High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans possess distinct flavor profiles. Contrary to their lower elevation counterpart, Robusta, which has greater resistance to pests and diseases, Arabica is more susceptible.

The arabica variety that is high-grown is the one sought-after by specialty roasters and high-end coffee shops. What is it that makes this kind of coffee so popular? Scientists have identified the reason behind this: altitude.

High Altitudes

With a long history that stretches from Ethiopia and Yemen to lower Africa and lower Africa, coffee has made its way into the hearts of many, and is an enormous portion of global production today. While low-elevation coffee can be commercially viable and populates the instant coffee sold in supermarkets, true enthusiasts seek out specialty buy arabica coffee beans online grown at high altitudes to elicit more of a complex flavor.

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 high-quality arabica beans. These high-elevation climatic conditions are frost-free, and provide a mild climate with an average annual temperature between 64 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooler temperatures in the mountains slow the growth rate of the coffee plant, allowing it to mature at a slower pace. The coffee beans are able to absorb flavors from the environment, resulting in a unique flavor. The prolonged maturation can also help to prevent the coffee berry borer, which is a small beetle that infests and eats beans as well as the coffee leaf miner moth, which hinders photosynthesis and diminishes productivity.

The combination of these elements makes for a better flavor and taste profile when compared to lower-elevation coffees. Coffee grown higher up has a greater concentration of sweet flavors, such as fruit, citrus and vanilla. It is also richer and more smooth than coffee that is grown lower down. The consistency, sweetness, and depth of flavor make it the top bean for roasters looking to make a high-quality cup of coffee.

High-grown arabica is usually referred to as strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB), meaning that the coffee is grown at an altitude higher than 4000 feet. The beans are typically grown on volcanic soil and are shade-grown, or organically grown. This enhances their already delicious flavor. Since these beans develop and mature more slowly than low-elevation beans generally, they are more dense, which results in a stronger coffee with a more distinct and consistent flavor. This distinctive quality makes SHG and SHB arabica the preferred type of coffee for roasters looking to deliver an exceptional cup.

Cool Climate

The best coffee-growing regions are located in the tropical zone between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This zone is known as the "coffee belt". These mountainous regions are ideal for growing high-quality arabica coffee beans because of the cool climate.

arabica coffee beans in bulk plants can tolerate the most diverse climate conditions. However, their best development occurs in subtropical areas with cool night temperatures and warm daytime temperatures. This unique climate permits the plant to develop unique flavours that express the freedom of. It's these flavors that make the coffee we drink so unique.

While the low-elevation coffees that line the instant coffee aisles at your local supermarket may be growing quickly, aficionados and experts alike realize that these coffees are more bitter and less flavorful than specialty coffee beans produced at higher elevations. In reality the majority of coffee consumed in the world is high-elevation.

The finest arabica coffee beans tend to be cultivated between 3,500 and 6,500 feet above sea level. They are delicious due to the combination of high elevation, cool climate and fertile soil.

Coffee farmers are constantly seeking out the perfect soil conditions for growing high-quality arabica plants. The ideal soil will have a high humus content with a well-draining surface. This type of soil is ideal for growing exclusive arabica coffee beans as it facilitates the growth of healthy roots as well as helps to reduce the incidence of the risk of plant diseases.

Coffee farms prefer a climate that is cool and has a distinct dry time. These conditions allow the plants to grow more slowly and produce the production of a more dense and delicious coffee bean.

Well-Drained Soil

Contrary to the low-elevation varieties that are grown to produce mass quantities and line the aisles of grocery stores the high-quality arabica beans are sought-after by coffee lovers for their unique and sophisticated flavor. The coffee trees are sheltered by tall canopy trees and the volcanic soil is abundant in nutrients. This creates ideal conditions for growing these special beans. The soil is high in nutrients and allows the roots to absorb them, but drains quickly so that there aren't stagnant puddles.

The Arabian coffee plant has a long taproot and shallow fibrous roots which spread outwards from 3 to 4 feet. (0.9-1.2m). 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 to produce fruit.

The cooler climate at higher altitudes slows the growth cycle, which allows the beans to mature more slowly and develop more complex flavors. This translates to a richer and more complex flavor that is far more potent than the lower elevation coffees.

At high altitudes the temperature is lower and the air is more humid. The cool weather is ideal for the coffee plant's sensitive growth, and also helps in reducing the spread of pests and disease that affect lower elevation crops.

Because of the unique soil and climate characteristics, high-altitude coffee farms can produce much more beans than low-elevation farms. This is why you'll often find these superior coffee beans in specialty cafes and top coffee roasters.

If you are planning to grow your own arabica plant pay close attention to its specific needs and use an appropriate soil mix that is in line with the requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that contain excessive ingredients that could stop the roots of your plant from growing. Include compost or other organic matter to increase retention of water without creating a concrete-like surface. Water your plant as soon as the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid over- or under-watering, which can cause root rot.

Unique Flavors

The distinctive flavor profile makes arabica beans highly sought-after. They are more affluent and nuanced than other coffee types with notes of caramel, chocolate fruits, and flowers. The careful cultivation and roasting of beans results in smoother and more sweet taste. These beans also have less acidity and caffeine than other varieties, making them less bitter and easy to drink.

Arabica beans are grown in mountains around the globe that are part of the Coffee Belt. The Coffee Belt is a tropical band which extends 30 degrees 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.

These cherries contain two seeds within them. When the seeds ripen they are separated from their fleshy outer layer and roasted to make coffee. Arabica beans are considered a premium quality arabica coffee beans coffee bean since they are more expensive and possess a more flavor.

The altitudes at which arabica beans are grown is one of the major factors that influence their taste and quality. The cooler climate, the fertile volcanic soils and the cooler climate make arabica beans taste better than beans grown at lower elevation. The higher altitudes can have a positive effect on the process of maturation of coffee beans. This is because cooler temperatures slow down the cycle of growth, which gives them time to mature and create a rich and satisfying taste.

The various regions of coffee production around the globe have distinctive flavor and distinctive characteristics. For example arabica beans from Central America tend to have balanced composition and a light body, while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are known for their savory-sweet flavors. Each region and country has a distinct type of soil, which is why each bean has a distinct flavor. Certain soils are able to hold water and produce a rich chocolaty taste, whereas others have a sandy texture which makes the coffee taste less sweet.