Speak "Yes" To These 5 High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans Tips

High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans possess a distinct flavor profile. Arabica is more prone to disease and pests than its lower elevation counterpart Robusta.

High-grown arabica is a sought-after variety that is found in high-end coffee shops and specialty roasters. What makes this particular coffee special? Scientists have uncovered 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 the majority of the world's production today. While low-elevation coffee is economically viable and is a major component of the instant brews sold in grocery stores, serious enthusiasts seek out specialty arabica that is grown at higher altitudes for 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 are ideal to grow high-quality arabica beans. These high-elevation regions are frost-free and offer a pleasant climate with a perfect annual average temperature of 64-73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cool mountain temperatures slow down the growth cycle of the coffee plant and allows for a more prolonged maturation process. The coffee beans are able to absorb flavors from the environment, resulting in distinct flavors. The prolonged maturation also helps in preventing the coffee berry borer which is a small batch arabica coffee beans aphid that infests and eats beans, as well as the coffee leaf miner moth, which hinders photosynthesis and diminishes productivity.

Combining these elements creates a superior flavor profile and taste when compared to coffees grown at lower elevations. Coffee that is grown at higher altitudes has a heightened concentration of sweet flavors, such as citrus, fruit and vanilla and is also richer and smoother than lower elevation counterparts. The bean's consistency, sweetness and fullness of flavor make it the most popular bean for roasters seeking to produce an exceptionally premium arabica coffee beans blend 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 4000 feet. Typically the beans are cultivated on volcanic soil and are organically grown or shade-grown which adds to their already impressive flavor profiles. These beans are drier because they mature and grow slower than beans grown at lower altitudes. This makes for an even stronger and consistent coffee. This distinctive quality makes SHG and SHB arabica the most popular type of coffee for roasters looking to make a great cup.

Cool Climate

The tropical zone spanning the tropical regions of Cancer and Capricorn, also known as the coffee belt, is one of the most sought-after coffee growing regions. These mountainous regions are ideal for cultivating high-quality arabica beans due to the cool climate.

Arabica plants can withstand the most diverse climate conditions. However, their greatest growth is seen in subtropical regions with cool evenings and warm temperatures during the daytime. This unique climate permits the plant to develop unique flavours that express freedom. These flavors are what make coffee so unique.

While the popularity of low-elevation instant espressos at your local supermarket is growing, coffee lovers and experts agree that these types tend to be bitter and less tasty compared to specialty coffee beans that are grown at higher altitudes. The majority of coffee consumed across the globe is high-altitude coffee.

The highest quality high-grown arabica coffee beans are generally grown at altitudes between three and six thousand feet. They are delicious due to the combination of high elevation with cool climate and fertile soil.

Coffee farmers are always looking for the perfect soil conditions to grow high-quality arabica plants. The ideal soil will be rich in humus with a smooth, draining texture. This type of soil is ideal for cultivating arabica since it encourages the growth of healthy roots and helps minimize plant diseases.

In addition to a soil with the right 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 a more dense 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 varieties that are used for mass production. The coffee trees are sheltered by tall canopy trees, and the volcanic soil is full of nutrients. This provides the ideal conditions for the cultivation of these unique beans. The soil is able to allow the roots to absorb what they need but also drains quickly to avoid stagnant water puddles that restrict the growth of the roots and oxygen intake.

The Arabian coffee plant has a long taproot, and fibrous roots that are shallow, which spread outwards between 3 and 4 ft. (0.9-1.2m). The flowers are small, white and fragrant and are referred to as cherries. The drupes contain two seeds inside, and are ripe when they're red or purple in colour. The plant's ability to self-fertilize, and does not require cross pollination to produce fruit.

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

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

Because of the particular soil and climate characteristics high-altitude coffee farms are able produce much more beans than low-elevation farms. You can find these top beans at specialty cafes and in the finest coffee roasters.

When growing your own buy arabica coffee beans plant, be sure to be aware of the particular needs of this plant and choose a mix of soil that matches these requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that may be too heavy in 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 improve water retention, but without creating a cement-like surface. Water your plant only when the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid excessive or submerging which can cause root rot.

Unique Flavors

The unique flavor profile makes arabica beans highly sought after. They are richer and more sophisticated than other coffees that have notes of chocolate, caramel, fruit and flowers. The careful cultivation and roasting beans gives smoother and more sweet taste. These beans are also less acidic and contain less caffeine than other varieties. They are therefore less bitter and are easier 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 finest beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are grown in volcanic soils as well as other fertile soils which produce small fruit, also known as coffee cherries.

These cherries contain two seeds inside. As the seeds mature, they are separated from their outer layer of flesh and roasted to make coffee. Arabica beans are considered a premium coffee bean since they are more expensive and have a richer flavor.

The high altitudes at which arabica beans are grown are one of the major factors that affect their taste and quality. The cool climate, fertile volcanic soils, and the cooler climate makes arabica beans taste more delicious than beans grown at lower elevation. The higher altitudes also have a positive effect on the maturation process of coffee beans. The cooler temperatures slow the growth of the beans, allowing them the chance to mature.

Each region has its own distinct flavor and distinctive characteristics. For instance arabica beans from Central America tend to have an even composition and a light body, while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are known for their savory-sweet flavors. These unique flavors are due to the fact that each country and region has its own distinct soil type. Certain soils can hold water well and result in a full chocolaty taste, whereas others have a sand-like texture which makes the coffee taste lighter.