Why Do So Many People Would Like To Learn More About High Altitude Arabica Coffee Beans?
High Altitude Coffee
High altitudes are ideal for coffee production due to their unique climate. The mountainous terrain and the climate permit the process to mature for longer that results in coffee with a distinct flavor profile.
The soil in which coffee is grown may influence the taste. premium arabica coffee beans is particularly true for volcanic soils, which produce strong brews that have chocolate and the nutty note.
Cooler Temperatures
The climate of a particular region is a major factor in determining the flavor characteristics and quality of coffee. Although all coffees grow in the tropical regions, the most sought-after varieties of arabica beans flourish best in mountainous regions that extend across a portion of the planet referred to as the coffee belt. The climate conditions that prevail in these mountainous areas that are frost-free, such as a tropical climate, moderate rainfall and plenty of sunshine, create the perfect environment for coffee's growth.
The ideal temperatures for arabica plants range between 16 to 23 degrees Celsius which is significantly less than the temperatures needed to grow robusta. Coffee plants exposed to temperatures outside of this range are less productive and less desirable flavor attributes.
The higher altitudes have a cooler climate, which allows the plant to mature slowly and the coffee to ripen over time. This allows the complex sugars to develop, which are essential for the rich aromas and flavors of coffee. It also reduces water content in the beans which results in more intense flavor and dense (hard) coffee beans.
In addition to the cooler temperatures, a mountainous cultivation area has soil that is rich in nutrients. This is important because nutrient-rich soils create a more favorable environment for healthy and vigorous arabica plants that yield better quality coffee beans. A well-draining soil is also essential for arabica plants as it stops the roots from becoming saturated, which can cause illnesses and diseases.
Additionally, a high altitude site for cultivation is less susceptible to being afflicted by diseases and pests. This is especially true for the coffeeberry borer, an insect that can cause serious damage to crops at low elevations.
The only other coffee that can compete with arabica's capacity to attain quality at high altitudes is robusta. Robusta is less susceptible to pests and thrives in hotter environments where arabica struggles to remain alive. However, the flavor of a robusta is not as distinctive than the taste of an arabica. While arabica grows at higher altitudes than robusta, consumers should still opt for an a mix or single source that includes both types when searching for high-altitude arabica.
Well-Draining Soil
Arabica coffee plants are more tolerant of colder temperatures and higher elevations than Robusta plants, which thrive in warmer climates. These conditions allow the beans to develop more slowly, which results in a more full body and a more complex flavor profile.
The unique conditions that make high-altitude cultivation the ideal for arabica coffee plants result in the production of premium quality beans that are sought-after by specialty roasters and consumers. This is largely due to the fact that these conditions are conducive to the health of the plant and its productivity.
To avoid the spread of diseases like rot Coffee plants require soil that drains well. A well-draining, airy soil is also better in absorbing nutrients. These factors, in conjunction with the cooler temperatures, and less direct sunlight, that are typical of high-altitude farming results in a more robust, flavorful cup of espresso.
Another reason for the excellent taste of high altitude arabica coffee is the decreased oxygen levels that are common in these regions. The lower oxygen concentration makes the plant more resilient and allows it to develop strong roots that enhance its ability absorb nutrients from soil.
Most arabica coffee in the world is grown between 2,000 and 6,500 feet in subtropical regions referred to as the "bean belt". These regions are located around the equator, and have a tropical climate that is suitable for coffee plants. However, they also maintain high elevations, which are ideal to growing gourmet Arabica beans.
To grow your own high altitude arabica in your home, first you'll need to purchase an adult, healthy green arabica seedling. This can be purchased from a nursery that specializes in the cultivation of these species. You should then make sure you have the proper equipment to tackle the challenges of cultivation at high altitude, which includes the shade cloth or greenhouse to protect your plant from sun's harsh radiation. Then, you need to fertilize your arabica with an organic compost that is nitrogen-rich and rich in calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. You should also keep your arabica plant watered sparingly, until the spring. This will encourage flower and fruit development in the spring.
Robust Root Systems
Arabica beans are prized for their delicate and complex tastes that may include hints of fruit, chocolate, and flowers. This unique flavor profile can only be achieved by ensuring that high-quality arabica coffee beans are grown in the conditions that the plant requires. Temperatures that are cooler and higher altitudes are essential to these conditions of cultivation, since they slow the rate of growth of the plant and allow it to produce more complex sugars. These sugars contribute to the complex and subtle flavors that arabica is renowned for.
The higher altitudes at which arabica beans are grown provides the conditions needed for plants to develop strong root systems that can better absorb nutrients from the soil. Strong roots are crucial to the overall health of the plant and its capacity to produce coffee cherries that are sweet and ripe.
As opposed to arabica Robusta (Coffea canephora) can thrive in lower altitude conditions and is usually grown between 600 and 2,500 feet above sea level. This lower elevation results in plants producing coffee that is more harsh and less appealing. Robusta is utilized to make coffee blends and instant espresso because of its low cost and resistance to pests.
The climate can affect the arabica plant that grows at higher elevations more, but farmers can ensure that their crops thrive in a changing world by cultivating it carefully. Other environmental factors like temperature and oxygen levels can affect the quality of coffee.
These environmental factors include soil quality, water availability, drainage intensity, sunlight intensity, duration, agroforestry, harvesting strategies postharvest processing, as well as harvesting methods. These factors are incorporated to determine the final chemical and physical cup's quality characteristics.
Sustainable Cultivation
The coffee plant needs special conditions for growth, particularly at higher elevations. It is a delicate crop that is prone to pests and diseases.
High altitude farming can provide farmers with a number sustainable benefits such as more flavor and less environmental impact. These factors are the reason for the distinctive flavor profiles of high-altitude coffee beans, which makes them highly sought-after by specialty grade cultivators and the most discerning coffee drinkers.
High altitude coffee has a slower growth rate, which leads to greater flavor and more complex sugars. The slower growth rate also allows the plants to devote more energy to reproduction, producing more mature coffee beans that offer higher quality overall and more pronounced appealing flavors.
In addition, higher elevations typically have better drainage, which is crucial for the health of coffee beans. This allows nutrients to be spread more evenly across the ground, thereby reducing the chance of developing diseases such as root rot. Coffee grown at higher elevations has a more consistent flavor profile and stronger aromas because the moisture content isn't as high.
Many high-altitude coffee producers employ shade farming methods that help to preserve biodiversity in the rainforest ecosystem, but also enhance the quality of the coffee. This is because the shade-loving coffee plant is able to benefit from the microclimate created by the trees around it, which slows down the growth rate and produces a more balanced, round flavor.
Shade-grown coffee is also more consistent, which reduces the risk for disease and insect infestation. This is a major concern for those who grow at lower elevations. Shade-grown coffee is also more sustainable for the environment, since it reduces the use of pesticides and herbicides that can negatively impact wildlife and reduce soil quality.
There are some notable examples of high-altitude beans produced under these unique and sustainable conditions. Geisha is one of the rare varieties with elongated beans and floral notes, tea-like flavors, and notes of tropical fruits, citrus, and jasmine. Batian is another example, a hybrid that is resistant to leaf coffee berry disease and rust with high productivity and yield.