8 Tips To Improve Your High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans Game
High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans
Arabica coffee beans are distinguished by a distinct taste. Contrary to their lower elevation counterpart, Robusta, which has more resistance to diseases and pests, Arabica is more susceptible.
High-grown arabica is a sought-after variety in specialty coffee shops and premium roasters. But what makes this type of coffee so sought-after? Scientists have found the reason that is altitude.
High Altitudes
With a history that extends from Ethiopia and Yemen to lower Africa and lower Africa, coffee has made its way into the hearts of many, forming an enormous portion of global production today. While low-elevation coffee is economically viable and is a major component of the instant brews sold in grocery stores, true coffee lovers look for specialty arabicas that are grown at higher altitudes for an even more complex flavor profile.
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 ideal growing conditions for high-grown arabica coffee beans. These high-elevation regions are frost-free and provide a pleasantly warm climate with an average annual temperature of 64-73 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cool mountain temperatures slow down the growth rate of the coffee plant and allow it to mature at a slower pace. This allows the coffee beans to absorb a variety of flavors from their surroundings and give them unique characteristics. The longer maturation period can also help to prevent the coffee berry borer, a small aphid that infests and eats the beans as well as the coffee leaf miner moth, a pest that hinders photosynthesis and reduces productivity.
The combination of these factors contributes to a superior flavor and taste profile when as compared to lower-elevation coffees. Coffee that is grown at higher elevations has a higher concentration of sweet flavors, such as fruit, citrus and vanilla as well as being more rich and smoother than their lower elevation counterparts. Roasters prefer this bean because of its sweetness, richness of flavor and consistency.
High-grown arabica is usually called strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB) which means that the coffee is located at an elevation higher than 4,000 feet. Typically the beans are cultivated on volcanic soils and are organically grown or shade-grown, adding to their already amazing flavor characteristics. Since these beans mature and grow slower than those grown at lower elevations generally, they are more dense, which results in a stronger cup with a more intense and consistent flavor. This distinctive quality makes SHG and SHB arabica the most popular type of coffee for roasters seeking to make a great cup.
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 - sciencewiki.science, are grown in these mountains where the low altitudes and cool climate create the ideal conditions for the plant to flourish.
Arabica plants are tolerant of a variety of conditions of climate however their best arabica coffee beans growth is found in subtropical zones with cool nights and warm days. This unique climate allows for the plant to develop unique flavors that reflect freedom. It's these tastes that make the coffee we enjoy so unique.
While the low-elevation coffees that line the instant coffee aisle of your local grocery store 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 finest arabica coffee beans tend to be cultivated between 3,500 and 6,500 feet above sea level. The combination of high altitude, cool climate, and fertile soil is what makes these beans distinctly delicious.
Coffee farmers are always searching for the ideal soil conditions that foster the growth of high-quality arabica coffee plants. The soil must be humus-rich and have a texture that drains well. This kind of soil is perfect for arabica cultivation, since it encourages healthy roots and helps to minimize plant diseases.
In addition to having a soil that has the right humus content, coffee farms also prefer a cooler climate with a distinct dry season. These weather patterns allow the plants to grow more slowly and result in an even more dense and flavorful coffee bean.
Well-Drained Soil
The Arabicica coffee beans that are high-grown have a complex and sophisticated taste, which is different from the low-elevation varieties that are used for mass production. The coffee plants are protected by tall canopy trees and the nutrient-rich volcanic soil is ideal for the cultivation of these special beans. The soil is able to allow the roots to absorb what they require however, it also drains quickly to prevent stagnant puddles of water that limit the growth of the roots and oxygen intake.
Arabian coffee plants have a long taproot and shallow fibrous roots that spread outwards for 3 to 4 ft (0.9-1.2 m). The flowers are small, white, and fragrant and are referred to as cherries. These drupes have two seeds inside and are ripe when they're either purple or red. The arabica plant can self-fertilize, and does not require cross pollination to produce fruit.
The cooler temperatures at higher elevations slows the growth cycle of the coffee plant and allows it to mature more slowly. This allows the beans to develop deeper flavors. This results in a more rich flavor, more complex and complex taste that is far more potent than lower-elevation coffees.
At higher altitudes, the temperatures are cooler and the air is more humid. The cooler climate is ideal for sensitive development of the coffee plant and helps to ward off the spread of diseases and pests that plague lower-elevation plants.
Due to the particular climate and soil characteristics, high-altitude farms are able to produce more beans than those at lower elevations. You will find these superior coffee beans in specialty cafes and in the finest coffee roasters.
If you are planning to grow your own Arabica plant, make sure you pay attention to the specific requirements of this plant and choose a mix of soil that is compatible with the requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that contain excessive ingredients that could prevent the roots of your plant from developing. Include compost or other organic matter to improve the retention of water, without creating a concrete-like texture. Water your plant only when the soil feels dry to the surface. Avoid over- or underwatering which can cause root rot.
Unique Flavors
The unique flavor profile makes arabica beans highly sought after. They are more rich and nuanced than other coffee types with notes of chocolate, caramel fruit and flowers. The care that is taken during the cultivation and roasting process results in the smoother, sweeter taste. These beans also have less acidity and caffeine than other varieties, making them less bitter and more enjoyable to drink.
Arabica beans are grown in the mountainous regions of the world, which are part of the Coffee Belt, a tropical band that spans 30 degrees north and south of the equator. The finest beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are cultivated in volcanic and other rich soils. They produce small fruit that are referred to as coffee cherries.
The cherries contain two seeds inside. The seeds are separated from the fleshy outer layer once they ripen and are ground and roasted to make a cup of coffee. Arabica beans are considered to be a premium coffee bean since they are more expensive and possess a more flavor.
The high altitudes at which arabica beans grow is one of the main factors that affect their taste and quality. The cooler climate and the fertile volcanic soils make arabica coffee bean blend beans taste better than those that are grown at lower elevations. Higher altitudes also have a positive impact on the maturation of coffee beans. The cooler temperatures slow the growth of the beans, allowing them more time to mature.
The various regions of coffee production around the world each possess their own distinct flavors and characteristics. For example arabica beans from Central America tend to have an even composition and a light dark roast arabica coffee beans body, while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are known for their savory-sweet flavors. Each country and region has a distinct type of soil, which is why each bean has a distinct flavor. Certain soils are able to hold water and give a rich chocolatey flavor, while others have a sandy texture that makes the coffee taste less sweet.