High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans possess distinct flavors. In contrast to their low-elevation counterpart Robusta, which has a greater resistance to diseases and pests, Arabica is more susceptible.

The Arabicica variety with the highest quality is the most sought-after by specialty roasters and high-end coffee shops. What makes this coffee special? Scientists have uncovered the reason behind this: altitude.

High Altitudes

With a history that extends from Ethiopia and Yemen to lower Africa and lower Africa, coffee has made its way into the hearts of many, and is the majority of the world's production today. While low-elevation coffee can be commercially viable and is the basis for the instant coffee sold in supermarkets, true aficionados look for specialty arabicas that are grown at high altitudes to elicit a more complex flavor profile.

The mountains of the world's most renowned 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 climates are frost free and offer a pleasant climate with a perfect annual average temperature of 64 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooler temperatures in the mountains slow the growth cycle of the coffee plant, allowing it to mature at a slower pace. This allows the coffee beans to absorb a variety of flavors from their surroundings and give them unique characteristics. The prolonged maturation helps keep the coffee bean borer which is a tiny insect that infests and eats the beans. It also helps to keep out the coffee leaf miner, a moth, which blocks photosynthesis and can reduce productivity.

The combination of these factors creates a more palatable flavor and aroma profile as compared to lower-elevation coffees. Coffee grown at higher elevations is a better source of sweet flavors like fruit, citrus and vanilla, while being richer and smoother than lower elevation counterparts. The consistency, sweetness, and depth of flavor make it the preferred coffee for roasters who want to create a truly premium cup of joe.

High-grown arabica is commonly called strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB), meaning that the coffee is located at an elevation higher than 4,000 feet. The beans are usually grown on volcanic soil and are shade-grown, or organically grown. This adds to their already delicious flavor. These beans are denser due to their maturation and growth slower than those that are grown at lower elevations. This results in a stronger and more consistent coffee. This distinctive quality makes SHG or SHB arabica the coffee of choice for roasters that want to create the perfect cup of coffee. is exceptional.

Cool Climate

The tropical zone spanning the tropical regions of Cancer and Capricorn, also known as the coffee belt is home to the world's premier coffee-growing regionsThe high-grown arabica coffee beans 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 sheltered by tall canopy trees and the rich volcanic soil that is nutrient-rich creates the ideal conditions for the growth 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 fibrous roots that are shallow, which spread outwards between 3 and 4 feet. (0.9-1.2m). The cherry's flowers are small delicate, fragrant and white. The drupes contain two seeds inside and are ripe when they are red or purple in colour. The plant's ability to self-fertilize, and does not require cross pollination to produce fruit.

The cool climate at higher elevations slows the coffee plant's growth cycle, which allows the beans to mature more slowly and develop more complex flavors. This produces a coffee that is more rich and complex, and has a more intense flavor than coffees that are grown at lower elevations.

At these higher altitudes, the temperature is colder, and the atmosphere more humid. The cool weather is ideal for the delicate coffee plant's growth, and helps to suppress the spread of diseases and pests that plague lower-elevation crops.

Due to the particular soil and climate characteristics high-altitude coffee farms are able produce far more beans than low-elevation farms. This is why you'll often find these premium beans in specialty cafes and top coffee roasters.

When you plant your own arabica plant, ensure that you be aware of the specific needs of this plant and use a mix of soil that matches these needs. Avoid commercial mixes with too many ingredients, which could hinder 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, but without creating a texture that resembles cement. Water your plant only when the soil is dry to the feel. Avoid excessive or submerging which could cause root rot.

Unique Flavors

The distinctive flavor profile of artisan arabica coffee beans beans makes them extremely sought-after. They are more sophisticated and nuanced in taste than other coffees, and have notes of fruit, flowers caramel, chocolate and. The care taken in cultivation and roasting results in a smoother, sweeter taste. They are also less acidic and contain less caffeine than other varieties. They are also less bitter and more enjoyable to drink.

Arabica beans are grown in mountainous regions around the globe that are part the Coffee Belt. The Coffee Belt is a tropical band that extends 30 degrees north or south of the Equator. The finest beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are cultivated in volcanic soils as well as other soils rich in nutrients which produce small fruit, also known as coffee cherries.

These cherries contain two seeds. The seeds are separated from the fleshy outer layer when they ripen and are roasted and ground to create the coffee. Arabica beans are considered to be a premium coffee bean because they are more expensive and have a richer flavor.

The altitude at which arabica beans are grown is one of the main factors that influences their flavor and quality. The cool climate and fertile volcanic soils make arabica beans taste better than beans grown at lower altitudes. The higher elevations have a positive impact on the process of maturation of coffee beans. This is because the cooler temperatures slow down the cycle of growth which allows them to mature and create a rich and satisfying taste.

Each region has its own distinct flavor and distinctive characteristics. For example arabica beans originate from Central America tend to have an even composition and a light body, while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are well-known for their sweet and savory flavors. Each region or country has a distinct soil type and this is the reason each bean has a distinct flavor. Some soils hold water well and give a rich, chocolaty taste, while others have a sand-like texture which makes the coffee taste less sweet.