High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans are characterized by a distinct taste. Contrary to their lower elevation counterpart, Robusta, which has more resistance to pests and diseases, Arabica is more susceptible.

The arabica variety that is high-grown is the one most sought after by specialty roasters and premium coffee shops. What makes this coffee so special? Scientists have found the reason: altitude.

High Altitudes

Coffee has a long and rich history that spans from Ethiopia to Yemen and even lower Africa. It is now a major part of the production world. While low-elevation coffee is commercially viable and populates the instant brews sold in grocery stores, true enthusiasts seek out specialty arabica that is grown at higher altitudes for more of a complex flavor.

The mountainous regions of the world's foremost coffee producing countries - Central and South America, Southern Asia and a few Pacific Islands, and mid to southern Africa -- provide the ideal growth conditions for the production of high-quality arabica beans. The high-elevation climate conditions are frost-free and provide the climate with a moderate climate, with an average annual temperature of 64 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooler temperatures in the mountains slow down the coffee plant's growth cycle and allows for a more prolonged maturation process. The coffee beans can absorb flavors from the surrounding environment, resulting in distinct flavors. The extended maturation also helps to prevent the coffee berry borer, a small beetle that infests and eats the beans as well as the coffee leaf miner moth, which hinders photosynthesis and diminishes productivity.

The combination of these factors creates a more palatable flavor and taste profile when compared to lower-elevation coffees. Coffee grown at higher elevations has a higher concentration of sweet flavors, such as citrus, vanilla and fruit, while being richer and smoother than lower elevation counterparts. Roasters like this bean because of its sweetness, richness of flavour 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 4000 feet. The beans are typically cultivated on volcanic soil, and they are shade-grown, or organically grown. This adds to their already amazing flavors. Because they mature and grow slower than low-elevation beans, they tend to be more dense, which results in a stronger cup with a more distinct and consistent flavor. This distinctive quality makes SHG or SHB arabica the coffee of choice for roasters who want to produce a cup of coffee that is exceptional.

Cool Climate

The tropical zone spanning the tropical regions of Cancer and Capricorn, known as the coffee belt, is the most prestigious of coffee growing regions. high grown arabica coffee beans (tony-sheryl.com) are grown in these mountains where the cooler climate and high altitudes provide the ideal conditions for the plant to flourish.

Arabica plants can withstand the most diverse climate conditions. However, their greatest growth is seen in subtropical regions with cool night temperatures and warm daytime temperatures. This unique climate enables the plant to create complex flavors that communicate the freedom. These flavors are what makes coffee so special.

While the low-elevation varieties of coffee that line the instant coffee aisle of your local grocery store may be growing quickly, aficionados and experts alike recognize that these varieties are more bitter and less flavorful than specialty coffee beans grown at higher altitudes. The majority of coffee consumed around the world is high altitude coffee.

The best arabica coffee beans in the world high grown arabica coffee beans are generally grown at altitudes ranging from 3000 and 6,000 feet. They are delicious because of the combination of high elevation with cool climate and fertile soil.

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

In addition to a soil with the right humus content, coffee farms prefer a cooler climate with a distinct dry season. These climate patterns allow plants to mature slower and produce the production of a more dense and delicious coffee bean.

Well-Drained soil

The Arabicica coffee beans that are high-grown are characterized by a sophisticated and complex taste, which is different from the low-elevation variety that is used for mass production. The coffee trees are protected by tall canopy trees and the volcanic soil is rich in nutrients. This creates ideal conditions for the cultivation of these particular beans. The soil is high in nutrients and allows the roots to absorb them, but drains quickly so that there are no stagnant puddles.

The Arabian coffee plant has a long taproot, and shallow fibrous roots which extend outwards from 3 to 4 ft. (0.9-1.2m). The cherry's flowers are small, fragrant and white. These drupes have two seeds inside, and are ripe when they are red or purple in colour. The ethically sourced arabica coffee beans plant can self-fertilize and doesn't require cross pollination in order to produce fruit.

The cool temperatures at higher elevations slows the coffee plant's growth cycle, allowing beans to mature more slowly and develop more complex flavors. This results in a more rich, more complex taste that is more potent than lower-elevation coffees.

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

Due to the unique 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 the finest coffee roasters.

When growing your own Arabica plant, ensure that you be aware of the specific needs of this plant and choose a mix of soil that is compatible with the requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that contain too many ingredients, which could prevent the roots of your plant from growing. Organic matter such as compost or other can be added to the soil in order to improve water retention, without creating a texture that resembles cement. Water your plant only when the soil feels dry to the surface. Avoid over- or underwatering which can cause root rot.

Unique Flavors

The distinctive flavor profile makes arabica beans extremely sought-after. They are more rich and nuanced than other coffee types, with notes of chocolate, caramel, fruit and flowers. The care that is taken during growing and roasting produces a smoother, sweeter taste. They also have less caffeine and acidity than other varieties, making them less bitter and more enjoyable to drink.

Arabica beans are grown in the mountains of the world that are part of the Coffee Belt, a tropical band that spans 30 degrees north and south of the equator. This is where the highest-quality beans are produced. The coffee plants are grown in volcanic and other fertile soils. They produce small fruit that are known as coffee cherries.

The cherries have two seeds. The seeds are separated from the fleshy outer layer as they ripen and are ground and roasted to make a cup of coffee. Arabica coffee beans are a premium variety because they tend to be more expensive than other varieties of bean and have a more complex taste.

The high altitudes at which arabica beans are grown are one of the major factors that influence the taste and quality of these beans. The cool climate, the fertile volcanic soils and cooler climate make arabica beans taste much better than those grown lower in elevation. The higher elevations can have a positive effect on the process of maturation of coffee beans. This is due to the cooler temperatures slow down the beans' growth cycle which allows them to mature and create a rich and satisfying taste.

Each region has its own unique flavor and distinctive characteristics. The arabica beans of Central America are known to have a balanced composition with a light body. The beans from Ethiopia and Kenya on the other hand, are renowned for their sweet and savory flavor. Each region and country has a distinct type of soil and this is the reason each bean has a unique flavor. Some soils hold water well and produce a rich, chocolaty taste, while others have a sand-like texture that makes the coffee taste lighter.