Why High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans Is A Lot More Dangerous Than You Thought

High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans possess distinct flavors. Contrary to their lower elevation counterpart, Robusta, which has more resistance to pests and diseases, Arabica is more susceptible.

The high-grown arabica variety is the one most sought-after by specialty roasters and premium coffee shops. What makes this coffee so special? Scientists have identified the reason: altitude.

High Altitudes

Coffee has a long tradition, spanning from Ethiopia to Yemen and lower Africa. It is now a major component of the production world. While low-elevation beans are commercially viable and comprise the instant coffee found in grocery stores, real coffee aficionados prefer specialty arabica grown high altitudes for greater complexity in taste.

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 the ideal growth conditions for the high-quality arabica beans. These high-elevation climatic conditions are frost-free and provide a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooler temperatures in the mountains slow the growth process of the coffee plant, allowing it to mature more slowly. This allows the coffee beans to absorb different flavors from their environment and imbue them with unique characteristics. The prolonged maturation helps stop the coffee bean borer, which is a small beetle that infests and eats the beans. It also helps to keep out the coffee leaf miner, a flies, which hinders photosynthesis and reduces productivity.

Combining these elements creates an enhanced flavor profile and taste when compared to coffees grown at lower elevations. Coffee grown at higher elevations has a heightened concentration of sweet flavors, including citrus, vanilla and fruit, while being richer and smoother than their lower-elevation counterparts. The bean’s consistency, sweetness and fullness of flavor make it the top bean for roasters seeking to create a truly high-quality cup of coffee.

High-grown arabica is commonly called strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB) meaning that the coffee is located at an elevation higher than 4000 feet. The beans are typically grown on volcanic soils and are shade grown arabica coffee beans-grown, or organically cultivated. This adds to their already delicious flavor. Because these beans mature and grow slower than those with lower elevation and are therefore denser, resulting in a stronger cup with a more intense and consistent flavor. This unique characteristic makes SHG or SHB arabica a great choice for roasters that want to produce a cup of coffee that is outstanding.

Cool Climate

The best coffee-growing regions are located in the tropical zone between Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This zone is known as the “coffee belt”. High-quality arabica coffee beans are grown in these mountains where the cooler climate and high altitudes provide the perfect conditions for the plant to flourish.

Arabica plants are tolerant of a variety of climate conditions however their best growth occurs in subtropical areas with cool nights and warm days. This unique climate enables the plant to develop complex flavors that communicate freedom. It’s these tastes that make the coffee we enjoy so unique.

While the popularity of low-elevation instant espressos in your local grocery store is increasing, coffee lovers and experts agree that these varieties tend to be bitter and less tasty compared to specialty coffee beans cultivated at higher elevations. In reality the majority of coffee consumed in the world is high-elevation coffee.

The finest arabica coffee beans in bulk coffee beans are said to be cultivated between 3000 to 6,500 feet above sea level. These beans are so delicious due to the combination of high elevation, cool climate and fertile soil.

Coffee farmers are always looking for the perfect soil conditions to cultivate high-quality arabica plants. Ideally, the soil should have a high humus content with a well-draining surface. This kind of soil is perfect for growing arabica, as it encourages healthy roots and helps 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 that has a distinct dry season. These weather patterns permit plants to mature more slowly, resulting in a more flavorful and full-bodied coffee bean.

Well-drained soil

The arabica beans that are grown to the highest quality have a rich and sophisticated taste, which is different from the low-elevation species grown for mass production. The coffee trees are protected by tall canopy trees and the volcanic soil is rich in nutrients. This makes the perfect conditions for growing these special beans. The soil is high in nutrients and allows 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 between 3 and 4 feet. (0.9-1.2m). The flowers of the cherry are tiny delicate, fragrant and white. They have two seeds inside and are ripe when red or purple in colour. The plant is self-fertile and doesn’t require cross pollination in order to produce fruit.

The cool temperatures at higher elevations slows the growth cycle, allowing the beans to mature more slowly and develop more complex flavors. This results in a cup that is richer and more complex, and has a more pronounced flavor than coffees produced at lower altitudes.

At high altitudes the temperature is lower and the air is more humid. The cooler climate is ideal for sensitive development of the coffee plant, and it aids in reducing the spread pests and diseases that affect lower elevation plants.

Due to the particular conditions of the soil and climate, high-altitude coffee farms can produce far more beans than low-elevation farms. You will find these superior beans at specialty cafes and in the finest coffee roasters.

When you plant your own arabica plant pay close attention to the requirements of your particular plant and select a soil mix that aligns with these requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that could contain too many ingredients and don’t allow the roots of your plant to grow. Organic matter such as compost or other can be added to the soil in order to improve water retention, without creating a texture that resembles cement. Water your plant only when the soil is dry to the feel. Avoid drowning or over-watering, which could cause root rot.

Unique Flavors

The distinctive flavor profile makes arabica beans extremely sought-after. They are more rich and complex in flavor than other coffees, with notes of flowers, fruit caramel, chocolate and. The careful cultivation and roasting of the beans gives the smoother and sweeter flavor. They also have less caffeine and acidity than other varieties, making them less bitter and more enjoyable to drink.

Arabica beans are grown in mountainous regions around the globe which are part of the Coffee Belt. The Coffee Belt is a tropical region that extends 30 degrees north or south of the Equator. The most affluent beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are cultivated in volcanic and other nutrient-rich soils, which produce small fruit that are known as coffee cherries.

These cherries contain two seeds. The seeds are separated from the fleshy outer layer as they begin to ripen, and then are crushed and roasted to make a cup of coffee. Arabica coffee beans are a premium variety because they are typically more expensive than other varieties of beans and have a more complex taste.

The altitudes at which arabica beans are grown are one of the major factors that affect the taste and quality of these beans. The cooler climate, the fertile volcanic soils and the cooler climate makes arabica beans taste better than beans grown at lower elevation. The higher altitudes can have a positive effect on the maturation process of the coffee beans. This is because cooler temperatures slow down the process of growing beans and gives them the time to mature and create a rich and satisfying taste.

The different coffee-growing regions around the world each possess their own distinct flavor and distinctive characteristics. For instance arabica beans originate from Central America tend to have a balanced composition and a light medium roast arabica coffee beans body, while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are known for their savory-sweet flavors. The distinctive flavor profiles are due to the fact that each country and region has its own soil type. Certain soils are rich in water and have a rich chocolaty taste. Some have a sand-like texture that makes the coffee taste less sweet.