Understanding Practices for Coffee Farming
Here's some determining factors that affect coffee farming practices:
Geography has a significant effect on the flavor of coffee beans. All coffee is grown in the tropics, but the altitude at which it's farmed substantially impacts its flavor profile.
Altitude influences the size, shape, and flavor of the coffee you are about to ingest. Understanding a little bit about it can help you pick a coffee that you enjoy.
What is the optimal altitude for coffee farming?
Altitude has a significant impact on the flavor profile of coffee. Lower altitudes can expose coffee plants to more heat, less airflow, and a smaller diurnal temperature range, not to mention an increased danger of insect attack.
Extremely high altitudes are characterized by higher, rainier cloud cover interspersed with very intense sun and high temperatures. Higher altitude coffees tend to develop excellent acidity and a smoother mouthfeel, while lower altitude coffees produce greater body and less acidity.
World Coffee Research maintains a list of coffee varietals and the optimal altitude for growing each variation. Most arabica types thrive at altitudes between 1,000 and 1,800 meters above sea level, with some plantations in Ethiopia located at 2,000 meters and above.
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How altitude affects coffee bean quality and flavor
The flavor and quality of coffee are greatly determined by water and temperature, and the cooler climatic conditions typical of high altitudes yield coffees with exceptional flavor. Some of the best taste coffee is typically grown between 16 and 23 degrees Celsius.
The milder temperatures at high altitudes permit the plant and beans to mature more slowly, resulting in the gradual ripening of the cherry fruit. The resultant beans are dense (challenging) and rich in sugars. Thus, the additional time permits the development of nuanced flavors and acidity.
Why coffee at higher altitudes tastes better
The flavor of coffee grown at a greater altitude is the primary reason for its popularity. When properly cared for, coffee grown at a high altitude produces a more acidic, aromatic, and tasty cup of coffee, whereas coffee grown at a lower altitude has lower acidity and less flavor.
Coffee harvested at a more significant elevation will have a better flavor. Therefore the fact that this coffee was grown at 5,200 feet indicates that it should have an excellent taste.
The best coffee comes from the best coffee beans, which require the best coffee growing conditions. Browse our Store for top cultivated coffee beans. Choose your favorite form of coffee beans or browse the top-selling coffees available on Deja brew.
