High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans are distinguished by a distinctive flavor. Arabica is more prone to diseases and pests than its lower elevation counterpart, Robusta.

The Arabicica variety with the highest quality is the most sought-after by specialty roasters and premium coffee shops. What makes this coffee special? Scientists have identified the reason: altitude.

High Altitudes

Coffee has a long and rich history, spanning from Ethiopia to Yemen and the lower part of Africa. It is now a major component of the production world. While low-elevation beans can be sold commercially and comprise the instant coffee found in grocery shops, true coffee enthusiasts prefer specialty arabicas that are grown at high altitudes for a more complex taste profile.

The mountains of the world’s foremost coffee producing countries–Central and South America, Southern Asia and some Pacific Islands, and mid to southern Africa — provide the ideal growth conditions for the production of high-quality arabica beans. These high-elevation climates are frost free and offer a pleasant climate with a perfect annual average temperature of 64-73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cool mountain temperatures delay the growth cycle of the coffee plant and permit a longer maturation process. This allows the coffee beans to absorb various flavors from their surrounding environment and imbue them with unique characteristics. The longer maturation period helps stop 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 moth which blocks photosynthesis and can reduce productivity.

Combining these factors results in the best flavor profile and taste compared to coffees grown at lower elevations. Coffee that is grown at higher elevations is a better source of sweet flavors, such as citrus, vanilla and fruit and is also richer and smoother than their lower elevation counterparts. The bean’s consistency, sweetness and richness of flavor make it the top bean for roasters looking to create a truly high-quality cup of coffee.

High-grown arabica is commonly referred to as strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB) which means that the coffee is located at an elevation higher than 4,000 feet. Typically the beans are cultivated on volcanic soil and are shade-grown or organically cultivated, adding to their already impressive flavor characteristics. Since these beans mature and grow slower than those grown at lower elevations generally, they are more dense, which results in a stronger coffee with a more pronounced and consistent flavor. This unique quality makes SHG or SHB arabica the preferred choice for roasters that want to create the perfect cup of coffee. is exceptional.

Cool Climate

The tropical zone that spans the tropics 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 to buy arabica coffee beans the cooler climate and high altitudes provide the ideal conditions for the plant to thrive.

Arabica plants can withstand an array of climate conditions. However, their greatest development occurs in subtropical areas with cool nights and warm daytime temperatures. This unique climate permits the plant to develop unique flavors that express the freedom of. These flavors are what make the coffee we drink so special.

While the popularity of instant coffees with low elevation at your local supermarket is growing, coffee enthusiasts and experts agree that these types tend to be more bitter and less flavorful when compared to specialty coffee beans grown at higher elevations. The majority of the coffee consumed around the world is high altitude coffee.

The finest arabica coffee beans tend to be grown between 3,500 and 6,500 feet above sea level. The combination of high altitude, cool climate, and fertile soil is what makes these beans so distinctively delicious.

Coffee farmers are always looking for the perfect conditions for soil that will encourage the growth of high-quality arabica coffee plants. The soil should be humus-rich and have a texture that drains well. This kind of soil is ideal for the cultivation of arabica as it facilitates the growth of healthy roots as well as helps to reduce the incidence 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 conditions allow the plants to mature slow, resulting in a more delicious and dense coffee bean.

Well-Drained soil

Unlike the low-elevation species that are cultivated for mass production and lined the aisles of grocery stores the high-quality arabica beans are sought-after by aficionados for their complex and refined flavor. The coffee plants are protected under tall canopy trees and the nutrient-rich volcanic soil provides ideal growing conditions for these particular beans. The soil is high in nutrients and allows the roots to absorb them, but drains quickly so that there are no stagnant puddles.

Arabian coffee plants have a long taproot and shallow fibrous roots that spread outwards for 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m). The flowers are small, white, and fragrant and are referred to as cherries. These drupes are two-seeded and ripe when red or purple. The plant’s vintage arabica coffee beans can self-fertilize and does not require cross pollination to produce fruit.

The cooler climate at higher elevations slows the coffee plant’s growth cycle, allowing beans to mature more slowly and develop deeper flavors. This produces a coffee that is more affluent and complex, with a much more pronounced flavor than coffees that are grown at lower elevations.

At these high altitudes, temperatures are cooler, and the air more humid. The cool weather is perfect for the delicate coffee plant’s growth, and helps to suppress the spread of pests and diseases that plague lower elevation crops.

Due to the particular climate and soil particulars, high-altitude farms produce more beans than farms in lower altitudes. This is why you’ll often find these superior coffee beans in specialty cafes and high-end coffee roasters.

If you are planning to grow your own arabica plant pay close attention to the requirements of your particular plant and select the right soil mix to align with these needs. Avoid commercial mixes that could be too heavy in ingredients and don’t permit the roots of your plant to grow. Include compost or other organic matter to improve retention of water without creating a concrete-like surface. Water your plant only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid drowning or over-watering, which can cause root rot.

Unique Flavors

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

Arabica beans are grown in mountains around the globe that are part the Coffee Belt. The Coffee Belt is a tropical region that extends 30 degrees north or south of the Equator. The best beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are grown in volcanic soils and other rich soils that produce small fruits called coffee cherries.

These cherries contain two seeds. The seeds are separated from the fleshy outer layer once they ripen and are roasted and ground to create the coffee. Arabica coffee beans are considered to be premium because they are typically more expensive than other varieties of beans, and they have a more complex flavor.

The high altitudes in which arabica beans are grown are one of the main factors that influence their taste and quality. The cooler climate and the fertile volcanic soils make arabica beans taste better than those that are grown at lower altitudes. The higher elevations also have a positive impact on the maturation of the coffee beans. This is due to the cooler temperatures slow down the beans’ growth cycle which allows them to mature and create a rich and satisfying taste.

Each region has its own unique flavors and characteristics. For instance arabica beans 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. Each region or country has a distinct type of soil and this is the reason each bean has a distinct flavor. Certain soils are able to hold water and result in a full chocolatey flavor, while others have a sandy texture that makes the coffee taste lighter.