High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans
Arabica coffee beans are characterized by a distinct taste. In contrast to their low-elevation counterpart Robusta, which has greater resistance to diseases and pests, Arabica is more susceptible.
The high-grown arabica variety is the one most sought-after by specialty roasters and high-end coffee shops. What makes this coffee so special? Scientists have uncovered the reason behind this: 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 component of the world’s production. While low-elevation coffee is commercially viable and populates the instant coffee sold in grocery stores, true enthusiasts look for specialty arabicas that are grown at high altitudes to elicit an even more complex flavor profile.
The mountainous regions of the world’s leading coffee producing countries, like Central and South America, Southern Asia and a few Pacific Islands and mid-to-southern Africa, provide ideal conditions to grow high-quality arabica beans. These high-elevation climates are not frosty and provide a temperate atmosphere with an average annual temperature of 64 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cool mountain temperatures slow down the process of growth for the coffee plant and allows for a more prolonged maturation process. The coffee beans absorb flavors from the surrounding environment, giving them distinct flavors. The extended maturation can also help to prevent the coffee berry borer, which is a tiny beetle that infests and eats the beans as well as the coffee leaf miner moth, which hinders photosynthesis and reduces productivity.
Combining these factors results in a superior flavor profile and a better taste compared to coffees grown at lower elevations. Coffee grown higher up has higher levels of sweet flavors such as fruit, citrus, and vanilla. It is also richer and more smooth than coffee that is grown lower down. The bean’s consistency, sweetness and fullness of flavor make it the top bean for roasters seeking to produce an exceptionally high-quality arabica coffee beans cup of coffee.
High-grown arabica coffee is also called strictly high-grown or strictly hard bean. This means that the coffee was cultivated at a higher altitude than 4,000 feet. The beans are typically grown on volcanic soil and are shade-grown, or organically grown. This adds to their already impressive flavors. Because they grow and mature slower than those with lower elevation, they tend to be denser, resulting in a stronger and more robust coffee with a more distinct and consistent flavor. This unique quality makes SHG or SHB versatile arabica coffee beans the coffee of choice for roasters looking to create a cup of coffee that is exceptional.
Cool Climate
The best coffee-growing regions are located in the tropical zone that lies between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This region is referred to as the “coffee belt”. High grown arabica coffee beans are grown in these mountainous regions where the cool climate and high altitudes provide the perfect conditions for the plant to thrive.
Arabica plants can withstand a wide range of climate conditions. However, their greatest development occurs in subtropical areas with cool nights and warm daytime temperatures. This unique climate permits the plant to develop complex flavors that reflect the freedom of. These flavors are what make coffee so unique.
While the low-elevation varieties of coffee that line the instant coffee aisles of your local grocery store may be growing quickly, aficionados and experts alike realize that these coffees are less bitter and flavorful than specialty coffee beans grown at higher elevations. In reality, the majority of the coffee consumed around the world is high-elevation coffee.
The finest high-grown arabica coffee beans are generally grown at altitudes ranging from 3000 and 6,000 feet. They are delicious due to the combination of high elevation, cool climate and fertile soil.
Coffee farmers are constantly on the lookout to find the ideal soil conditions to cultivate high-quality arabica plants. The soil should be rich in humus and have a texture that drains well. This type of soil is ideal for arabica cultivation, since it encourages healthy roots and helps to reduce the risk of plant diseases.
In addition to having a soil that has the right humus content, coffee farms also prefer a cool climate with a distinct dry season. These climate patterns allow plants to grow more slowly, which results in the production of a more dense and delicious bean.
Well-Drained Soil
The Arabicica coffee beans that are high-grown have a rich and sophisticated taste, which is different from the low-elevation variety that is used for mass production. The coffee trees are sheltered under tall canopy trees and the nutrient-rich volcanic soil provides ideal growing conditions for these particular beans. The soil allows the roots to absorb what they need but also drains quickly, preventing stagnant puddles of water that limit the growth of the roots and oxygen intake.
The Arabian coffee plant has a long taproot and shallow fibrous roots which spread outwards between 3 and 4 ft. (0.9-1.2m). The flowers are small, white, and fragrant and are known as cherries. The drupes contain two seeds inside, and are ripe when they are either purple or red. The arabica plant is self-fertile and does not require cross pollination to set fruit.
The cool temperatures at higher elevations slows the growth cycle, which allows the beans to mature more slowly and develop deeper flavors. This results in a cup that is richer and more complex, with a more intense flavor than coffees that are produced at lower elevations.
At these altitudes, temperatures are more frigid, and the air is more humid. The cooler climate is ideal for the sensitive growth of the coffee plant and helps to ward off the spread of diseases and pests that attack lower elevation plants.
Due to the particular climate and soil characteristics, high-altitude coffee farms are able produce far more beans than low-elevation farms. This is why you’ll typically find these top beans in specialty cafes and top coffee roasters.
When growing your own reserve Arabica Coffee beans plant pay close attention to the specific requirements of your plant and choose the right soil mix to align with these needs. Avoid commercial mixes that may be too heavy in the ingredients and don’t permit the roots of your arabica plant to grow. Include compost or other organic matter to improve retention of water without creating a concrete-like surface. Water your plant once the soil is dry to the touch, avoiding excessive or inadequate watering, which can lead to root rot.
Unique Flavors
The unique 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 careful cultivation and roasting beans results in smoother and more sweet taste. They are also less acidic and contain less caffeine than other varieties. They are therefore less bitter and easier to drink.
Arabica beans are grown in mountainous regions of the world 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 finest beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are grown in volcanic and other rich soils, which produce small fruits that are referred to as coffee cherries.
The cherries have two seeds. When the seeds begin to mature, they are separated from their outer layer of flesh and roasted to make coffee. Arabica beans are regarded as a premium single origin arabica coffee beans coffee bean since they are more expensive and possess a a richer flavor.
The altitude at which green arabica coffee beans beans are grown is one of the main 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. The higher elevations also have a positive impact on the maturation of coffee beans. This is because cooler temperatures slow down the process of growing beans and gives them the time to mature and develop a rich and satisfying taste.
The different coffee-growing regions across the globe each have their own signature flavors and characteristics. The arabica beans of Central America are known to have a balanced composition with a light roast arabica coffee beans body. Those from Ethiopia and Kenya, on the other hand, are renowned for having a savory-sweet flavor. The distinctive tastes are due to fact that each country and region has its own unique soil type. Some soils are enriched with water and have a rich, chocolatey taste. Others have a sand-like texture that makes the coffee taste lighter.