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What is the reason for the higher the altitude, the better the quality of coffee beans?

Published: 2024-09-20 Author: World Gafei
Last Updated: 2024/09/20, The reason why coffee beans are planted at higher altitude and better quality is that the coffee beans with the best quality are usually strong and grow at an altitude of more than 4500 meters. The growth of these coffee beans is very slow, so the density of the beans is very high, and the gap in the middle of the beans should be curved. In contrast, coffee beans grown at low elevations usually have a lower density and slightly open gaps in the middle.

What is the reason for the higher the altitude, the better the quality of coffee beans?

The best quality coffee beans are usually strong and grow at an altitude of more than 4500 meters. The growth of these coffee beans is very slow, so the density of the beans is very high, and the gap in the middle of the beans should be curved. In contrast, coffee beans grown at low elevations usually have a lower density and slightly open gaps in the middle. As for the color of the bean, the growing environment of the coffee bean and the processing technology of the raw bean will affect the color of the coffee bean. If the same kind of coffee beans produced on the same plantation are treated differently, for example, one batch is washed with water and the other batch is treated with honey, then the colors of the two batches of beans will be very different. Generally speaking, the density of bean body is the most powerful basis for judging the altitude of coffee bean growth. In short, the higher the altitude of coffee bean growth, the better the taste. Coffee beans grown at high elevations have pleasant acidity, rich aroma and rich taste, which everyone likes; on the contrary, coffee grown at low elevations has almost no sour taste, single taste and plain taste. That's why baristas always emphasize altitude. If your barista tells you that your coffee grows on a plateau 5200 meters above sea level, then this cup of coffee is definitely worth savoring.

Although altitude is only one of the many factors to measure the quality of coffee, it is definitely the most important one. The next time you go to the coffee shop, please ask the barista to tell you the origin of the coffee in the cup, which will not only enrich your coffee knowledge, but also improve your overall coffee experience.

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 the coffee. From the tropics to 30 degrees north latitude and the mountains south of the equator 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 about 1000 meters to 2000 meters 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 abundant 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. At high altitude, the displacement is high, and the fruit taste is more concentrated. 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 coffees are grown between 4000 and 6000 feet above sea level, and these beans are picked carefully only during the mature season.

Generally speaking, with the increase of altitude, the aroma of coffee will become more and more prominent and unique. From the temperature and sweetness of Brazilian beans at 3500 feet above sea level to the soaring taste of Ethiopian coffee beans above 6000 feet, it shows that the increase in altitude will make the coffee beans better display the complex and subtle taste.

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