10 Books To Read On High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans have a distinct flavor profile. Unlike their low-elevation counterpart, Robusta, which has a greater resistance to pests and diseases, Arabica is more susceptible.

The high-grown arabica variety is the one sought after by specialty roasters and premium coffee shops. What makes this particular coffee unique? Scientists have found the reason the reason is altitude.

High Altitudes

With a rich history that spans from Ethiopia and Yemen to lower Africa, coffee has found its way into the hearts of many, making up the majority of the world's production today. Although low-elevation beans are economically viable and is a major component of the instant brew found in grocery stores, true coffee lovers seek out specialty arabica grown at higher altitudes for an even more complex flavor profile.

The mountainous regions of the world's most renowned coffee-producing countries--Central and South America, Southern Asia and a few Pacific Islands, and mid to southern Africa provide ideal growing conditions for the high-quality arabica beans. These high-elevation climates are not frosty and provide a pleasantly warm climate with a perfect annual average temperature of 64-73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cool mountain temperatures slow the growth cycle of the coffee plant and allow it to mature more slowly. The coffee beans absorb flavors from the environment, giving them distinct flavors. The extended maturation helps to stop the coffee bean borer, which is a tiny insect, from infesting and eating the beans. It also helps to keep out the coffee leaf miner, a moth, which hinders photosynthesis and reduces productivity.

Combining these elements creates the best flavor profile and taste compared to coffees that are grown at lower elevations. Coffee that is grown at higher altitudes is a better source of sweet flavors like citrus, vanilla and fruit and is also richer and smoother than their lower-elevation counterparts. The bean's consistency, sweetness and fullness of flavor make it the most popular bean for roasters looking to make a premium cup of joe.

High-grown arabica is usually called strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB), meaning that the coffee is grown at an altitude higher than 4000 feet. Typically the beans are grown on volcanic soils and are organically grown or shade-grown and have impressive flavor characteristics. Because they develop and mature more slowly than those with lower elevation generally, they are denser, resulting in a stronger cup with a more distinct and consistent flavor. This distinctive quality makes SHG or SHB arabica the preferred choice for roasters looking to make a cup of coffee that is unique.

Cool Climate

The most renowned coffee-growing regions are located in the tropical zone between Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This region is known as the "coffee belt". High-quality arabica coffee beans, go to Hikvisiondb, are grown in these mountainous regions where the cooler climate and high altitudes create the ideal conditions for the plant to thrive.

Arabica plants can tolerate an array of climate conditions. However, their most successful development occurs in subtropical areas with cool nights and warm daytime temperatures. This unique climate allows the plant to develop complex flavors that communicate freedom. These flavors are what makes coffee so distinctive.

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 less bitter and flavorful than specialty coffee beans grown at higher elevations. In fact, the majority of coffee consumed in the world is high-elevation coffee.

The best high grown arabica coffee beans are usually located between 3000 and 6,000 feet. The combination of high altitude, cool climate and fertile soil is the reason these beans are unique and delicious.

Coffee farmers are constantly on the lookout to find the ideal soil conditions for growing high-quality arabica plants. The ideal soil will contain a high amount of humus with a well-draining texture. This type of soil is ideal for growing single estate arabica coffee beans, as it promotes healthy roots and helps to prevent the spread of plant diseases.

In addition to a soil with the right humus content, coffee farms prefer a cool climate with a distinct dry season. These climate patterns permit plants to mature more slowly, which results in a more flavorful and dense bean.

Well-drained soil

Unlike the low-elevation species that are cultivated for mass production and lining the aisles of supermarkets, the high grown arabica beans are sought-after by aficionados for their complex and sophisticated flavor. The coffee trees grow sheltered by tall canopy trees and the nutrient-rich volcanic soil creates the ideal conditions for the growth of these particular beans. The soil is rich in nutrients and allows the roots to absorb them, however it drains quickly so that there aren't any stagnant puddles.

The Arabian coffee plant has a long taproot, and fibrous roots that are shallow, which extend outwards from 3 to 4 ft. (0.9-1.2m). The cherry's flowers are small, fragrant and white. They are two-seeded and mature when they are red or purple. The plant is self-fertile and requires no cross pollination to set fruit.

The cooler temperatures at higher elevations slows the development of the coffee plant and allows it to mature more slowly. This allows the beans to develop deeper flavors. This results in a cup that is more affluent and complex, with a more pronounced flavor than coffees grown at lower elevations.

At these high altitudes, temperatures are more frigid, and the air is more humid. The cooler climate is ideal for the sensitive growth of the coffee plant and helps to ward off the spread pests and diseases that affect lower elevation plants.

Due to the unique soil and climate characteristics, high-altitude farms are able to produce more beans than farms that are located at lower altitudes. This is why you'll often find these superior coffee beans in specialty cafes as well as premium coffee roasters.

When growing your own arabica plant be aware of its specific needs and use the right soil mix to align with the needs. Avoid commercial mixes that may be too heavy in ingredients and don't allow the roots of your arabica plant to flourish. Compost or other organic matter can be added to the soil to increase water retention, but without creating a cement-like texture. Water your plant when the soil dries out to the touch, avoiding excessive or inadequate watering, which can lead to root decay.

Unique Flavors

The distinctive flavor profile of arabica beans makes them extremely sought-after. They are more rich and complex than other types of coffee with notes of chocolate, caramel fruit, and flowers. The care that is taken during cultivation and roasting results in the smoother, sweeter taste. They are also less acidic and contain less caffeine than other varieties. They are also less bitter and are easier to drink.

highland arabica coffee beans beans are grown in mountains of the world that are part of the Coffee Belt, a tropical band that spans 30 degrees north and south of the equator. The best beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are planted in volcanic and other rich soils, and produce small fruits that are known as coffee cherries.

These cherries contain two seeds. When the seeds ripen, they are separated from their fleshy outer layer and roasted to make coffee. Arabica coffee beans are a premium selection because they are generally more expensive than other varieties and have a more complex taste.

The altitude at which arabica beans grow is one of the main factors that influences their quality and taste. The cool climate and fertile volcanic soils make arabica beans taste better than those that are grown at lower altitudes. Higher altitudes also have a positive impact on the maturation of the coffee beans. This is because cooler temperatures slow down the process of growing beans which allows them to mature and develop a rich and satisfying taste.

The various coffee-growing regions across the globe each possess their own distinct flavor and distinctive characteristics. For example arabica beans originate 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 region or country has a distinct type of soil, which is why each bean has a distinct flavor. Some soils are enriched with water and give a rich chocolatey flavor. Others have a sand texture that makes the coffee taste less sweet.