10 High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans Tricks All Pros Recommend
High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans
single origin arabica coffee beans coffee beans are characterized by a distinct flavor. Arabica is more prone to disease and pests than its lower elevation counterpart, Robusta.
The arabica variety that is high-grown is the most sought after by specialty roasters and high-end coffee shops. What makes this particular coffee special? Scientists have discovered the reason behind this: 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, forming a large portion of global production today. While low-elevation coffee is commercially viable and populates the instant brews sold in grocery stores, serious enthusiasts seek out specialty arabica that is grown at higher altitudes to produce a more complex flavor profile.
The mountains 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 climates are not frosty and provide a temperate atmosphere with a perfect annual average temperature of 64 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cool mountain temperatures slow down the growth cycle of the coffee plant and permit it to mature at a slower pace. This allows the coffee beans to absorb various flavors from their surroundings and imbue them with unique characteristics. The longer maturation period can also help to prevent the coffee berry borer, which is a small beetle that infests and eats beans as well as the coffee leaf miner moth, which hinders photosynthesis and decreases productivity.
Combining these elements results in an enhanced flavor profile and a better 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 fruit, citrus and vanilla, while being richer and smoother than their lower elevation counterparts. Roasters like this bean due to its sweetness, fullness of flavour and consistency.
High-grown arabica coffee is called strictly high-grown or strictly hard bean. This means that the coffee was cultivated at a higher elevation than 4000 feet. Typically, the beans are grown on volcanic soils and are organically grown or shade-grown which adds to their already impressive flavor profiles. These beans are drier due to their maturation and growth slower than beans grown at lower altitudes. This results in more robust and consistent coffee. This distinctive quality makes SHG and SHB arabica the preferred type of coffee for roasters looking to make a great cup.
Cool Climate
The most renowned coffee-growing regions are located in the tropical zone between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This zone is referred to as the "coffee belt". High-quality arabica coffee beans are grown in these mountains where the cool climate and high altitudes provide the perfect conditions for the plant to flourish.
Arabica plants are tolerant of many climates, but their optimal growth is found in subtropical zones with cool nights and warm days. This unique climate enables the plant to create complex flavours that reflect the freedom of. It's these tastes that make the coffee we drink so special.
While the popularity of instant coffees with low elevation in your local grocery store is growing, coffee enthusiasts and experts agree that these kinds tend to be bitter and less flavorful when compared to specialty coffee beans that are grown at higher altitudes. In reality the majority of the coffee consumed around the world is high-elevation coffee.
The finest high-grown arabica coffee beans are usually grown at altitudes ranging from three and six thousand feet. These beans are so delicious due to the combination of high elevation, cool climate and fertile soil.
Coffee farmers are always on the lookout to find the perfect soil conditions to grow high-quality arabica plants. The ideal soil will contain a high amount of humus with a well-draining surface. This kind of soil is perfect for growing wild harvested arabica coffee beans, as it aids in maintaining healthy roots and to reduce the risk of plant diseases.
In addition to having a soil that has the proper humus content, coffee farms prefer a cool climate with a distinct dry season. These climate patterns allow plants to mature slowly, which results in a more flavorful and a more dense bean.
Well-Drained Soil
Unlike the low-elevation species that are grown to produce mass quantities and line the aisles of grocery stores, the high grown arabica coffee beans are coveted by aficionados for their complex and refined flavor. The coffee trees are sheltered by tall canopy trees and the volcanic soil is full of nutrients. This creates ideal conditions for the cultivation of these unique beans. The soil allows the roots to absorb the nutrients they require, but it also drains quickly, preventing stagnant pools of water that hinder the growth of the root and oxygen intake.
The Arabian coffee plant has a long taproot and fibrous roots that are shallow, which spread outwards from 3 to 4 ft. (0.9-1.2m). The flowers of the cherry are tiny delicate, fragrant and white. They are two-seeded and ripe when they turn red or purple. The arabica plant can self-fertilize and does not require cross pollination to produce fruit.
The cool climate at higher elevations slows the growth cycle, allowing beans to mature more slowly and develop deeper flavors. This results in a coffee that is more affluent and complex, and has a more pronounced flavor than coffees grown at lower altitudes.
At these high altitudes, the temperature is more frigid, and the air is more humid. The cool, dry weather is perfect for the coffee plant's sensitive growth, and also helps in reducing the spread of diseases and pests that plague lower elevation crops.
Due to the unique soil and climate characteristics high-altitude coffee farms can produce much more beans than low-elevation farms. You can find these premium coffee beans in specialty cafes and in the finest coffee roasters.
When growing your own Arabica plant, ensure that you be aware of the particular requirements of this plant and choose a mix of soil that is compatible with these needs. Avoid commercial mixes that may contain too many ingredients and don't permit the roots of your arabica plant to thrive. Include compost or other organic matter to improve retention of water without creating a concrete-like appearance. Water your plant only when the soil is dry to the feel. Avoid drowning or over-watering, which can cause root rot.
Unique Flavors
The unique flavor profile of arabica beans makes them extremely sought-after. They are more rich and complex in flavor than other coffees. They have notes of fruit, flowers caramel, chocolate and. The careful cultivation and roasting of beans results in smoother and more sweet taste. They are also less acidic and contain less caffeine than other varieties. They are also less bitter and easier to drink.
Arabica beans are grown in mountains around the globe which are part of the Coffee Belt. The Coffee Belt is a tropical region that extends 30 degrees to the north or south of the Equator. This is where the best-quality beans are produced. The coffee plants are grown in volcanic and other fertile soils. They produce small fruits that are known as coffee cherries.
The cherries have two seeds. The seeds are separated from the fleshy outer layer when they begin to ripen, and then are ground and roasted to make the coffee. Arabica coffee beans are a premium variety because they tend to be more expensive than other varieties of bean and also have a more complex flavor.
The altitude where arabica beans grow is among the major factors that influence their flavor and quality. The cool climate, the fertile volcanic soils and the cooler climate make arabica beans taste better than those grown lower in elevation. Higher altitudes also have a positive impact on the maturation process of coffee beans. This is due to the cooler temperatures slow down the process of growing beans, which gives them time to mature and develop a rich and satisfying taste.
Each region has its own distinctive flavor and distinctive characteristics. For instance, arabica coffee beans for cold brew beans from Central America tend to have an even composition and a light body while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are known for their savory-sweet flavors. The distinctive tastes are due to fact that each country and region has its own distinct soil type. Some soils are enriched with water and produce a full chocolaty taste. Some have a sand texture that makes the coffee taste less sweet.