High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

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

High grown arabica coffee beans in bulk is the sought-after variety that is found in specialty coffee shops and premium roasters. What makes this coffee unique? Scientists have discovered the reason: altitude.

High Altitudes

With a long history that stretches from Ethiopia and Yemen to lower Africa, coffee has found its way into the hearts of many, and is the majority of global production today. While low-elevation coffee can be commercially viable and populates the instant brew found in supermarkets, true coffee lovers look for specialty arabicas that are grown at higher altitudes for more of a complex flavor.

The mountainous regions of the world's foremost coffee producing countries - Central and South America, Southern Asia and a few Pacific Islands, and mid to southern Africa -- provide the ideal growth conditions for high-grown arabica coffee beans. These high-elevation climates are frost free and provide a temperate atmosphere with a perfect annual average temperature of 64-73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cool mountain temperatures slow the growth rate of the coffee plant, allowing it to mature more slowly. This allows the coffee beans to absorb different flavors from their environment and impart them with distinctive characteristics. The prolonged maturation helps stop the coffee bean borer, which is a tiny beetle that infests and eats the beans. It also helps keep out the coffee leaf miner, a moth, that inhibits photosynthesis, and reduces productivity.

Combining these factors results in a superior flavor profile and taste when compared to coffees grown at lower elevations. Coffee grown higher up has a greater concentration of sweet flavors like citrus, fruit, and vanilla. It's also more rich and smoother than coffee grown lower down. The consistency, sweetness and fullness of flavor make it the preferred bean for roasters seeking to create a truly high-quality cup of coffee.

High-grown arabica is usually called strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB) meaning that the coffee is located at an elevation higher than 4000 feet. Typically, the beans are grown on volcanic soils and are organically grown or shade-grown, adding to their already amazing flavor characteristics. They are more dense because they mature and develop slower than beans that are grown at lower altitudes. This makes for a stronger and more consistent coffee. This distinctive quality makes SHG or SHB arabica a great choice for roasters who want to produce the perfect cup of coffee. is outstanding.

Cool Climate

The tropical zone that spans the tropical regions of Cancer and Capricorn, also known as the coffee belt is home to the world's premier coffee growing regions. High-quality arabica coffee beans are produced in these mountainous regions where the cooler climate and high altitudes provide the perfect conditions for the plant to flourish.

Arabica plants are tolerant of a variety of conditions of climate, but their optimal development occurs in subtropical regions with cool nights and warm days. This unique climate permits the plant to develop unique flavors that express freedom. These flavors are what make coffee so unique.

While the low-elevation coffees that line the instant coffee aisle at your local supermarket can grow quickly, aficionados and experts alike know that these types are more bitter and less flavorful than specialty coffee beans grown at higher elevations. In fact, the majority of the coffee consumed around the world is high-elevation.

The best place to buy arabica coffee beans 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 looking for the perfect conditions for soil that will encourage the growth of high-quality arabica coffee plants. The soil must be humus-rich and have a smooth texture that drains well. This type of soil is ideal for cultivating arabica as it facilitates the development of healthy roots and helps reduce the risk of plant diseases.

In addition to having a soil that has the right humus content, coffee farms prefer a cool climate that has a distinct dry season. These weather patterns allow plants to mature slowly, which results in a more flavorful and full-bodied bean.

Well-Drained Soil

The Arabicica coffee beans that are high-grown are characterized by a sophisticated and complex taste, which is different from the low-elevation varieties that are used for mass production. The coffee plants are protected under tall canopy trees, and the nutrient-rich volcanic soil provides ideal growing conditions for these unique beans. The soil is rich in nutrients and allows the roots to absorb them, however it drains quickly so that there are no stagnant puddles.

Arabian coffee plants have a long taproot as well as shallow fibrous roots that spread outwards for 3 to 4 ft (0.9-1.2 meters). The cherries' flowers are small delicate, fragrant and white. The drupes contain two seeds inside, and are ripe when red or purple in color. The plant is self-fertile and requires no cross pollination in order to produce fruit.

The cool temperatures at higher elevations slows the growth cycle, allowing the beans to mature more slowly and develop deeper flavors. This leads to a deeper and more complex flavor that is far more potent than the lower elevation coffees.

At higher altitudes, the temperature is cooler and the air is more humid. The cool climate is perfect 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 soil and climate particulars, high-altitude farms 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 you plant your own arabica plant, pay close attention to the requirements of your particular plant and select the right soil mix to align with those needs. Avoid commercial mixes that contain excessive ingredients that could stop the roots of your plant from growing. Incorporate compost or other organic matter to improve retention of water without creating a concrete-like surface. Water your plant only when the soil feels dry to the surface. Avoid excessive or submerging which could cause root rot.

Unique Flavors

The distinctive flavor profile of arabica beans makes them extremely sought-after. They are richer and more complex than other types of coffee, with notes of chocolate, caramel fruit, and flowers. The care taken in growing and roasting produces a smoother, sweeter taste. They also have less caffeine and acidity than other varieties which makes them less bitter and easy to drink.

Arabica beans grow in the mountainous regions of the world, which are part of the Coffee Belt, a tropical band that stretches across 30 degrees north and south of the equator. The finest beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are planted in volcanic soils as well as other rich soils that produce small batch arabica coffee beans fruit called coffee cherries.

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

The altitude at which arabica beans grow is among the major factors that affect their taste and quality. The cool climate, the fertile volcanic soils and cooler climate make arabica beans taste more delicious than beans grown at lower elevation. The higher altitudes also have a positive effect on the maturation process of coffee beans. The cooler temperatures slow the growth of the beans, which gives them time to mature.

The different coffee-growing regions around the world each have their own signature flavors and characteristics. The arabica beans from Central America are known to possess a balanced blend with a light body. Those from Ethiopia and Kenya, on the other hand, are renowned for their sweet and savory flavor. Each country and region has a distinct type of soil and this is the reason each coffee has its own distinct flavor. Certain soils can hold water well and give a rich chocolatey flavor, while others have a sand-like texture that makes the coffee taste less sweet.