15 Startling Facts About High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans You've Never Heard Of

High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans Arabica coffee beans have distinct flavors. In contrast to their low-elevation counterpart Robusta, which has greater resistance to diseases and pests, 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 makes this coffee so unique? Scientists have identified the reason the reason is altitude. High Altitudes Coffee has a long and rich history, spanning from Ethiopia to Yemen and the lower part of Africa. It is now a major part of the production world. While low-elevation coffee can be commercially viable and populates the instant brew found in grocery stores, true aficionados seek out specialty arabica that is grown at high altitudes to elicit a more complex flavor profile. The mountainous regions of the world's top coffee-producing countries, like Central and South America, Southern Asia, some Pacific Islands and mid-to-southern Africa are ideal to grow high-quality arabica beans. These high-elevation regions are frost-free and provide a temperate atmosphere with a perfect annual average temperature of 64-73 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooler temperatures in the mountains slow the growth process of the coffee plant and allow it to mature slower. The coffee beans are able to absorb flavors from the surrounding environment, which gives them an unique flavor. The extended maturation helps to prevent the coffee bean borer which is a small beetle that infests and eats the beans. It also helps to keep out the coffee leaf miner, a moth, which blocks photosynthesis and reduces productivity. Combining these factors results in a superior flavor profile and a better taste compared to coffees grown at lower elevations. The higher elevation coffees have higher levels of sweet flavors such as citrus, fruit, and vanilla. It is also richer and smoother than coffee grown lower down. The consistency, sweetness and fullness of flavor make it the most popular coffee for roasters who want to create a truly top-quality cup of joe. High-grown arabica is known as strictly high-grown or strictly hard bean. This means that the coffee was cultivated at a higher elevation than 4,000 feet. The beans are usually grown on volcanic soil and are shade-grown or organically grown. This enhances their already amazing flavors. Because these beans mature and grow slower than those grown at lower elevations and are therefore heavier, resulting in a stronger cup with a more pronounced and consistent flavor. This distinctive quality makes SHG or SHB arabica the preferred choice for roasters looking to produce a cup of coffee that is unique. Cool Climate The world's best coffee growing regions are located in the tropical zone between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This region is known 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 tolerate a wide range of climate conditions. However, their greatest development occurs in subtropical areas with cool evenings and warm temperatures during the daytime. This unique climate allows for the plant to create complex flavours that express freedom. These flavors are what make the coffee we love so distinctive. While the popularity of low-elevation instant coffees at your local grocery store is growing, coffee enthusiasts and experts agree that these kinds tend to be bitter and less flavorful compared to specialty coffee beans cultivated at higher elevations. In bulk arabica coffee beans Coffeee , the majority of the coffee consumed around the world is high-elevation. The best high grown arabica coffee beans are usually grown at altitudes between 3,000 and 6,000 feet. The combination of high altitude, cool climate, and fertile soil is what makes these beans so distinctly delicious. Coffee farmers are constantly looking for the ideal soil conditions to grow high-quality arabica plants. The soil should be humus-rich and have a texture that drains well. This type of soil is ideal for growing arabica since it encourages the growth of healthy roots and helps reduce the risk of plant diseases. In addition to having a soil with the right humus content, coffee farms prefer a cooler climate with a distinct dry season. These conditions allow the plants to grow more slowly and result in the production of a more dense and delicious coffee bean. Well-Drained soil In contrast to the low-elevation species which are grown for mass production and lined the aisles of grocery stores, the high grown arabica beans are sought-after by aficionados due to their rich and exquisite flavor. The coffee plants are protected under 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, however it drains quickly, so that there aren't stagnant puddles. Arabian coffee plants have a long taproot as well as small fibrous roots that extend outwards for 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters). The cherry's flowers are tiny delicate, fragrant and white. They have two seeds inside and are ripe when they are red or purple in color. The arabica plant is self-fertile and requires no cross pollination to produce fruit. The cooler climate at higher elevations slows down the development of the coffee plant which allows it to mature at a slower rate. This allows the beans to develop deeper flavors. This translates to a richer, more complex taste that is more potent than lower-elevation coffees. At high altitudes the temperatures are lower and the air is more humid. The cool weather is ideal for the delicate coffee plant's growth, and also helps in reducing the spread of diseases and pests that affect lower elevation crops. Due to the unique soil and climate characteristics, high-altitude farms can produce more beans than farms that are located at lower elevations. You can find these top beans in specialty cafes as well as in the finest coffee roasters. When growing your own arabica plant, pay attention to the specific requirements of your plant and choose a soil mix that aligns with the needs. Avoid commercial mixes with too many ingredients, which could stop the roots of your plant from developing. Incorporate compost or other organic matter to increase retention of water without creating a concrete-like texture. Water your plant as soon as the soil dries out to the touch, and avoid excessive or under-watering which can cause root decay. Unique Flavors The distinctive flavor profile of arabica beans make them highly sought-after. They are more complex and nuanced in flavor than other coffees. They have notes of fruit, flowers caramel, and chocolate. The careful cultivation and roasting of the beans result in a smoother and sweeter taste. They also have less caffeine and acidity than other varieties and are therefore less bitter and easier to drink. Arabica beans are grown in mountainous regions around the globe which are part of the Coffee Belt. The Coffee Belt is a tropical band that extends 30 degrees north or south of the Equator. The most affluent beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are cultivated in volcanic and other fertile soils. They produce small fruit, which are known as coffee cherries. These cherries contain two seeds inside them. When the seeds begin to mature, they are separated from their outer layer of flesh and then roasted to create coffee. Arabica beans are considered a premium coffee bean because they are more expensive and have greater flavor. The high altitudes at which arabica beans are grown is one of the main factors that affect their taste and quality. The cool climate, the fertile volcanic soils and the cooler climate make arabica beans taste better than those grown at lower elevation. The higher elevations influence the process of maturation of coffee beans. This is because cooler temperatures slow down the process of growing beans which allows them to mature and create a rich and satisfying taste. Each region has its own distinct flavor and characteristic. For instance, arabica beans 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. Each country and region has a distinct type of soil and that is why every bean has a distinct flavor. Some soils are enriched with water and give a rich, chocolatey taste. Others have a sand-like texture that makes the coffee taste less sweet.