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High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans are characterized by a distinct flavor. Arabica is more susceptible to diseases and pests than its low-elevation cousin, Robusta.

High-grown arabica is a sought-after variety that is found in specialty coffee shops and premium roasters. What makes this kind of coffee so sought-after? Scientists have discovered the reason behind this: altitude.

High Altitudes

Coffee has a long tradition, spanning from Ethiopia to Yemen and the lower part of Africa. It is now a major component of the world's production. While low-elevation beans can be sold commercially, and make up the instant coffee that is sold in grocery shops, true coffee lovers prefer specialty arabicas that are grown at in higher altitudes for an enticing 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 the ideal growth conditions for high-grown arabica coffee beans. These high-elevation regions are frost-free and provide a temperate atmosphere with a perfect average annual temperature of 64 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cool mountain temperatures slow down the coffee plant's growth cycle and allow for a longer maturation process. This allows the coffee beans to absorb various flavors from their environment and impart them with distinctive characteristics. The prolonged maturation helps stop the coffee bean borer which is a small beetle, from infesting and eating the beans. It also helps to keep out the coffee leaf miner, a flies, which hinders photosynthesis and decreases productivity.

Combining these elements creates an enhanced flavor profile and taste compared to coffees that are grown at lower elevations. Coffee grown at higher elevations has a heightened concentration of sweet flavors, including citrus, fruit and vanilla and is also richer and smoother than lower elevation counterparts. The consistency, sweetness and fullness of flavor make it the most popular bean for roasters looking to create a truly top-quality cup of joe.

High-grown arabica is usually called strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB), meaning that the coffee is grown at an altitude higher than 4,000 feet. Typically, the beans are grown on volcanic soil and are shade-grown or organically cultivated which adds to their already amazing flavor characteristics. Because they grow and mature slower than low-elevation beans generally, they are heavier, resulting in a stronger coffee with a more intense and consistent flavor. This unique quality makes SHG and SHB arabica the most popular type of coffee for roasters who want to deliver an exceptional cup.

Cool Climate

The tropical zone spanning the tropical regions of Cancer and Capricorn known as the coffee belt, is one of the most sought-after coffee growing regions. High-quality arabica coffee beans (recent Migration Bt 4 blog post) are grown in these mountainous regions where the low altitudes and cool climate provide the ideal conditions for the plant to thrive.

Arabica plants are tolerant of many climate conditions, but their optimal growth occurs in subtropical areas with cool nights and warm days. This unique climate enables the plant to create complex flavors that communicate freedom. These flavors are what make coffee so special.

While the popularity of low-elevation instant espressos in your local grocery store is growing, coffee enthusiasts and experts agree that these types tend to be bitter and less flavorful when compared to specialty coffee beans that are grown at higher elevations. In reality, the majority of coffee consumed in the world is high-elevation.

The finest arabica coffee beans are said to be grown between 3,000 and 6,500 feet above sea level. They are delicious because of the combination of high elevation, cool climate and fertile soil.

Coffee farmers are always on the lookout to find the perfect soil conditions for growing high-quality arabica plants. The ideal soil will contain a high amount of humus with a smooth, draining texture. This type of soil is ideal for arabica cultivation, since it encourages healthy roots and helps to reduce the risk of plant diseases.

In addition to a soil that has the right humus content, coffee farms prefer a cooler climate with a distinct dry season. These climate patterns permit plants to mature more slowly, which results in a more flavorful and dense 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 sheltered by tall canopy trees and the nutrient-rich volcanic soil creates the ideal conditions for the growth of these unique beans. The soil allows the roots to absorb the nutrients they require but also drains quickly to prevent stagnant pools of water that hinder root growth and oxygen intake.

Arabian coffee plants have a long taproot as well as thin fibrous roots that stretch outwards for 3 to 4 feet (0.9-1.2 m). The flowers are tiny, white and fragrant and are referred to as cherries. The drupes are double-seeded and ripe when they are purple or red. The plant is self-fertile and doesn't require cross pollination to set fruit.

The cooler climate at higher altitudes slows the growth cycle, allowing beans to mature more slowly and develop deeper flavors. This results in a cup that is richer and more complex, and has a stronger taste than coffees produced at lower altitudes.

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

Due to the unique soil and climate particulars, high-altitude farms produce more beans than farms in lower altitudes. You can find these top coffee beans in specialty cafes and in premium single origin arabica coffee beans coffee roasters.

When you plant your own arabica plant, make sure you pay attention to the specific requirements of the plant and select a mixture of soil that meets the requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that could be too heavy in ingredients and don't permit the roots of your arabica plant to thrive. Include compost or other organic matter to increase retention of water without creating a concrete-like texture. Water your plant once the soil dries out to the touch, avoiding excessive or inadequate watering, which can cause root the rot.

Unique Flavors

The unique flavor profile of arabica beans makes them highly sought after. They are more rich and complex in flavor than other coffees. They have notes of fruit, flowers, caramel and chocolate. The careful cultivation and roasting of beans gives smoother and more sweet taste. These beans also contain less caffeine and acidity than other varieties which makes them less bitter and easy 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 band which extends 30 degrees north or south of the Equator. The best beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are cultivated in volcanic soils as well as other rich soils that produce small fruits called coffee cherries.

The cherries contain two seeds within them. When the seeds ripen, they are separated from their fleshy outer layer and then roasted to create coffee. Arabica coffee beans are considered to be premium because they tend to be more expensive than other varieties of whole bean arabica coffee, and they possess a distinct flavor.

The high altitudes where arabica beans grow is among the major factors that influence their taste and quality. The cool climate, the fertile volcanic soils and the cooler climate make arabica beans taste better than beans grown at lower elevation. Higher altitudes also have a positive effect on the maturation process of coffee beans. This is because cooler temperatures slow down the process of growing beans and gives them the time to mature and develop a rich and satisfying taste.

The various coffee-growing regions around the world each have their own signature flavors and characteristics. For instance arabica beans from Central America tend to have an even composition and a light body while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are well-known for their sweet and savory flavors. These distinctive flavors are due to the fact that each region and country has its own soil type. Some soils are rich in water and give a rich chocolaty taste. Some have a sand texture that makes the coffee taste less sweet.