High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans
Arabica coffee beans possess distinct flavor profiles. In contrast to their low-elevation counterpart Robusta, which has more resistance to pests and diseases, Arabica is more susceptible.
High-grown arabica is a coveted variety found in premium coffee shops and specialty roasters. What makes this kind of coffee so sought-after? Scientists have discovered the reason: 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 the world's production today. While low-elevation coffees are commercially viable and are the basis of instant coffee found in grocery stores, real coffee aficionados prefer specialty arabica grown higher altitudes to enjoy an enticing flavor profile.
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 the production of high-quality arabica beans. These high-elevation climates are not frosty and offer a pleasant climate with a perfect annual average temperature of 64-73 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cool mountain temperatures slow down the growth cycle of the coffee plant and allow it to mature slower. This allows the coffee beans to absorb different flavors from their environment and give them unique characteristics. The longer maturation period helps keep the coffee bean borer, which is a small beetle that infests and eats the beans. It also helps keep out the coffee leaf miner, a moth, that inhibits photosynthesis, and reduces productivity.
Combining these elements creates the best flavor profile and taste compared to coffees that are grown at lower elevations. The higher elevation coffees have a greater concentration of sweet flavors like citrus, fruit and vanilla. It's also more rich and smoother than coffee grown lower down. The bean's consistency, sweetness and richness of flavor make it the top bean for roasters looking to create a truly top-quality cup of joe.
High-grown arabica is often called strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB) meaning that the coffee is located at an elevation higher than 4,000 feet. Typically the beans are grown on volcanic soils and are shade-grown or organically cultivated and have outstanding flavor characteristics. These beans are drier because they mature and grow slower than beans grown at lower altitudes. This results in an even stronger and consistent coffee. This unique quality makes SHG or SHB arabica the coffee of choice for roasters that want to make a cup of coffee that is outstanding.
Cool Climate
The best coffee-growing regions are located in the tropical zone that lies between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This zone is referred to as the "coffee belt". High-quality arabica coffee beans - https://www.coffeee.uk are grown in these mountains where the cooler climate and high altitudes provide the perfect conditions for the plant to thrive.
Arabica plants are tolerant of a variety of conditions of climate however their best growth occurs in subtropical areas with cool nights and warm days. This unique climate allows for the plant to develop unique flavours that convey freedom. It's these tastes that make the coffee we love so distinctive.
While the popularity of instant coffees with low elevation in your local grocery store is growing, coffee enthusiasts and experts agree that these varieties tend to be more bitter and less flavorful compared to specialty coffee beans cultivated at higher altitudes. The majority of the coffee consumed around the world is high altitude coffee.
The best high grown arabica coffee beans are typically grown at altitudes ranging from 3000 and 6,000 feet. They are delicious because of the combination of high elevation and cool climate, as well as fertile soil.
Coffee farmers are always looking for the ideal conditions for soil that will encourage the growth of top-quality arabica coffee plants. Ideally, the soil should 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 and helps minimize plant diseases.
Coffee farms prefer the cool climate and has a distinct dry time. These climate patterns allow plants to grow more slowly and produce the production of a more dense and delicious coffee bean.
Well-Drained Soil
The arabica beans that are grown to the highest quality have a complex and sophisticated taste, unlike the low-elevation varieties that are used for mass production. The coffee trees are protected by tall canopy trees and the volcanic soil is full of nutrients. This provides the ideal conditions for the cultivation of these particular beans. The soil is rich in nutrients and allows the roots to absorb them, but the soil drains quickly, ensuring that there aren't stagnant puddles.
Arabian coffee plants have a long taproot as well as shallow fibrous roots that spread outwards for 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m). The flowers are small, white and sweet and are often referred to as cherries. The drupes contain two seeds inside, and are ripe when they're either purple or red. The plant is self-fertile and doesn't require cross pollination to produce fruit.
The cooler temperatures at higher elevations slows down the development of the coffee plant, allowing it to mature more slowly. This allows the beans to develop deeper flavors. This results in a coffee that is more affluent and complex, and has a stronger taste than coffees produced at lower altitudes.
At high altitudes the temperatures are cooler and the air more humid. The cool climate is ideal for sensitive growth of the coffee plant and it helps suppress the spread pests and diseases that affect lower elevation plants.
Due to the unique soil and climate characteristics, high-altitude farms can produce more beans than farms that are located at lower elevations. You can find these premium beans at specialty cafes and in the finest coffee roasters.
If you are planning to grow your own arabica plant, pay close attention to its specific needs and use the right soil mix to align with the requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that contain too many ingredients that can hinder the roots of your plant from developing. Compost or other organic arabica coffee beans - https://www.coffeee.uk/products/lavazza-super-crema-whole-bean-espresso-... matter can be added to the soil to increase the retention of water, but without creating a cement-like surface. Water your plant only when the soil feels 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 richer and more sophisticated than other coffees with notes of caramel, chocolate, fruit, and flowers. The careful cultivation and roasting beans gives a smoother and sweeter taste. They 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 mountainous regions around the globe that 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 highest-quality beans are grown. The coffee plants are planted in volcanic and other rich soils, and produce small fruits that are known as coffee cherries.
These cherries contain two seeds within them. As the seeds mature they are separated from their fleshy outer layer and then roasted to create coffee. Arabica coffee beans are a premium selection because they tend to be more expensive than other varieties of bean and also possess a distinct flavor.
The altitudes at which arabica beans are grown is one of the major factors that affect their taste and quality. The cooler climate and the fertile volcanic soils make arabica beans taste better than those grown at lower elevations. The higher elevations have a positive impact on the process of maturation of coffee beans. The cooler temperatures slow the growth of the beans, which gives them the chance to mature.
The various regions of coffee production around the world each have their own signature flavors and characteristics. For instance, arabica beans originate from Central America tend to have balanced composition and a light body, while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are known for their savory-sweet flavors. Each country and region has a different soil type and that is why every bean has a distinct flavor. Certain soils are rich in water and produce a full chocolaty taste. Others have a sand-like texture that makes the coffee taste lighter.