High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans
Arabica coffee beans are characterized by a distinctive flavor. Contrary to their lower elevation counterpart, Robusta, which has greater resistance to diseases and pests, Arabica is more susceptible.
High-grown arabica is the coveted variety found in premium arabica coffee beans for espresso coffee shops and specialty roasters. What is it that makes this kind of coffee so popular? Scientists have discovered the reason: altitude.
High Altitudes
Coffee has a long and rich history, spanning from Ethiopia to Yemen and even lower Africa. It is now a significant part of the global production. While low-elevation beans are commercially viable and are the basis of instant coffee found in grocery shops, true coffee enthusiasts prefer specialty arabica grown in higher altitudes for an enticing flavor profile.
The mountains of the world's top 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 production of high-quality arabica beans. These high-elevation regions are frost-free and provide a temperate atmosphere with an average annual temperature of 64-73 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cooler temperatures in the mountains slow the growth cycle of the coffee plant and allow it to mature more slowly. The coffee beans absorb flavors from the environment, resulting in a unique flavor. The longer maturation period also helps in preventing the coffee berry borer, which is a tiny beetle that infests and eats beans and also the coffee leaf miner, a moth that inhibits photosynthesis and diminishes productivity.
The combination of these elements makes for a better flavor and taste profile when as compared to lower-elevation coffees. Coffee that is grown at higher elevations is a better source of sweet flavors, including fruit, citrus and vanilla and is also richer and smoother than lower elevation counterparts. The consistency, sweetness and richness of flavor make it the preferred coffee for roasters who want to produce an exceptionally top-quality cup of joe.
High-grown arabica coffee beans variety coffee is also known as strictly high-grown, or strictly hard bean. This means that the coffee was cultivated at a higher elevation than 4,000 feet. Typically, the beans are grown on volcanic soil and are organically grown or shade-grown which adds to their already outstanding flavor profiles. Since these beans mature and grow slower than those grown at lower elevations and are therefore heavier, resulting in a stronger coffee with a more intense and consistent flavor. This distinctive characteristic makes SHG and SHB arabica a preferred choice of coffee for roasters who want to create a unique cup.
Cool Climate
The best coffee-growing regions are located in the tropical zone between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This region is known as the “coffee belt”. High-quality arabica coffee beans are grown in these mountainous regions where the cool climate and high altitudes create the ideal conditions for the plant to flourish.
fair trade arabica coffee beans plants can tolerate a wide range of climate conditions. However, their most successful development occurs in subtropical areas with cool evenings and warm temperatures during the daytime. This unique climate permits the plant to develop complex flavors that communicate the freedom of. These flavors are what make the coffee we enjoy so special.
While the popularity of instant coffees with low elevation in your local grocery store is growing, coffee lovers and experts agree that these types tend to be bitter and less flavorful compared to specialty coffee beans cultivated at higher elevations. In reality the majority of coffee consumed in the world is high-elevation.
The best arabica coffee beans tend to be grown between 3000 and 6,500 feet above sea level. These beans are so delicious due to the combination of high elevation with cool climate and fertile soil.
Coffee farmers are always searching for the perfect soil conditions that foster the growth of top-quality arabica coffee plants. The ideal soil will be rich in humus with a well-draining texture. This kind of soil is ideal for growing arabica as it facilitates the growth of healthy roots as well as helps minimize the risk of plant diseases.
In addition to a soil that has the proper humus content, coffee farms prefer a cooler climate with a distinct dry season. These climate patterns allow plants to mature slower, which results in a denser and more flavorful coffee bean.
Well-Drained soil
The high-grown arabica coffee beans are characterized by a sophisticated and complex taste, unlike the low-elevation species grown for mass production. The coffee trees are shaded by tall canopy trees and the volcanic soil is abundant in nutrients. This makes the perfect conditions for growing these special beans. The soil is abundant in nutrients, allowing the roots to absorb them, however it the soil drains quickly, ensuring that there are no stagnant puddles.
The Arabian coffee plant has a long taproot, and a few fibrous roots that spread outwards from 3 to 4 feet. (0.9-1.2m). The cherry's flowers are tiny, fragrant and white. The drupes are double-seeded and ripe when red or purple. The plant's ability to self-fertilize and does not require cross pollination to produce fruit.
The cooler climate at higher elevations slows down the growth rate of the coffee plant and allows it to mature slower. This allows the beans to develop deeper flavors. This translates to a richer, more complex taste that is much more potent than lower-elevation coffees.
At these higher altitudes, temperatures are colder, and the atmosphere more humid. The cool weather is ideal for the coffee plant's sensitive growth, and it helps in preventing the spread of pests and disease that affect lower elevation crops.
Because of the particular conditions of the soil and climate high-altitude coffee farms are able produce far more beans than low-elevation farms. This is why you'll often find these superior beans in specialty cafes and top coffee roasters.
When growing your own Arabica plant, ensure that you pay attention to the specific requirements of the plant and choose a mix of soil that meets these requirements. Avoid commercial mixes with too many ingredients that can hinder the roots of your plant from growing. Compost or other organic matter can be added to the soil in order to improve the retention of water, but without creating a texture that resembles cement. Water your plant as soon as the soil is dry to the touch, avoiding excessive or inadequate watering, which can lead to root the rot.
Unique Flavors
The distinctive flavor profile makes versatile arabica coffee beans beans highly sought after. They are more complex and nuanced in flavor than other coffees, and have notes of flowers, fruit, caramel and chocolate. The careful cultivation and roasting of beans result in the smoother and sweeter flavor. These beans are also less acidic and contain less caffeine than other varieties. They are, therefore, less bitter and are easier for you to drink.
Arabica beans are grown in world's mountainous regions 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 planted in volcanic soils and other rich soils that produce small fruits called coffee cherries.
These cherries contain two seeds. When the seeds begin to mature, they are separated from their fleshy outer layer and then roasted to create coffee. Arabica coffee beans are a premium arabica coffee beans for espresso variety because they are generally more expensive than other varieties and also have a more complex flavor.
The altitudes at which arabica beans are grown is one of the main factors that influence their taste and quality. The cool climate, the fertile volcanic soils and cooler climate make arabica beans taste better than those grown at lower elevation. The 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 distinct flavors and characteristics. For example arabica beans from Central America tend to have a balanced composition and a light body, while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are popular for their savory sweet flavors. The distinctive tastes are due to fact that each country and region has its own distinct soil type. Certain soils are rich in water and have a rich chocolatey flavor. Others have a sand texture which makes the coffee taste lighter.(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/778/16244/lavazza-crema-e-aroma-arabica-and-robusta-medium-roast-coffee-beans-1-kg-pack-of-1-16244.jpg)
