Effect of altitude on Coffee Flavor

The influence of geographical location on the flavor of coffee beans is profound. All coffee grows in the tropics, and the altitude at which it grows has a profound effect on the taste of coffee. The tropical belt extends from 30 degrees north latitude to the equatorial regions of the southern mountains that produce the world's truly high-quality Arabica coffee. Central and South America, South Asia and some Pacific islands, and south-central Africa are also the most important coffee-growing areas in the world.

3000-6000 feet above sea level provide ideal conditions for coffee to grow: an average frost-free climate of 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, about 80 inches of moderate rainfall, and plenty of sunshine. Coffee beans grow slowly in cold mountain areas, but the slow ripening process makes coffee beans have higher sugar content, more interesting flavor and mellow flavor. High displacement at high altitudes produces more concentrated fruit flavors, and the best Arabica coffee growing areas have very fertile soil, often in volcanic areas.

Coffee beans grown at high elevations are hard, dense and have the potential to give full play to their special flavor. The really amazing coffee growing areas are between 4000 and 6000 feet above sea level, and these beans are picked carefully only during the mature season. Coffee in Central America is rated according to the altitude at which it grows. For example, SHB (Strictly Hard Bean) is the term for Guatemalan coffee beans, indicating that coffee grows above 4500 feet. Mexico is called Altura, which means "high" in Spanish, indicating that it is high-altitude coffee; Papua New Guinea appends the name "Mile High" to mark coffee beans grown in the highlands and mountains.

Generally speaking, with the increase of altitude, the aroma of coffee becomes more and more prominent and unique (see figure). From the temperature and sweetness of Brazilian beans at 3500 feet to the soaring taste of Ethiopian coffee beans above 6000 feet, altitude will give coffee beans a more complex and subtle taste.

Original English provenance: http://www.scribblerscoffee.com/flavor_effect_of_altitude