High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans
Arabica coffee beans possess a distinct flavor profile. Arabica is more susceptible to disease and pests than its low-elevation counterpart Robusta.
High-grown arabica is a coveted variety found in premium coffee shops and specialty roasters. What makes this particular coffee special? Scientists have discovered the reason behind this: altitude.
High Altitudes
With a history that extends from Ethiopia and Yemen to lower Africa, coffee has found its way into the hearts of many, and is an enormous portion of global production today. Although low-elevation beans are commercially viable and populates the instant brew found in grocery stores, serious coffee lovers seek out specialty arabica grown at higher altitudes to produce an even more complex flavor profile.
The mountains of the world's foremost coffee-producing countries--Central and South America, Southern Asia and some Pacific Islands, and mid to southern Africa -- provide the ideal growth conditions for the production of high-quality arabica beans. These high-elevation climates are frost free and provide a temperate atmosphere with a perfect annual average temperature of 64 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cooler temperatures in the mountains slow down the process of growth for the coffee plant and permit a longer maturation process. This allows the coffee beans to absorb various flavors from their environment and give them unique characteristics. The extended maturation helps to keep the coffee bean borer which is a tiny beetle, from infesting and eating the beans. It also helps to keep out the coffee leaf miner, a moth that inhibits photosynthesis, and reduces productivity.
Combining these elements results in the best flavor profile and taste compared to coffees that are grown at lower elevations. Coffee that is grown at higher elevations is a better source of sweet flavors, including fruit, citrus and vanilla, while being richer and smoother than lower elevation counterparts. The bean's consistency, sweetness and richness of flavor make it the preferred coffee for roasters who want to make a top-quality cup of joe.
High-grown arabica is commonly called strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB) which means that the coffee is grown at an altitude higher than 4,000 feet. Typically direct trade arabica coffee beans are grown on volcanic soils and are organically grown or shade-grown which adds to their already amazing flavor characteristics. Because they grow and mature slower than those grown at lower elevations generally, they are denser, resulting in a stronger cup with a more distinct and consistent flavor. This distinctive quality makes SHG or SHB arabica the preferred choice for roasters who want to create an espresso that is exceptional.
Cool Climate
The tropical zone that spans the tropical regions of Cancer and Capricorn, known as the coffee belt, is home to the world's premier coffee growing regions. High-quality arabica coffee beans are produced in these mountainous regions where the low altitudes and cool climate provide the ideal conditions for the plant to flourish.
Arabica plants can tolerate an array of climate conditions. However, their most successful growth is seen in subtropical regions with cool night temperatures and warm daytime temperatures. This unique climate enables the plant to develop unique flavors that express the freedom of. These flavors are what makes coffee so distinctive.
While the popularity of low-elevation instant espressos in your local grocery store is growing, coffee lovers and experts agree that these types tend to be bitter and less flavorful when compared to specialty coffee beans grown at higher elevations. The majority of coffee consumed across the globe is high-altitude coffee.
The best arabica coffee beans tend to be grown between 3,000 and 6,500 feet above sea level. The combination of high altitude, cool climate, and fertile soil is the reason these beans are distinctively delicious.
Coffee farmers are always on the lookout to find the ideal soil conditions to grow high-quality arabica plants. The soil should be humus-rich and have a smooth texture that drains well. This kind of soil is ideal for growing arabica, as it encourages healthy roots and helps to minimize the risk of developing plant diseases.
In addition to having a soil that has the right humus content, coffee farms prefer a cool climate with a distinct dry season. These climate patterns allow plants to grow more slowly and result in the production of a more dense and delicious coffee bean.
Well-Drained soil
The arabica beans that are grown to the highest quality are characterized by a sophisticated and complex taste, unlike the low-elevation species grown for mass production. The coffee trees are sheltered by tall canopy trees and the rich volcanic soil that is nutrient-rich provides ideal growing conditions for these particular beans. The soil is abundant in nutrients, allowing the roots to absorb them, but drains quickly so that there are no stagnant puddles.
Arabian coffee plants have a long taproot as well as small fibrous roots that extend outwards for 3 to 4 ft (0.9-1.2 m). The flowers of the cherry are tiny and fragrant, as well as white. They are two-seeded and ripe when they are purple or red. The plant's ability to self-fertilize and does not require cross pollination in order to produce fruit.
The cool temperatures at higher elevations slows the coffee plant's growth cycle, allowing the 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 higher altitudes, the temperature is cooler and the air is more humid. The cooler climate is ideal for sensitive growth of the coffee plant, and it aids in reducing the spread of pests and diseases that attack lower elevation plants.
Because of the unique soil and climate characteristics high-altitude coffee farms are able to produce far more beans than low-elevation farms. You can find these premium coffee beans in specialty cafes and in top coffee roasters.
When you plant your own arabica plant be aware of the specific requirements of your plant and choose a soil mix that aligns with the requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that could be too heavy in ingredients and don't permit the roots of your arabica plant to thrive. Include compost or other organic matter to improve water retention without creating a concrete-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 distinctive flavor profile of arabica beans makes them extremely sought-after. They are more sophisticated and nuanced in taste than other coffees, with notes of flowers, fruit caramel, chocolate and. The careful cultivation and roasting of beans results in a smoother and sweeter taste. They are also less acidic and have less caffeine than other varieties. They are, therefore, less bitter and easier for you to drink.
Arabica beans are grown in mountainous regions around the globe that are part of the Coffee Belt. The Coffee Belt is a tropical region that extends 30 degrees north or south of the Equator. This is where the highest-quality beans are produced. The coffee plants are planted in volcanic and other rich soils. They produce small fruit, which are referred to as coffee cherries.
These cherries have two seeds inside. The seeds are separated from the fleshy outer layer when they ripen and are roasted and ground to create a cup of coffee. Arabica coffee beans are considered to be premium because they are generally more expensive than other varieties of beans and possess a distinct flavor.
The high altitudes in which arabica beans are grown are one of the major factors that affect their taste and quality. The cool climate, fertile volcanic soils and cooler climate make arabica beans taste much better than those grown at lower elevation. Higher elevations can have a positive effect on the maturation process of coffee beans. This is because cooler temperatures slow down the beans' growth cycle and gives them the time to mature and develop a rich and satisfying taste.
The various coffee-growing regions around the globe have their own signature flavors and distinctive characteristics. For instance, arabica beans originate from Central America tend to have a balanced composition and a light body while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are known for their savory-sweet flavors. These distinctive flavor profiles are due to the fact that each region and country has its own unique soil type. Certain soils can hold water well and give a rich chocolatey flavor, while others have a sandy texture that makes the coffee taste less sweet.