Why Does Altitude Affect Coffee Flavour?

Posted by Mark Bentham, The Coffee Man on 22nd Jun 2020

Coffee grows in tropical climates in what is known as the "coffee belt" or the "bean belt" which is a region between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. The belt represents a tropical band extending approximately 30º north and south of the equator and encompasses countries in the Pacific Islands, South America and mid to southern Africa which represent the world’s best coffee growing regions.

*PIC : www.calibri.com.co

PIC:calibri.com.co

The influence of environment on the flavour of how coffee tastes cannot be underestimated. Coffees grown at high altitudes greater than 1400m (3000ft) have a more pronounced flavour profile and with most coffees in Ethiopia grown at an altitude ranging between 1500 - 2700m (4900 - 8858ft).

Ethiopia has gained a reputation for producing some of the highest quality coffees around.

Coffee beans which are grown at high altitude are hard, dense, and possess a superior coffee flavour. It is generally regarded that as altitude increases, a coffee’s flavour profile becomes more distinctive.

So how does high altitude provide ideal growing conditions for the coffee tree?

Elevated growing conditions mean that the coffee bean can grow :

In a frost-free environment with an average temperature range of 15-21º C (or approx. 60-70º F) throughout the year combined with moderate rainfall and abundant sunshine;

In cooler mountain temperatures which slows the coffee tree growth cycle and prolongs bean development. This produces a coffee bean with more complex sugars and deeper, more interesting flavours;

With much better drainage better drainage; and

With less water in the fruit resulting in a denser more compact bean which is full of flavour.