• 목록
• 답변
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

High Grown Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans are distinguished by a distinctive flavor. In contrast to their low-elevation counterpart Robusta, which has more resistance to pests and diseases, Arabica is more susceptible.

The high-grown arabica variety is the one most sought after by specialty roasters and premium blend arabica coffee beans coffee shops. What makes this coffee so special? Scientists have identified the reason behind this: altitude.

High Altitudes

With a history that extends from Ethiopia and Yemen to lower Africa, coffee has found its way into the hearts of many, making up the majority of global production today. While low-elevation coffee can be commercially viable and is the basis for the instant coffee sold in grocery stores, serious aficionados seek out specialty arabica that is grown at higher altitudes for more of a complex flavor.

The mountainous regions 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 ideal growing conditions for high-grown arabica coffee beans. These high-elevation regions are frost-free and provide a pleasantly warm climate with a perfect annual average temperature of 64 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cool mountain temperatures slow down the growth cycle of the coffee plant and permit it to mature more slowly. The coffee beans are able to absorb flavors from the surrounding environment, which gives them a unique flavor. The extended maturation helps to prevent the coffee bean borer which is a tiny insect that infests and eats the beans. It also helps keep out the coffee leaf miner, a moth, which hinders photosynthesis and can reduce productivity.

Combining these elements creates an enhanced flavor profile and a better taste compared to coffees that are grown at lower elevations. Coffee that is grown at higher altitudes has a higher concentration of sweet flavors, such as citrus, vanilla and fruit as well as being more rich and smoother than lower elevation counterparts. The bean's consistency, sweetness and fullness of flavor make it the most popular bean for roasters looking to create a truly premium quality arabica coffee beans cup of joe.

High-grown arabica is usually 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 organically grown or shade-grown and have impressive flavor characteristics. These beans are denser because they mature and develop slower than those that are grown at lower elevations. This makes for more robust and consistent coffee. This unique characteristic makes SHG or SHB arabica the preferred choice for roasters looking to create an espresso that is exceptional.

Cool Climate

The most renowned coffee-growing regions are located in the tropical zone that lies between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This region is referred to as the "coffee belt". High grown arabica coffee beans are grown in these mountainous regions where the low altitudes and cool climate provide the perfect conditions for the plant to flourish.

Arabica plants can withstand an array of climate conditions. However, their greatest growth is seen in subtropical regions with cool night temperatures and warm daytime temperatures. This unique climate allows for the plant to create complex flavors that convey freedom. These flavors are what make the coffee we love so special.

While the popularity of low-elevation instant coffees at your local supermarket is growing, coffee enthusiasts and experts agree that these types tend to be more bitter and less tasty compared to specialty coffee beans cultivated at higher elevations. In fact the majority of coffee consumed in the world is high-elevation.

The finest arabica coffee beans tend to be grown between 3,000 to 6,500 feet above sea level. These beans are so delicious due to the combination of high elevation with cool climate and fertile soil.

Coffee farmers are constantly on the lookout to find the ideal soil conditions for growing high-quality arabica plants. Ideally, the soil should be rich in humus with a well-draining surface. This kind of soil is ideal for growing arabica since it encourages the growth of healthy roots and also helps to reduce the incidence of the risk of plant diseases.

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

Well-drained soil

In contrast to the low-elevation species which are cultivated for mass production and lined the aisles of grocery stores the high-quality arabica coffee beans are coveted by aficionados for their complex and sophisticated flavor. The coffee trees are sheltered under tall canopy trees, and the rich volcanic soil that is nutrient-rich provides ideal growing conditions for these special beans. The soil allows the roots to absorb the nutrients they need, but it also drains quickly, preventing stagnant pools of water that hinder the growth of the root and oxygen intake.

Arabian coffee plants have a long taproot and shallow fibrous roots that spread outwards for 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters). The flowers are tiny, white and sweet and are often referred to as cherries. These drupes are two-seeded and ready to ripen when they turn red or purple. The plant is self-fertile and doesn't require cross pollination to produce fruit.

The cooler climate at higher elevations slows the development of the coffee plant which allows it to mature slower. This allows the beans to develop more intense flavors. This results in a cup that is richer and more complex, with a much more pronounced flavor than coffees grown at lower elevations.

At higher altitudes, the temperatures are cooler and the air more humid. The cooler climate is ideal for sensitive growth of the coffee plant, and helps to ward off the spread of diseases and pests that plague lower-elevation plants.

Due to the particular soil and climate particulars, high-altitude farms produce more beans than those that are located at lower altitudes. You can find these top beans at specialty cafes and in top coffee roasters.

When you plant your own arabica plant, pay attention to the requirements of your particular plant and select an appropriate soil mix that is in line with those requirements. Avoid commercial mixes that contain too many ingredients, which could stop the roots of your plant from developing. Compost or other organic matter can be added to the soil to improve water retention, without creating a cement-like surface. Water your plant only when the soil is dry to the surface. Avoid drowning or over-watering, which can cause root rot.

Unique Flavors

The unique flavor profile makes arabica beans highly sought-after. They are more sophisticated and nuanced in taste than other coffees, and have notes of flowers, fruit caramel, and chocolate. The careful cultivation and roasting of beans gives a smoother and sweeter taste. These beans also contain less caffeine and acidity than other varieties, making them less bitter and easier to drink.

Arabica beans grow in the 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 cultivated in volcanic soils as well as other soils rich in nutrients that produce small fruits called coffee cherries.

These cherries have two seeds within them. The seeds are separated from the fleshy outer layer when they begin to ripen, and then are freshly ground arabica coffee beans and roasted to make the coffee. Arabica beans are regarded as a premium coffee bean because they are more expensive and possess a greater flavor.

The high altitudes at which arabica beans are grown is one of the main factors that influences their taste and quality. The cooler climate and the fertile volcanic soils make arabica coffee beans for sale beans taste better than those grown at lower elevations. The higher elevations also have a positive impact on the maturation process of coffee beans. The cooler temperatures slow down the growth cycle of the beans, which gives them time to mature.

The different coffee-growing regions across the globe each have their own signature flavor and distinctive characteristics. The arabica beans of Central America are known to have a balanced composition with a light body. Those from Ethiopia and Kenya, on the other hand, are known for having a savory-sweet flavor. Each region and country has a distinct type of soil and this is the reason each bean has a distinct flavor. Certain soils are rich in water and have a rich chocolaty taste. Some have a sand texture which makes the coffee taste less sweet.