High Altitude Coffee
The special conditions of high altitudes make them perfect for growing coffee. Mountainous terrain and climate conditions permit an extended maturation time that produces coffee with a full flavour profile.
The characteristics of the soil where coffee is grown also play an important role in the taste. This is especially applicable to volcanic soils that produce rich, full-bodied coffees that are flavored with chocolate and nutty notes.
Cooler Temperatures
The climate is a key factor in determining the flavor and quality of coffee. The most prized arabica varieties grow best in mountainous regions that run along the band of planet known as the "coffee belt". These mountainous regions enjoy an arid climate, with moderate rainfall, and plenty of sun. This is the perfect climate for cultivating coffee.
The ideal temperature for arabica is between 16 to 22 degrees Celsius. This is a lot lower than the temperatures needed for robusta growth. Plants that are exposed outside of this range will have lower yields and a less pleasing flavor.
High altitudes offer a cooler climate, allowing the plant to mature slowly and the beans to mature over time. This allows the complex sugars to grow which are vital to the rich aromas and flavors of coffee. This also reduces the amount of water in the bean which results in more intense flavor and dense (hard) coffee beans.
In addition to the cool temperatures, a mountainous cultivation area offers nutrient-rich soil. This is essential, as nutrient-rich sites provide an ideal environment for the growth of healthy arabica plants and produce higher quality coffee beans. A well-draining soil is also important for arabica plants because it prevents the roots from becoming saturated, which could cause disease and other maladies.
Additionally, a high altitude plantation site is less likely to be affected by diseases and pests. arabica coffee bean suppliers is especially true of the coffee berry borer, a frequent pest that can cause damage to crops at lower elevations.
The only other coffee that can be competitive in terms of quality at high altitudes than arabica is robusta. Robusta is resistant to pests and thrives in warmer areas where arabica struggles to survive. The flavor of a robusta coffee is more subtle than an arabica. Thus, while arabica does more flavorful at higher elevations, consumers should still look for a single origin or blend that includes both types of coffee when searching for arabica from high altitudes.
Well-Draining Soil
Arabica coffee plants are more tolerant to cooler temperatures and higher elevations than Robusta plants that thrive in warmer climates. These conditions allow the beans to develop more slowly, giving them a richer body and more diverse flavor profiles.
High-altitude arabica coffee plant cultivation is the result of particular conditions that make it suitable for arabica plants. This results in premium quality beans that are sought-after by specialty roasters. This is due to the fact that the conditions are ideal for the health and productivity of the plant.
To prevent the spread of diseases like rot, coffee plants need soil that drains well. A well-drained soil also allows for better air flow, which assists in the absorption of nutrients. These factors, combined with cooler temperatures and less direct sunlight that are typical of high-altitude farming will result in a stronger, tasty cup of espresso.
Another factor that contributes to the superior taste of high-altitude arabica coffee is the lower oxygen levels which are common in these regions. The lower oxygen level has positive effects on the plant, making it more resilient and encouraging it to develop strong root systems that increase the capacity of the plant to absorb nutrients from the soil.
Throughout the world, most arabica coffee is cultivated at altitudes ranging from between 2,000 and 6,500 feet in subtropical areas known as the bean belt. These regions are located around the equator, and have a tropical climate that is suitable for coffee plants. However, they also maintain high elevations which are conducive to cultivating gourmet Arabica beans.
To grow your own high-altitude arabica beans at home, you should first acquire an adult, healthy green arabica seedling from a nursery that specializes in the cultivation of this species. It is essential to ensure you have the proper equipment to face the challenges of high-altitude coffee cultivation. This includes a shade cloth, or greenhouse to shield the plant from sun. You should then fertilize your arabica plant with a nitrogen-rich organic compost that is also rich in phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and sulphur. It is also recommended to keep your arabica plant watered sparingly, until the spring arrives. This will encourage fruit and flower development in the spring.
Robust Root Systems
Arabica coffee beans are coveted for their delicate and complex flavor profiles, which can contain hints of chocolate, flowers, and fruits. This unique flavor profile can only be achieved when high-quality arabica beans are grown under the conditions that are required by the plant. Higher altitudes and cooler temperatures are the most important aspect of these cultivation conditions, as they help to slow the rate of growth of the plant and permit it to produce more complex sugars. These sugars are the reason for the rich and complex flavor of arabica.
The higher elevations at which arabica beans are grown provide the necessary conditions for plants to develop strong root systems that can better absorb nutrients from the soil. These strong roots are essential to the overall health of the plant and its capacity of producing coffee cherries that are sweet and ripe.
Robusta is also known as Coffea canephora, is a coffee plant that can be grown at lower altitudes than arabica. It is typically grown between 600 to 2,500 feet above sea level. However the lower elevation results in plants producing a more bitter and less desirable coffee. Robusta is used to enhance blends of coffee and instant espresso because of its low cost and resistance to pests.
The climate can affect the arabica plant that grows at higher elevations more than other crops, but farmers can ensure that their crops thrive in a changing climate by cultivating it carefully. Other environmental factors such as oxygen levels and temperature can influence the quality of coffee.
These environmental factors include soil fertility, water availability and drainage as well as the intensity and duration of sunlight and duration, agroforestry practices, harvesting strategies and postharvest processing methods. The combination of these elements play a significant role in determining the final physical and biochemical quality attributes of coffee.
Sustainable Cultivation
Coffee plants require specific conditions to thrive, particularly in higher elevations. It is also a delicate crop that is susceptible to pests and diseases.
High altitude farming can provide farmers with a number sustainable benefits such as more flavor and less environmental impact. These unique factors create the distinct taste profiles of coffee beans produced at higher altitudes, which makes them highly sought after by coffee lovers who are discerning and cultivators of specialty grade.
High altitude coffee has a slower growing rate, which results in greater flavor and more complex sugars. Slower growth allows plants to concentrate more energy on reproduction, which results in coffee beans that are more mature with better quality and more pronounced flavors.
Higher elevations also have better drainage, which is essential for the health of coffee bean. This permits a more evenly distribution of nutrients across the ground, and decreases the chance of developing diseases such as root rot. Thus, coffee grown at higher altitudes tends to have more consistent flavors and stronger aromas that are not diminished by the presence of excessive moisture.
Many coffee producers at high altitudes employ methods of farming that are shade-grown, which not only protect the biodiversity of the rainforest ecosystem, but can actually enhance the taste of a particular cup of coffee. This is because coffee bushes that love shade benefit from the microclimate created by the trees around them, which slows the rate of growth, and results in a more balanced and rounded taste.
Furthermore, coffee grown in shade can be harvested more consistently, which reduces the risk of disease and insect infestations, which are a major concern for lower altitude growers. Furthermore, coffee grown in shade is generally more eco-friendly due to the fact that it does not require the use for pesticides and herbicides which can harm soil and water quality and negatively affect wildlife.
While not all high-altitude coffee is produced under these unique sustainable conditions, a handful of notable examples are available. One of them is the rare Geisha variety, which is characterized by long beans that show floral notes and tea-like flavours with some hints of jasmine, citrus and tropical fruits. Batian is a different example, a hybrid which offers resistance to leaf coffee berry disease and rust with high productivity and yield.