Elevate Your Brew - how elevation impacts your cup of coffee
TLDR: The elevation that coffee cherries are grown at has a big impact on the final flavour your barista, or you, extracts into your cup. Coffees grown at a higher altitude develop more slowly resulting in a denser bean, leading to sweeter, more complex flavour profiles. Those grown in lower elevation areas have more full bodied, earthy or nutty flavours. Both have their place and at Acreage Coffee we roast our beans to enhance their natural flavour profiles produced from terroir. So, if you want to tase the difference in elevation - check out our store.
Hey coffee connoisseurs! Whether you're a fan of a strong espresso, a smooth latte, or a sweet cappuccino, you probably know that the quality and flavour of your coffee can depend on several factors. One of these key factors is the elevation at which the coffee is grown. At Acreage Coffee, we're passionate about understanding the impact of terroir on coffee quality and flavour. That's why in this blog post, we're going to dive into how the height at which coffee is grown affects the taste and aroma of your cup. Trust us, it's pretty interesting stuff! So, grab a cup of your favourite brew and let's dive in!
What’s the big deal with coffee elevation?
Often you will see the altitude in meters above sea level (MASL) that a coffee is grown on many specialty coffee roaster’s labels. Coffee elevation is simply the height above sea level at which coffee is grown. This might range from at sea level to more than 1,800 metres above sea level. But why is elevation important in coffee cultivation? Higher elevations often mean cooler temperatures and more rainfall, both of which can have a substantial impact on coffee plant growth and development. Coffee cherries mature more slowly at higher elevations, yielding a denser and more delicious bean. Meanwhile, warmer temperatures at lower elevations result in speedier maturation and a less dense, less flavourful bean.
There are a few factors to consider when it comes to coffee elevation and quality. Let's start with high elevation. Because of the slower maturation process, coffee cultivated at high elevations, usually above 1,200 metres, is often considered to be of superior quality. The cooler temperatures cause the coffee cherries to produce a denser, more delicious bean, resulting in a cup of coffee with a more complex flavour profile and more acidity. Coffee grown at lower elevations, below 1,200 metres, on the other hand, is frequently less rich and flavorful. Because of the warmer temperatures, the coffee cherries mature faster and create a less dense bean. However, other factors, such as soil quality, sunlight, and rainfall, all play a part in determining the quality of coffee grown at different elevations. Regardless of elevation, these elements have an impact on the flavour and quality of specialty coffee.
So how does elevation influence my cup?
Often the flavour profile of coffee beans grown at higher altitudes is what we would describe as more ‘complex’. The denser bean results in sweeter flavours, with floral and fruit notes complimented by pleasant acidity. Even the best baristas may struggle to bring anything except earthy, woody and nutty flavours out of your coffee if it’s grown at lower elevations. This isn’t necessarily to say that coffee grown at lower altitudes is terrible, or doesn’t have its place. As part of a specialty coffee blend, these coffees can add fantastic body to the base level of the blend.
To wrap things up, elevation is extremely important when it comes to coffee quality and flavour. High elevation flavours are more complex, while low elevation flavours are considered simpler. But that's not the whole picture; soil quality, sunlight, and rainfall all play a part. At Acreage Coffee this is what we love about the world of coffee, as the roaster we can only work with the quality of the specialty coffee beans we are given by dedicated farmers from all over the world. We understand the nuances that terroir and processing have on the flavours in your cup and we roast to highlight these. So, whether you're an espresso connoisseur or a sucker for a foamy cappuccino, we've got you covered. Try us out and experience the difference for yourself!