High Grown arabica coffee beans in bulk Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans possess distinct flavor profiles. Contrary to their lower elevation counterpart, Robusta, which has more resistance to diseases and pests, Arabica is more susceptible.

The arabica coffee beans gift variety that is high-grown is the one most sought-after by specialty roasters and high-end coffee shops. What is it that makes this kind of coffee so desirable? Scientists have discovered the reason: altitude.

High Altitudes

Coffee has a long tradition that spans from Ethiopia to Yemen and the lower part of Africa. It is now a major part of the world's production. While low-elevation beans are commercially viable and comprise the instant coffee that is sold in supermarkets, true coffee aficionados prefer specialty arabicas grown at in higher altitudes for a more complex taste profile.

The mountainous regions in the world's most renowned coffee producing countries, including Central and South America, Southern Asia, a few Pacific Islands and mid-to-southern Africa, provide ideal conditions for growing high-grown arabica beans. These high-elevation climates are not frosty and provide a pleasantly warm climate with a perfect average annual temperature of 64 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooler temperatures in the mountains slow the growth rate of the coffee plant, allowing it to mature slower. The coffee beans absorb flavors from the surrounding environment, giving them distinct flavors. The longer maturation period also helps in preventing the coffee berry borer, a tiny beetle that infests and eats beans, as well as the coffee leaf miner moth, which hinders photosynthesis and decreases productivity.

Combining these factors results in a superior flavor profile and taste compared to coffees that are grown at lower elevations. Coffee grown higher up has more sweet flavors such as citrus, fruit, and vanilla. It's also more astringent and more smooth than coffee grown lower down. The consistency, sweetness and fullness of flavor make it the preferred coffee for roasters who want to produce an exceptionally premium cup of joe.

High-grown arabica is often called strictly high-grown (SHG) or strictly hard bean (SHB) which means that the coffee is grown at a higher altitude than 4000 feet. Typically, the beans are grown on volcanic soil and are organically grown or shade-grown and have impressive flavor profiles. These beans are denser because they mature and grow slower than those grown at lower altitudes. This makes for more robust and consistent coffee. This distinctive quality makes SHG and SHB arabica a preferred choice of coffee for roasters seeking to make a great cup.

Cool Climate

The world's best coffee growing regions are located in the tropical zone between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This zone is known as the "coffee belt". High-quality arabica coffee beans are grown in these mountainous regions where the cooler climate and high altitudes provide the perfect conditions for the plant to flourish.

Arabica plants can tolerate an array of climate conditions. However, their most successful growth is seen in subtropical regions with cool night temperatures and warm daytime temperatures. This unique climate permits the plant to develop unique flavors that convey freedom. These flavors are what make coffee so distinctive.

While the low-elevation coffees lining the instant coffee aisles at your local supermarket may be growing quickly, aficionados and experts alike recognize that these varieties are more bitter and less flavorful than specialty coffee beans that are grown at higher elevations. In reality, the majority of the coffee consumed around the world is high-elevation.

The highest quality high-grown arabica coffee beans are generally grown at altitudes ranging from 3000 and 6,000 feet. The combination of high altitude, cool climate, and fertile soil is the reason these beans are distinctively delicious.

Coffee farmers are always looking for the ideal conditions for soil that will encourage the growth of top-quality arabica coffee plants. The ideal soil will be rich in humus with a well-draining surface. This kind of soil is ideal for growing arabica, as it aids in maintaining healthy roots and to minimize plant diseases.

In addition to a soil that has the right humus content, coffee farms also prefer a cooler climate with a distinct dry season. These climate patterns allow plants to mature slower, which results in an even more dense and flavorful coffee bean.

Well-Drained Soil

Unlike the low-elevation species that are cultivated to produce mass quantities and line the aisles of grocery stores, the high grown arabica coffee beans are prized by aficionados due to their rich and sophisticated flavor. The coffee trees are sheltered under tall canopy trees and the rich volcanic soil that is nutrient-rich is ideal for the cultivation of these unique beans. The soil is high in nutrients and allows the roots to absorb them, however it drains quickly, so that there are no stagnant puddles.

Arabian coffee plants have a long taproot and small fibrous roots that extend outwards for 3 to 4 ft (0.9-1.2 m). The flowers of the cherry are small and fragrant, as well as white. They are two-seeded and mature when they are red or purple. The plant is self-fertile and doesn't require cross pollination to set fruit.

The cooler temperatures at higher elevations slows down the growth cycle of the coffee plant, allowing it to mature slower. This allows the beans to develop deeper flavors. This produces a coffee that is more affluent and complex, with a much more pronounced flavor than coffees grown at lower altitudes.

At these higher altitudes, temperatures are cooler, and the air more humid. The cool, dry weather is perfect for the sensitive coffee plant's growth, and helps in preventing the spread of pests and disease that plague lower-elevation crops.

Due to the unique conditions of the soil and climate high-altitude coffee farms are able to produce far more beans than low-elevation farms. This is why you'll often find these premium coffee beans in specialty cafes as well as premium coffee roasters.

If you are planning to grow your own arabica plant, pay close attention to its specific needs and use an appropriate soil mix that is in line with these needs. Avoid commercial mixes that could be too heavy in the ingredients and don't allow the roots of your plant to flourish. Compost or other organic matter can be added to the soil to improve water retention, but without creating a cement-like texture. Water your plant only when the soil is dry to the feel. Avoid drowning or over-watering, which could cause root rot.

Unique Flavors

The distinctive flavor profile of arabica beans make them extremely sought-after. They are more affluent and complex than other types of coffee with notes of caramel, chocolate fruit, and flowers. The attention to detail that is taken during cultivation and roasting results in a smoother, sweeter flavor. These beans are also less acidic and contain less caffeine than other varieties. They are also less bitter and are easier to drink.

Arabica beans are grown in mountains of the world that are part of the Coffee Belt, a tropical band that stretches across 30 degrees north and south of the Equator. The most affluent beans are grown in this region. The coffee plants are grown in volcanic soils and other soils rich in nutrients that produce small fruit called coffee cherries.

These cherries have two seeds inside. When the seeds ripen, they are separated from their fleshy outer layer and then roasted to create coffee. Arabica beans are considered to be a premium coffee bean due to the fact that they are more expensive and possess a greater flavor.

The altitude at which arabica beans are grown is among the primary 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. The higher elevations influence the maturation process of the coffee beans. The cooler temperatures slow the development of the beans, giving them the chance to mature.

Each region has its own distinct flavor and distinctive characteristics. For example arabica beans from Central America tend to have balanced composition and a light body while those from Ethiopia and Kenya are popular for their savory sweet flavors. These distinctive flavor profiles are due to the fact that each country and region has its own distinct soil type. Some soils are enriched with water and have a rich, chocolatey taste. Others have a sand texture that makes the coffee taste lighter.