. The higher altitudes also have a positive effect on the maturation of coffee beans. The cooler temperatures slow the growth cycle of the beans, allowing them time to mature.

The various coffee-growing regions across the globe each have distinctive flavor and distinctive 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 distinctive tastes are due to fact that each country and region has its own distinct soil type. Some soils hold water well and produce a rich chocolaty taste, whereas others have a sandy texture which makes the coffee taste lighter.