Why High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans Still Matters In 2024

High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans have a distinct flavor profile. In contrast to their low-elevation counterpart Robusta, which has greater resistance to diseases and pests, Arabica is more susceptible.

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

High Altitudes

Coffee has a long tradition, spanning from Ethiopia to Yemen and the lower part of Africa. It is now a major part of the global production. While low-elevation beans are commercially viable and are the basis of instant coffee that is sold in supermarkets, true coffee lovers prefer specialty arabicas that are grown at higher altitudes to enjoy an enticing flavor profile.

Mountainous regions in the world's top coffee-producing countries, such as Central and South America, Southern Asia, some Pacific Islands and mid-to-southern Africa are ideal for growing high-grown arabica beans. These high-elevation climates are not frosty and provide a pleasantly warm 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 allows for a more prolonged maturation process. The coffee beans can absorb flavors from the environment, resulting in distinct flavors. The longer maturation period helps keep the coffee bean borer, which is a tiny insect that infests and eats the beans. It also helps to keep out the coffee leaf miner, a flies, which blocks photosynthesis and decreases productivity.

Combining these elements creates the best flavor profile and a better taste compared to coffees grown at lower elevations. Coffee that is grown at higher altitudes has a heightened concentration of sweet flavors like citrus, vanilla and fruit as well as being more rich and smoother than lower elevation counterparts. The consistency, sweetness and richness of flavor make it the most popular coffee for roasters who want to make a high-quality cup of coffee.

High-grown arabica is called strictly high-grown or strictly hard bean. This means that the coffee was cultivated at a higher elevation than 4000 feet. The beans are typically cultivated on volcanic soils and are shade-grown, or organically grown. This enhances their already delicious flavors. These beans are drier due to their maturation and growth slower than beans grown at lower altitudes. This makes for more robust and consistent coffee. This distinctive characteristic makes SHG and SHB arabica a preferred choice of coffee for roasters looking to create a unique cup.

Cool Climate

The tropical zone that spans the tropical regions of Cancer and Capricorn, also known as the coffee belt, is home to the world's premier coffee growing regions. High-quality  arabica coffee  beans are produced in these mountainous regions where the low altitudes and cool climate provide the ideal conditions for the plant to flourish.

Arabica plants are tolerant of a variety of climate conditions but their peak development occurs in subtropical regions with cool nights and warm days. This unique climate allows for the plant to create complex flavors that reflect freedom. It's these flavors that make the coffee we love so distinctive.

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

The best high grown arabica coffee beans are generally grown at altitudes between three and six thousand feet. The combination of high altitude, cool climate and fertile soil is what makes these beans unique and delicious.

Coffee farmers are always on the lookout for the perfect soil conditions that foster the growth of high-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 development of healthy roots and also helps reduce the risk of the incidence of plant diseases.

Coffee farms prefer the cool climate and has a distinct dry season. These weather patterns allow plants to mature slow, resulting in a more flavorful and dense coffee bean.

Well-Drained soil

The high-grown arabica coffee beans have a complex and sophisticated flavor, in contrast to the low-elevation species grown for mass production. The coffee trees are sheltered under tall canopy trees and the volcanic soil is rich in nutrients and provides ideal growing conditions for these particular beans. The soil is able to allow the roots to absorb what they require, but it also drains quickly, preventing stagnant pools of water that hinder the growth of the root and oxygen intake.

The Arabian coffee plant has a long taproot, and shallow fibrous roots which spread outwards from 3 to 4 ft. (0.9-1.2m). The flowers are small, white and sweet and are often referred to as cherries. The drupes are double-seeded and mature when they are red or purple. The arabica plant can self-fertilize and doesn't require cross pollination in order to produce fruit.

The cooler climate at higher elevations slows the growth rate of the coffee plant, allowing it to mature slower. This allows the beans to develop more intense flavors. This translates to a richer, more complex taste that is much more potent than coffees from lower elevations.

At high altitudes the temperatures are lower and the air is more humid. The cooler climate is ideal for the sensitive growth of the coffee plant and it aids in reducing the spread of pests and diseases that attack lower elevation plants.

Due to the unique conditions of the soil and climate high-altitude coffee farms are able produce more beans than low-elevation farms. You will find these superior beans in specialty cafes as well as in top coffee roasters.

If you are planning to grow your own arabica plant, be aware of its specific needs and use the right soil mix to align with these requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that could be too heavy in ingredients and don't allow the roots of your plant to grow. Incorporate compost or other organic matter to improve water retention without creating a concrete-like appearance. 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 highly sought-after. They are more complex and nuanced in flavor than other coffees, and have notes of flowers, fruit caramel, chocolate and. The care taken in the cultivation and roasting process results in a smoother, sweeter flavor. They are also less acidic and contain less caffeine than other varieties. They are, therefore, less bitter and easier to drink.

Arabica beans are grown in mountainous regions of the world, which are part of the Coffee Belt, a tropical band that stretches across 30 degrees north and south of the equator. This is where the best-quality beans are grown. The coffee plants are cultivated in volcanic and other nutrient-rich soils, and produce small fruit, which are known as coffee cherries.

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

The high altitudes where arabica beans grow is one of the main factors that influences their quality and taste. The cooler climate and the fertile volcanic soils make arabica beans taste better than beans grown at lower altitudes. Higher altitudes also have a positive impact on the maturation of coffee beans. This is due to the cooler temperatures slow down the process of growing beans which allows them to mature and develop a rich and satisfying taste.

The various regions of coffee production across the globe each have their own signature flavors and distinctive characteristics. The arabica beans from Central America are known to possess a balanced blend with a light body. The beans from Ethiopia and Kenya on the contrary, are noted for having a savory-sweet flavor. Each region and country has a different soil type, which is why each bean has a unique flavor. Certain soils can hold water well and produce a rich, chocolaty taste, while others have a sand-like texture which makes the coffee taste lighter.