What is the effect of altitude on coffee? How does altitude affect coffee and its flavor?

Professional coffee knowledge exchange more coffee bean information please follow the coffee workshop (Wechat official account cafe_style)

Have you ever asked the barista about the coffee you drank? Baristas may answer you in incomprehensible ways, such as the altitude at which coffee is grown. This makes people wonder, does the coffee we drink have anything to do with the planting height? Why is this important?

Why is altitude important?

Altitude will directly affect the size and shape of coffee beans and the flavor of coffee. We don't need to ask coffee shops to brew coffee at a specific altitude, but understanding the important properties of altitude to coffee can help you find the coffee you love.

In another article, "three factors affect the coffee varieties that coffee farmers decide to grow", the author talks about how the altitude and climate of the manor affect the coffee varieties that coffee farmers choose to grow. To put it simply, Arabica species are generally more adapted to higher altitudes, such as cold climates of 1800-6300 feet (1920-1920 meters), while Robusta species are more adaptable to lower altitudes, such as warm climates of 2400 feet (180-730m). The altitude in this range deeply affects the quality of coffee.

How much do you know about altitude?

Altitude affects the physical level of coffee beans. When you have a chance to come into contact with raw coffee beans (unroasted), take a closer look. Are they small and tightly structured? Is the dividing line in the middle closed, open or jagged? What color are the raw beans? Emerald green, light green or blue? These characteristics are the result of the elevation of coffee planting.

The highest quality of coffee beans is called SHB (more than 1370 meters). These high-density coffee beans are attributed to the slow growth of coffee beans grown at high elevations. The central line of coffee beans may be closed, jagged or slightly skewed. On the other hand, coffee beans grown at low altitudes are generally less compact and have semi-open cracks, the color of coffee varies depending on the variety, and the raw bean processing program also affects the color. The same coffee beans from the same estate may have different colors due to different treatments, just as honey treatment and water washing have the same effect on coffee beans. In this way, the density of coffee beans may be the best proof of the altitude of coffee cultivation.

Why is high altitude better?

The main reason for the pursuit of high-altitude coffee is its flavor. As long as it is well taken care of, high-altitude coffee will have higher acidity, better aroma and flavor, while low-altitude coffee tends to be less acidic and less distinctive. This is why baristas will tell you that altitude will deeply affect the flavor of the coffee you drink. Generally speaking, high altitude means that coffee tastes better. This kind of coffee is defined to grow above 1730 meters, and it also means that this kind of coffee has a good flavor.

Altitude is only one of the many factors that affect the flavor of coffee, but it is one of the most important factors. Ask the barista for more information and try coffee from different elevations and regions.