High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

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

High-grown arabica coffee beans direct from the source is a coveted variety found in high-end coffee shops and specialty roasters. But what makes this type of coffee so popular? Scientists have identified the reason behind this: altitude.

High Altitudes

With a long history that stretches from Ethiopia and Yemen to lower Africa, coffee has found its way into the hearts of many, forming an enormous portion of the world's production today. While low-elevation coffee is commercially viable and is the basis for the instant brew found in supermarkets, true coffee lovers seek out specialty arabica 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 some Pacific Islands, and mid to southern Africa--provide ideal growing conditions for the high-quality arabica beans. The high-elevation climate conditions are frost-free and offer the climate with a moderate climate, with an average annual temperature ranging from 64 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cool mountain temperatures delay the growth cycle of the coffee plant and allows for a more prolonged maturation process. The coffee beans absorb flavors from the environment, resulting in a unique flavor. The longer maturation period helps stop the coffee bean borer, which is a small beetle, from infesting and eating the beans. It also helps keep out the coffee leaf miner, a flies, which blocks photosynthesis and can reduce productivity.

Combining these elements creates an enhanced flavor profile and taste when compared to coffees grown at lower elevations. Coffee grown higher up has a greater concentration of sweet flavors such as citrus, fruit, and vanilla. It is also richer and smoother than coffee grown lower down. The consistency, sweetness and richness of flavor make it the most popular bean for roasters looking to make a top-quality cup of joe.

High-grown arabica is usually referred to as strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB) meaning that the coffee is grown at a higher altitude than 4,000 feet. Typically the beans are grown on volcanic soils and are organically grown or shade-grown, adding to their already amazing flavor characteristics. These beans are denser due to their maturation and growth slower than beans that are grown at lower altitudes. This results in more robust and consistent coffee. This unique characteristic makes SHG or SHB arabica a great choice for roasters looking to create a cup of coffee that is unique.

Cool Climate

The tropical zone that spans the tropical regions of Cancer and Capricorn, known as the coffee belt is one of the most sought-after coffee-growing regions. high grown arabica coffee beans (try these guys out) are produced in these mountainous regions where the cool climate and high altitudes provide the ideal conditions for the plant to flourish.

Arabica plants can withstand a variety of climate conditions, but their optimal development occurs in subtropical regions with cool nights and warm days. This unique climate permits the plant to develop unique flavors that communicate the freedom. These flavors are what make the coffee we drink so unique.

While the popularity of low-elevation instant coffees in your local grocery store is growing, coffee enthusiasts and experts agree that these kinds tend to be bitter and less tasty compared to specialty coffee beans cultivated at higher altitudes. In reality the majority of coffee consumed in the world is high-elevation.

The best brand of arabica coffee beans arabica coffee beans are said to be cultivated between 3000 and 6,500 feet above sea level. The combination of high altitude, cool climate and fertile soil is what makes these beans so distinctively delicious.

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

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

Well-drained soil

The arabica beans that are grown to the highest quality are characterized by a sophisticated and complex flavor, in contrast to the low-elevation species grown for mass production. The coffee plants are protected by tall canopy trees and the volcanic soil is rich in nutrients and provides ideal growing conditions for these particular beans. The soil is able to allow the roots to absorb the nutrients they need however, it also drains quickly to avoid stagnant puddles of water that limit root growth and oxygen intake.

The Arabian coffee plant has a long taproot, and shallow fibrous roots which extend outwards from 3 to 4 feet. (0.9-1.2m). The flowers are small, white, and sweet and are often referred to as cherries. These drupes are two-seeded and ripe when they are purple or red. The plant's ability to self-fertilize, and does not require cross pollination to produce fruit.

The cooler temperatures at higher elevations slows the development of the coffee plant, allowing it to mature slower. This allows the beans to develop more intense flavors. This leads to a deeper, more complex taste that is much more potent than coffees from lower elevations.

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

Due to the unique soil and climate particulars, high-altitude farms produce more beans than those in lower altitudes. You can find these premium beans in specialty cafes as well as in top coffee roasters.

If you are planning to grow your own Arabica plant, make sure you pay attention to the specific requirements of this plant and select a mixture of soil that matches the requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that could be too heavy in the ingredients and don't permit the roots of your arabica plant to thrive. Include compost or other organic matter to increase the retention of water, without creating a concrete-like texture. Water your plant only when the soil feels dry to the surface. Avoid excessive or submerging which could cause root rot.

Unique Flavors

The distinctive flavor profile makes arabica beans extremely sought-after. They are more sophisticated and nuanced in taste than other coffees, with notes of flowers, fruit caramel, and chocolate. The care taken in the cultivation and roasting process results in the smoother, sweeter taste. They also contain less caffeine and acidity than other varieties which makes them less bitter and more enjoyable to drink.

Arabica beans are grown in mountainous regions around the globe that are part the Coffee Belt. The Coffee Belt is a tropical region that extends 30 degrees to the north or south of the Equator. The most affluent beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are cultivated in volcanic soils and other fertile soils that produce small fruits called coffee cherries.

These cherries contain two seeds. When the seeds begin to mature they are separated from their fleshy outer layer and roasted to make coffee. Arabica beans are considered to be a premium coffee bean since they are more expensive and have greater flavor.

The altitudes at which direct trade arabica coffee beans beans are grown is one of the most important factors that influence the taste and quality of these beans. The cooler climate and the fertile volcanic soils make single origin arabica coffee beans beans taste better than those grown at lower altitudes. Higher altitudes also have a positive effect on the maturation process of coffee beans. The cooler temperatures slow the growth cycle of the beans, which gives them the chance to mature.

Each region has its own unique flavors and characteristics. For example, arabica beans originate from Central America tend to have balanced composition and a light body while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are well-known for their sweet and savory flavors. Each region or country has a different soil type and this is the reason each bean has a unique flavor. Certain soils can hold water well and produce a rich, chocolaty taste, while others have a sand-like texture that makes the coffee taste lighter.