15 Interesting Facts About High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans You ve Never Known
High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans
Arabica coffee beans have a distinct flavor profile. In contrast to their low-elevation counterpart Robusta, which has more resistance to diseases and pests, Arabica is more susceptible.
The high-grown arabica variety is the one sought after by specialty roasters and premium coffee shops. What makes this coffee special? Scientists have found the reason the reason is altitude.
High Altitudes
With a long history that stretches from Ethiopia and Yemen to lower Africa and lower Africa, coffee has made its way into the hearts of many, making up a large portion of the world's production today. While low-elevation coffees are commercially viable and are the basis of instant coffee found in supermarkets, true coffee lovers prefer specialty arabica grown higher altitudes to enjoy greater complexity in taste.
The mountains 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 high-grown arabica coffee beans. These high-elevation climatic conditions are frost-free and offer the climate with a moderate climate, with an average annual temperature ranging from 64 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cool mountain temperatures slow the growth rate of the coffee plant and allow it to mature at a slower pace. The coffee beans can absorb flavors from the surrounding environment, which gives them an unique flavor. The prolonged maturation helps stop the coffee bean borer, which is a small beetle, from infesting and eating the beans. It also helps keep out the coffee leaf miner, a moth, which blocks photosynthesis and reduces productivity.
The combination of these factors contributes to a superior flavor and taste profile when compared to lower-elevation coffees. Coffee grown higher up has higher levels of sweet flavors, such as citrus, fruit and vanilla. It is also richer and smoother than coffee grown lower. The bean's consistency, sweetness and fullness of flavor make it the top bean for roasters looking to produce an exceptionally premium cup of joe.
High-grown arabica 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 shade-grown or organically cultivated which adds to their already outstanding flavor characteristics. These beans are denser because they mature and grow slower than beans that are grown at lower elevations. This makes for a stronger and more consistent coffee. This unique characteristic makes SHG or SHB arabica a great choice for roasters looking to create a cup of coffee that is unique.
Cool Climate
The most renowned coffee-growing regions are located in the tropical zone that lies between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This region is known as the "coffee belt". High-quality arabica coffee beans are grown in these mountains where the low altitudes and cool climate provide the ideal conditions for the plant to thrive.
light roast arabica coffee beans plants are tolerant of a variety of conditions of climate but their peak growth is found in subtropical zones with cool nights and warm days. This unique climate enables the plant to develop complex flavors that convey the freedom of. It's these tastes that make the coffee we drink so distinctive.
While the popularity of low-elevation instant coffees at your local grocery store is growing, coffee enthusiasts and experts agree that these kinds tend to be more bitter and less flavorful when compared to specialty coffee beans cultivated at higher altitudes. The majority of coffee consumed across the globe is high altitude coffee.
The finest high-grown green arabica coffee beans, their explanation, coffee beans are usually grown at altitudes ranging from 3000 and 6,000 feet. They are delicious due to the combination of high elevation and cool climate, as well as fertile soil.
Coffee farmers are always searching for the ideal conditions for soil that will encourage the growth of top-quality arabica coffee plants. Ideally, the soil should contain a high amount of humus with a smooth, draining texture. This type of soil is perfect for arabica cultivation, since it aids in maintaining healthy roots and to prevent the spread of plant diseases.
In addition to having a soil with the right humus content, coffee farms also prefer a cool climate with a distinct dry season. These climate patterns allow plants to mature more slowly, which results in a denser and more flavorful bean.
Well-Drained Soil
The high-grown arabica coffee beans have a rich and sophisticated flavor, in contrast to the low-elevation species grown for mass production. The coffee trees grow sheltered by tall canopy trees and the volcanic soil is rich in nutrients and is ideal for the cultivation of these unique beans. The soil is rich in nutrients and allows the roots to absorb them, but drains quickly so that there aren't any stagnant puddles.
Arabian coffee plants have a long taproot as well as shallow fibrous roots that spread outwards for 3 to 4 ft (0.9-1.2 meters). The flowers are small, white, and fragrant and are referred to as cherries. The drupes are double-seeded and ripe when they are purple or red. The plant's arabica can self-fertilize, and does not require cross pollination in order to produce fruit.
The cooler temperatures at higher elevations slows down the growth cycle of the coffee plant and allows it to mature more slowly. This allows the beans to develop more intense flavors. This translates to a richer flavor, more complex and complex taste that is more potent than coffees from lower elevations.
At these high altitudes, temperatures are more frigid, and the air is more humid. The cool weather is perfect for the coffee plant's sensitive growth, and also helps in reducing the spread of pests and diseases that affect lower elevation crops.
Due to the particular climate and soil characteristics high-altitude coffee farms are able produce much more beans than low-elevation farms. You can find these premium beans in specialty cafes as well as in premium arabica coffee beans for espresso coffee roasters.
When you plant your own arabica plant, be sure to be aware of the particular requirements of the plant and choose a mix of soil that meets these requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that could be too heavy in the ingredients and do not allow the roots of your arabica plant to flourish. Include compost or other organic matter to increase retention of water without creating a concrete-like texture. Water your plant when the soil is dry to the touch, and avoid over- or under-watering, which can cause root decay.
Unique Flavors
The unique flavor profile of arabica beans makes them extremely sought-after. They are more rich and sophisticated than other coffees with notes of chocolate, caramel, fruit, and flowers. The care taken in growing and roasting produces a smoother, sweeter flavor. These beans are also less acidic and contain less caffeine than other varieties. They are, therefore, less bitter and easier for you to drink.
Arabica beans are grown in the 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 finest beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are planted in volcanic and other fertile soils, which produce small fruits that are referred to as coffee cherries.
These cherries contain two seeds. When the seeds begin to mature, they are separated from their outer layer of flesh and then fresh roasted arabica coffee beans to create coffee. Arabica coffee beans are a premium selection because they are generally more expensive than other varieties of beans, and they have a more complex flavor.
The high altitudes at which arabica beans grow is one of the main factors that influences their taste and quality. The cooler climate and the fertile volcanic soils make arabica beans taste better than those grown at lower altitudes. Higher elevations have a positive impact on the maturation process of coffee beans. The cooler temperatures slow down the growth cycle of the beans, giving them the chance to mature.
The different coffee-growing regions 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 roast arabica coffee beans body, while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are popular for their savory sweet flavors. Each region or country has a different soil type and this is the reason each bean has a distinct flavor. Some soils hold water well and produce a rich chocolatey flavor, while others have a sandy texture that makes the coffee taste lighter.