10 Tips For High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans That Are Unexpected
High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans
Arabica coffee beans are characterized by a distinctive flavor. Contrary to their lower elevation counterpart, Robusta, which has more resistance to pests and diseases, Arabica is more susceptible.
High grown arabica is the coveted variety found in specialty coffee shops and premium roasters. But what makes this type of coffee so popular? Scientists have identified the reason: altitude.
High Altitudes
With a long history that stretches from Ethiopia and Yemen to lower Africa the coffee has made its way into the hearts of many, forming a large portion of global production today. While low-elevation beans can be sold commercially, and make up the instant coffee that is sold in supermarkets, true coffee lovers prefer specialty arabica grown in higher altitudes for an enticing 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 production of 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 process of the coffee plant, allowing it to mature slower. This allows the coffee beans to absorb different flavors from their surrounding environment and give them unique characteristics. The extended maturation helps to stop the coffee bean borer which is a tiny beetle that feeds on the beans. It also helps keep out the coffee leaf miner, a flies, that inhibits photosynthesis, and can reduce productivity.
The combination of these elements creates a more palatable flavor and taste profile when compared to lower-elevation coffees. Coffee grown higher up has a greater concentration of sweet flavors such as citrus, fruit and vanilla. It's also more astringent and more smooth than coffee grown lower. The consistency, sweetness and fullness of flavor make it the top coffee for roasters who want to produce an exceptionally high-quality cup of coffee.
High-grown arabica is often referred to as strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB) which means that the coffee is grown at a higher altitude than 4,000 feet. Typically the beans are cultivated on volcanic soil and are organically grown or shade-grown, adding to their already amazing flavor characteristics. Because these beans grow and mature slower than low-elevation beans, they tend to be more dense, which results in a stronger coffee with a more distinct and consistent flavor. This distinctive quality makes SHG and SHB arabica the preferred type of coffee for roasters looking to make a great cup.
Cool Climate
The world's best coffee growing regions are located in the tropical zone between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This zone is known as the "coffee belt". Arabicica coffee beans that are high-quality are grown in these mountainous regions where the cooler climate and high altitudes provide the perfect conditions for the plant to flourish.
Arabica plants can withstand an array of climate conditions. However, their most successful growth is seen in subtropical regions with cool nights and warm daytime temperatures. This unique climate permits the plant to develop complex flavours that reflect the freedom of. These flavors are what make the coffee we enjoy so unique.
While the low-elevation coffees lining the instant coffee aisles at your local supermarket may be growing quickly, aficionados and experts alike realize that these coffees are more bitter and less flavorful than specialty coffee beans that are grown at higher altitudes. The majority of coffee consumed around the globe is high-altitude coffee.
The best arabica coffee beans tend to be grown between 3000 and 6,500 feet above sea level. The combination of high altitude, cool climate, and fertile soil is the reason these beans are unique and delicious.
Coffee farmers are always seeking out the ideal soil conditions to cultivate high-quality arabica plants. Ideally, the soil should contain a high amount of humus with a well-draining texture. This kind of soil is perfect for growing arabica, as it encourages healthy roots and helps to minimize the risk of developing plant diseases.
Coffee farms prefer an environment that is cool and has a distinct dry time. These conditions allow the plants to mature slow, resulting in a more flavorful and full-bodied coffee bean.
Well-drained soil
The arabica beans that are grown to the highest quality are characterized by a sophisticated and complex taste, which is different from the low-elevation varieties that are used for mass production. The coffee trees grow sheltered under tall canopy trees and the volcanic soil is rich in nutrients and creates the ideal conditions for the growth of these special beans. The soil is able to allow the roots to absorb the nutrients they require however, it also drains quickly, preventing stagnant water puddles that restrict root growth and oxygen intake.
Arabian coffee plants have a long taproot, as well as small fibrous roots that extend outwards for 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m). The cherry's flowers are small and fragrant, as well as white. They have 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 in order to produce fruit.
fresh arabica coffee beans at higher elevations slows the coffee plant's growth cycle, which allows the beans to mature more slowly and develop more complex flavors. This results in a coffee that is more rich and complex, with a stronger taste than coffees that are grown at lower altitudes.
At these altitudes, the temperature is colder, and the atmosphere more humid. The cool climate is ideal for the sensitive development of the coffee plant, and helps to ward off the spread of diseases and pests that attack lower elevation plants.
Due to the unique soil and climate characteristics, high-altitude farms can produce more beans than farms at lower altitudes. You can find these top beans at specialty cafes and in top coffee roasters.
When growing your own Arabica plant, be sure to be aware of the specific requirements of this plant and select a mixture of soil that meets these requirements. Avoid commercial mixes with excessive ingredients that could stop the roots of your plant from growing. Include compost or other organic matter to increase water retention without creating a concrete-like appearance. Water your plant once the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid excessive or under-watering which can cause root decay.
Unique Flavors
The unique flavor profile of arabica beans makes them highly sought-after. They are richer and more complex than other types of coffee, with notes of chocolate, caramel fruits, and flowers. The care taken in the cultivation and roasting process results in a smoother, sweeter taste. They also have less acidity and caffeine than other varieties, making them less bitter and easy to drink.
Arabica beans are grown in the mountains of the world that are part of the Coffee Belt, a tropical band that extends across 30 degrees north and south of the equator. The finest beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are cultivated in volcanic soils as well as other rich soils that produce small fruits called coffee cherries.
The cherries have two seeds. When the seeds ripen they are separated from their outer layer of flesh and then roasted to create coffee. Arabica coffee beans are a premium variety because they are typically more expensive than other varieties and have a more complex taste.
The high altitudes where arabica beans grow is among the major factors that influence their quality and taste. The cool climate, the fertile volcanic soils and the cooler climate make arabica beans taste more delicious than those grown lower in elevation. Higher altitudes also have a positive impact on the maturation of the coffee beans. This is due to the cooler temperatures slow down the beans' growth cycle, which gives them time to mature and develop a savoury and rich taste.
The various coffee-growing regions around the world each have distinctive flavors and distinctive characteristics. For example, arabica beans from Central America tend to have an even composition and a light body, while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are popular for their savory sweet flavors. Each region and country has a different soil type, which is why each bean has a unique flavor. Some soils hold water well and produce a rich chocolaty taste, whereas others have a sand-like texture which makes the coffee taste less sweet.