June 14, 2022

How elevation affects your morning cup.

By Philippe Jolicoeur
high altitude coffee plantation

Coffee is a hugely popular drink, enjoyed by millions of people each day. But did you know that the altitude at which it's grown can affect its taste? As coffee lovers, we're always keen to learn more about our beloved drink. Read on to find out more about how altitude affects coffee, and why it matters.

 Have you ever been hiking in the mountains and popped into a coffee shop for a pick-me-up? If so, you may have noticed that your coffee tastes different at high altitudes. But what exactly is going on here? Why does altitude affect coffee? Elevation has a direct impact on the size, shape and taste of the coffee you are about to consume. The difference in flavor and quality is due to two factors, water and temperature..

 Have you ever wondered how elevation affects the taste of coffee? According to recent studies, it turns out that the altitude at which your coffee is grown makes a significant difference in its flavor. So if you're looking for a truly unique cup of coffee, be sure to ask your barista where their beans are from. You might be surprised by how much elevation affects the taste! Arabica generally likes higher altitudes of 1,800 to 6,300’ with cooler climates, while robusta varieties prefer a lower elevation of 600 to 2,400’ with warmer climates.

  Higher elevations  have better drainage than places lower in the watershed. Better drainage leads to less water in the beans concentrating the flavors created by the sugars. This  creates a more flavourful bean . This is where we find Stricly Hard Beans or SHB . Less water means a harder bean.

 There's a lot of coffee talk out there. Arabica vs. Robusta, light roast vs. dark roast, black coffee vs. espresso... But there's one variety that often gets left out of the conversation: SHB coffee. What is it? And why should you care? Let's find out!

 What is SHB coffee? It's a term you may have heard tossed around the coffee world, but what does it mean? Simply put, SHB coffee is specialty-high-badness coffee. Or in other words, it's the highest grade of coffee you can get your hands on. prized for its exceptional flavor and quality, SHB beans come from the top of the crop and are carefully selected to ensure the best cup possible. If you're looking for a real coffee treat, try SHB,you won't be disappointed!

 Temperature is another important element . At higher altitudes cooler temperatures slow down the growth rate of the coffee plant. At a slower growth rate the plants focus more on reproduction. The plant then devotes more energy to bean production which in turn produces more of the sugars that create those unique tasting notes in your favorite coffee.

 So we now know that elevation affects the grading and classification of coffee beans . Some types of classification are AA,Altura (, Excelso, Grade ,Hard Bean,, Strickly Hard Bean , Strictly soft Bean and Supremo. We will look at these classifications next week , but they are directly related to the altitude of the crop.

 A study was conducted to determine the effect of altitude on coffee bean quality.

-The study found that as altitude increases, the concentration of caffeine decreases and the amount of sugar increases.

-The taste of the coffee also changes as altitude increases; it becomes more bitter and less acidic.

-Coffee drinkers should consider these factors when choosing a coffee beans. Conclusion: Coffee drinkers should be aware that the quality of their coffee may vary depending on the altitude at which the beans were grown.

If you're looking for rich, flavorful coffee, be sure to look for brands that advertise their beans as being "high-altitude." You'll likely pay a bit more, but it's worth it for the delicious cup of joe you'll get in return!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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