High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans
Arabica coffee beans are distinguished by a distinct flavor. Arabica is more prone to disease and pests than its lower elevation counterpart Robusta.
The arabica variety that is high-grown is the most sought after by specialty roasters and premium coffee shops. What makes this particular coffee unique? Scientists have discovered the reason the reason is altitude.
High Altitudes
Coffee has a long and rich history that spans from Ethiopia to Yemen and lower Africa. medium roast arabica coffee beans is now a significant part of the production world. While low-elevation beans can be sold commercially and are the basis of instant coffee you can find in your local grocery stores, real coffee lovers prefer specialty arabicas that are grown at in higher altitudes for an enticing flavor profile.
The mountains 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. These high-elevation climatic conditions are frost-free and offer a temperate climate with an average annual temperature ranging from 64 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cool mountain temperatures slow down the growth rate of the coffee plant, allowing it to mature slower. This allows the coffee beans to absorb a variety of flavors from their environment and give them unique characteristics. The longer maturation period can also help to prevent the coffee berry borer, a small aphid which infests and consumes the beans, as well as the coffee leaf miner moth, a pest that hinders photosynthesis and reduces productivity.
The combination of these factors creates a more palatable flavor and taste profile when compared to lower-elevation coffees. Coffee that is grown at higher altitudes has a higher concentration of sweet flavors, such as citrus, vanilla and fruit, while being richer and smoother than lower elevation counterparts. The consistency, sweetness, and depth of flavor make it the preferred bean for roasters looking to produce an exceptionally premium cup of joe.
High-grown arabica is commonly referred to as strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB) which means that the coffee is grown at a higher altitude than 4000 feet. Typically the beans are grown on volcanic soils and are shade-grown or organically cultivated and have impressive flavor characteristics. Since these beans develop and mature more slowly than low-elevation beans, they tend to be more dense, which results in a stronger coffee with a more pronounced and consistent flavor. This unique quality makes SHG and SHB arabica the most popular type of coffee for roasters looking to deliver an exceptional 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". These mountainous regions are ideal for the cultivation of high-quality arabica beans because of the cool climate.
Arabica plants can withstand a variety of climates but their peak growth is found in subtropical zones with cool nights and warm days. This unique climate permits the plant to develop unique flavors that convey the freedom of. It's these flavors that make the coffee we love so unique.
While the low-elevation coffees lining the instant coffee aisle at your local supermarket may be growing quickly, aficionados and experts alike know that these types are less bitter and flavorful than specialty coffee beans that are grown at higher elevations. The majority of coffee consumed across the globe is high-altitude coffee.
The highest quality high-grown arabica coffee beans are usually grown at altitudes ranging from three and six thousand feet. They are delicious due to the combination of high elevation with cool climate and fertile soil.
Coffee farmers are constantly on the lookout to find the ideal soil conditions to cultivate high-quality arabica plants. Ideally, the soil should be rich in humus with a smooth, draining texture. This type of soil is ideal for arabica plants, since it encourages healthy roots and helps to prevent the spread of the risk of developing plant diseases.
In addition to having a soil that has the proper humus content, coffee farms also prefer a cooler climate with a distinct dry season. These conditions allow the plants to grow more slowly, which results in an even more dense and flavorful 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 trees grow sheltered by tall canopy trees and the volcanic soil is rich in nutrients and creates the ideal conditions for the growth of these special beans. The soil is able to allow the roots to absorb the nutrients they require however, it also drains quickly to avoid stagnant water puddles that restrict the growth of the roots and oxygen intake.
Arabian coffee plants have a long taproot as well as thin fibrous roots that stretch outwards for 3 to 4 ft (0.9-1.2 m). The flowers of the cherry are small and fragrant, as well as white. These drupes are two-seeded and ripe when they turn red or purple. The arabica plant is self-fertile and requires no cross pollination to set fruit.
The cooler temperatures at higher elevations slows the coffee plant's growth cycle, allowing beans to mature more slowly and develop deeper flavors. This results in a coffee that is richer and more complex, with a much stronger taste than coffees that are grown at lower altitudes.
At these higher altitudes, temperatures are more frigid, and the air is more humid. The cool climate is ideal for sensitive growth of the coffee plant and it helps suppress the spread pests and diseases that plague lower-elevation plants.
Due to the unique soil and climate characteristics, high-altitude farms can produce more beans than those at lower elevations. You can find these premium beans at specialty cafes and in premium coffee roasters.
When growing your own Arabica plant, make sure you pay attention to the specific needs of this plant and use a mix of soil that is compatible with these needs. Avoid commercial mixes that may be too heavy in the ingredients and don't allow the roots of your arabica plant to flourish. Incorporate compost or other organic matter to increase retention of water without creating a concrete-like appearance. Water your plant only when the soil is dry to the surface. Avoid over- or underwatering which can cause root rot.
Unique Flavors
The distinctive flavor profile of arabica beans makes them extremely sought-after. They are more rich and nuanced than other coffee types, with notes of caramel, chocolate fruits and flowers. The care taken in cultivation and roasting results in the smoother, 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 mountains of the world that are part of the Coffee Belt, a tropical band that spans 30 degrees north and south of the equator. The best beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are cultivated in volcanic soils as well as other fertile soils which produce small fruit, also known as coffee cherries.
The cherries have two seeds. The seeds are separated from the fleshy outer layer once they mature and are then crushed and roasted to make a cup of coffee. Arabica beans are considered a premium coffee bean because they are more expensive and possess a more flavor.
The high altitudes at which arabica beans are grown are one of the main factors that influence the taste and quality of these beans. The cooler climate and the fertile volcanic soils make arabica beans taste better than beans grown at lower altitudes. Higher elevations have a positive impact on the maturation process of coffee beans. The cooler temperatures slow the growth of the beans, allowing them time to mature.
The different coffee-growing regions around the globe have distinctive 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. These distinctive tastes are due to fact that each country and region has its own distinct soil type. Certain soils can hold water well and produce a rich chocolatey flavor, while others have a sand-like texture which makes the coffee taste less sweet.