High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans
Arabica coffee beans are characterized by a distinctive flavor. Arabica is more susceptible to diseases 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 so special? Scientists have uncovered the reason: altitude.
High Altitudes
Coffee has a long and rich history that spans from Ethiopia to Yemen and the lower part of Africa. It is now a major part of the production world. Although low-elevation beans are commercially viable and is the basis for the instant coffee sold in grocery stores, serious enthusiasts seek out specialty arabica that is grown at higher altitudes to produce more of a complex flavor.
The mountainous regions of the world's top coffee-producing countries, including Central and South America, Southern Asia, some Pacific Islands and mid-to-southern Africa provide the ideal conditions for the cultivation of high-quality arabica beans. These high-elevation regions are frost-free and provide a temperate atmosphere with a perfect average annual temperature of 64 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cool mountain temperatures slow down the growth cycle of the coffee plant and permit a longer maturation process. This allows the coffee beans to absorb a variety of flavors from their environment and give them unique characteristics. The extended maturation also helps to prevent the coffee berry borer which is a tiny beetle that infests and eats beans, as well as the coffee leaf miner, a moth that inhibits photosynthesis and reduces productivity.
Combining these elements results in a superior flavor profile and taste compared to coffees grown at lower elevations. Coffee grown higher up has more sweet flavors, such as fruit, citrus, and vanilla. It is also richer and smoother than coffee grown lower. The bean's consistency, sweetness and richness of flavor make it the most popular bean for roasters seeking to make a high-quality cup of coffee.
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. arabica coffee beans for sale are typically cultivated on volcanic soils and are shade-grown, or organically cultivated. This adds to their already amazing flavor. Because these beans grow and mature slower than low-elevation beans, they tend to be denser, resulting in a stronger and more robust coffee with a more pronounced and consistent flavor. This distinctive characteristic makes SHG and SHB arabica a preferred choice of coffee for roasters who want to deliver an exceptional cup.
Cool Climate
The most renowned coffee-growing regions are located in the tropical zone that lies between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This zone is referred to as the "coffee belt". These mountainous regions are perfect for cultivating high-quality arabica beans due to the cool climate.
Arabica plants can withstand the most diverse climate conditions. However, their best development occurs in subtropical areas with cool evenings and warm temperatures during the daytime. This unique climate allows the plant to develop complex flavors that express the freedom of. It's these flavors that make the coffee we drink so distinctive.
While the popularity of low-elevation instant espressos at your local grocery store is growing, coffee enthusiasts and experts agree that these varieties tend to be more bitter and less tasty compared to specialty coffee beans grown at higher elevations. The majority of coffee consumed across the world is high altitude coffee.
The best arabica coffee beans tend to be grown between 3,000 to 6,500 feet above sea level. The combination of high altitude, cool climate and fertile soil is the reason these beans are unique and delicious.
Coffee farmers are always looking for the ideal soil conditions to grow high-quality arabica plants. The ideal soil will be rich in humus with a well-draining texture. This kind of soil is perfect for arabica plants, since it aids in maintaining healthy roots and to reduce the risk of the risk of developing plant diseases.
In addition to a soil that has the right humus content, coffee farms also prefer a cool climate that has a distinct dry season. These climate patterns allow the plants to mature slowly, resulting in a more flavorful and full-bodied bean.
Well-Drained soil
The high-grown arabica coffee beans are characterized by a sophisticated and complex flavor, in contrast to the low-elevation varieties that are used for mass production. The coffee plants are protected under tall canopy trees and the rich volcanic soil that is nutrient-rich provides ideal growing conditions for these particular beans. The soil is rich in nutrients and allows the roots to absorb them, however it drains quickly, so that there aren't stagnant puddles.
The Arabian coffee plant has a long taproot, and a few fibrous roots that spread outwards between 3 and 4 ft. (0.9-1.2m). The cherries' flowers are small delicate, fragrant and white. They are two-seeded and mature when they are red or purple. The plant's arabica can self-fertilize and doesn't require cross pollination in order to produce fruit.
The cool temperatures at higher elevations slows the growth cycle, allowing beans to mature more slowly and develop more complex flavors. This results in a coffee that is more rich and complex, and has a more pronounced flavor than coffees that are grown at lower altitudes.
At high altitudes the temperatures are cooler and the air is more humid. The cool, dry weather is perfect for the sensitive coffee plant's growth, and helps in preventing the spread of pests and diseases that plague lower elevation crops.
Due to the particular soil and climate characteristics, high-altitude farms can produce more beans than those at lower altitudes. This is why you will often find these superior coffee beans in specialty cafes as well as premium coffee roasters.
If you are planning to grow your own arabica plant pay attention to the specific requirements of your plant and choose an appropriate soil mix that is in line with these needs. Avoid commercial mixes that contain too many ingredients, which could stop the roots of your plant from developing. Compost or other organic matter can be added to the soil to improve the retention of water, but without creating a cement-like surface. Water your plant once the soil dries out to the touch. Avoid over- or under-watering, which can cause root rot.
Unique Flavors
The distinctive flavor profile of arabica beans make them extremely sought-after. They are more complex and nuanced in flavor than other coffees, with notes of fruit, flowers, caramel and chocolate. The attention to detail that is taken during growing and roasting produces the smoother, sweeter taste. These beans also have less acidity and caffeine than other varieties and are therefore less bitter and more enjoyable 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 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 grown in volcanic soils as well as other rich soils which produce small fruit, also known as coffee cherries.
The cherries contain two seeds within them. The seeds are separated from the fleshy outer layer as they ripen and are crushed and roasted to make the coffee. Arabica coffee beans are a premium variety because they are typically more expensive than other varieties and also have a more complex flavor.
The high altitudes at which arabica beans grow is among the major factors that influence their taste and quality. The cooler climate, the fertile volcanic soils, and the cooler climate make arabica beans taste much better than beans grown at lower elevation. Higher elevations influence the maturation process of the coffee beans. This is because the cooler temperatures slow down the beans' growth cycle, which gives them time to mature and create a rich and satisfying taste.
The various coffee-growing regions around the globe have their own signature flavor and distinctive characteristics. For instance, arabica beans originate 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. Each region and country has a different soil type and this is the reason each bean has a unique flavor. Certain soils are rich in water and give a rich, chocolatey taste. Others have a sand texture which makes the coffee taste less sweet.