Elevation
Have you ever thought about why altitude is often listed on coffee bags? Well, that's because altitude, interacting with several other factors, plays a determining role in the taste of coffee. Let's explore how.
It all comes down to the ripening time of the coffee cherry. The slower the cherry develops, the more ability it has to develop rich flavors. It becomes more complex, acquires more acidity, and at the same time, it becomes denser. What promotes slower ripening of the fruit? Lower growing temperature. Hence the correlation with altitude; the higher the elevation, the lower the temperatures. And at lower temperatures, the cherry grows more slowly!
However, coffee plants are sensitive to frost: a temperature constantly below 4 degrees Celsius can be enough to kill the plant. Thus, a temperate environment is necessary throughout the year. This is why the ideal location for coffee is in the equatorial zone, between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.
The correlation between altitude and latitude also deserves special attention. The closer coffee grows to the equator, the greater elevation is required to achieve low enough temperatures to positively influence the flavor of the beans, due to proximity to the sun. Conversely, as you get closer to the Tropics of Cancer or Capricorn, less elevation is enough to create an ideal environment for coffee. It is therefore crucial to take this element into account when comparing altitude between different countries, although the comparison is easier within the same country.
The pathogens responsible for many diseases affecting coffee plants and cherries are also more likely to thrive at lower altitudes. Thus, plants located at higher altitudes have a better chance of survival. Given the many diseases affecting coffee, taking altitude into account is therefore crucial for coffee producers.
It is then possible to take altitude into consideration when purchasing coffee beans. To simplify: if you prefer a more classic and round coffee, head to a lower altitude. On the other hand, if you like a tangy and complex taste, head towards a higher altitude. Of course, altitude alone doesn't entirely determine the taste of a bean, but it does offer a significant clue as to what might end up in your cup
