high grown arabica coffee beans (Click Home)

Arabica coffee beans are characterized by a distinct taste. Contrary to their lower elevation counterpart, Robusta, which has more resistance to pests and diseases, Arabica is more susceptible.

The high-grown arabica variety is the one most sought after by specialty roasters and high-end coffee shops. But what makes this type of coffee so desirable? Scientists have identified the reason that is 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, forming an enormous portion of global production today. While low-elevation beans are commercially viable and comprise the instant coffee that is sold in grocery stores, real coffee enthusiasts prefer specialty arabica grown high altitudes for a more complex taste profile.

The mountainous regions of the world's top coffee-producing countries--Central and South America, Southern Asia and some Pacific Islands, and mid to southern Africa provide ideal growing conditions for the production of high-quality arabica beans. These high-elevation regions are frost-free and provide a pleasantly warm climate with a perfect average annual temperature of 64 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooler temperatures in the mountains slow the growth cycle 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 a unique flavor. The longer maturation period also helps to prevent the coffee berry borer, which is a small aphid which infests and consumes the beans, as well as the coffee leaf miner moth, which hinders photosynthesis and reduces productivity.

Combining these elements creates an enhanced flavor profile and taste when compared to coffees that are grown at lower elevations. The higher elevation coffees have a greater concentration of sweet flavors, such as citrus, fruit, and vanilla. It is also richer and smoother than coffee that is grown lower down. The consistency, sweetness, and depth of flavor make it the most popular bean for roasters looking to produce an exceptionally top-quality cup of joe.

High-grown arabica is often referred to as strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB) meaning that the coffee is located at an elevation higher than 4000 feet. The beans are typically cultivated on volcanic soils, and they are shade-grown or organically cultivated. This enhances their already delicious flavors. Since these beans mature and grow slower than those grown at lower elevations generally, they are more dense, which results in a stronger and more robust coffee with a more intense and consistent flavor. This distinctive quality makes SHG and SHB arabica a preferred choice of coffee for roasters looking to deliver an exceptional cup.

Cool Climate

The world's best arabica coffee beans coffee growing regions are located in the tropical zone that lies 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 low altitudes and cool climate provide the ideal conditions for the plant to thrive.

Arabica plants are tolerant of many climate conditions, but their optimal growth occurs in subtropical areas with cool nights and warm days. This unique climate permits the plant to create complex flavors that communicate freedom. These flavors are what makes coffee so special.

While the low-elevation varieties of coffee that line the instant coffee aisles of your local grocery store can grow quickly, aficionados and experts alike recognize that these varieties are more bitter and less flavorful than specialty coffee beans produced at higher elevations. The majority of coffee consumed across the globe is high-altitude coffee.

The finest 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 the reason these beans are distinctly delicious.

Coffee farmers are always on the lookout for the ideal soil conditions that foster the growth of top-quality arabica coffee plants. Ideally, the soil should contain a high amount of humus with a well-draining texture. This kind of soil is ideal for the cultivation of arabica since it encourages the growth of healthy roots and helps minimize 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 conditions allow the plants to mature more slowly, which results in a denser and more flavorful bean.

Well-Drained Soil

Contrary to the low-elevation varieties that are cultivated for mass production and lining the aisles of grocery stores the high-quality arabica beans are sought-after by aficionados for their complex and sophisticated flavor. The coffee trees are sheltered by tall canopy trees and the volcanic soil is abundant in nutrients. This provides the ideal conditions for growing these special beans. The soil is rich in nutrients and allows the roots to absorb them, however it the soil drains quickly, ensuring 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 delicate, fragrant and white. The drupes contain two seeds inside and are ripe when they're red or purple in colour. The plant is self-fertile and does not require cross pollination to set fruit.

The cooler temperatures at higher elevations slows the development of the coffee plant which allows it to mature slower. This allows the beans to develop more intense flavors. This produces a coffee that is more rich and complex, and has a more pronounced flavor than coffees grown at lower elevations.

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

Due to the particular climate and soil particulars, high-altitude farms produce more beans than farms at lower elevations. You will find these superior beans in specialty cafes as well as in top coffee roasters.

When you plant your own arabica plant, be sure to be aware of the particular requirements of the plant and select a mixture of soil that matches these requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that may be too heavy in the ingredients and do not allow the roots of your plant to thrive. Compost or other organic matter can be added to the soil in order to improve water retention, without creating a cement-like surface. Water your plant only when the soil is dry to the feel. Avoid over- or underwatering which could cause root rot.

Unique Flavors

The unique flavor profile makes arabica beans highly sought-after. They are richer and more complex than other types of coffee that have notes of chocolate, caramel fruits and flowers. The careful cultivation and roasting of the beans result in the smoother and sweeter flavor. These beans also contain less caffeine and acidity than other varieties, making them less bitter and easy to drink.

handpicked arabica coffee beans beans are grown in mountainous regions of the world which are part of the Coffee Belt. The Coffee Belt is a tropical band that extends 30 degrees to the north or south of the Equator. The finest beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are grown in volcanic soils and other rich soils that produce small fruit called coffee cherries.

These cherries contain two seeds. When the seeds ripen they are separated from their outer layer of flesh and then roasted to create coffee. Arabica beans are considered a premium coffee bean since they are more expensive and possess a a richer flavor.

The high altitudes in which buy arabica coffee beans beans are grown are one of the main factors that influence their taste and quality. The cooler climate, the fertile volcanic soils, and the cooler climate makes arabica beans taste much better than those grown at lower elevation. Higher elevations have a positive impact on the maturation process of the coffee beans. The cooler temperatures slow down the growth cycle of the beans, which gives them time to mature.

Each region has its own distinct flavor and characteristic. For instance arabica beans originate from Central America tend to have balanced composition and a light body while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are popular for their savory sweet flavors. These distinctive flavor profiles are due to the fact that each country and region has its own distinct soil type. Certain soils are able to hold water and produce a rich chocolatey flavor, while others have a sand-like texture which makes the coffee taste less sweet.