Altitude Why that number
is on our bags.
Have you ever wondered why altitude is so often printed on coffee bags? Well, it’s because altitude, interacting with several other factors, plays a decisive role in the taste of the coffee. Let’s explore how.
It all comes down to how long the coffee cherry takes to ripen. The more slowly the cherry develops, the more it is able to develop rich flavours. It grows more complex, gains more acidity and, at the same time, becomes denser. What encourages slower ripening of the fruit? A lower growing temperature. Hence the correlation with altitude; the higher the elevation, the lower the temperatures. And at lower temperatures, the cherry develops more slowly!
However, coffee plants are sensitive to frost: a temperature consistently below 4 degrees Celsius can be enough to kill the plant. A temperate environment is therefore necessary all year round. That’s why the ideal place for coffee is in the equatorial zone, between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.
Altitude and latitude Two measures to read together.
The correlation between altitude and latitude also deserves particular attention. The closer coffee grows to the equator, the higher the elevation needed to reach temperatures low enough to positively influence the flavour of the beans, because of the proximity to the sun. Conversely, as you move closer to the Tropics of Cancer or Capricorn, a lower elevation is enough to create an ideal environment for coffee. It is therefore crucial to take this into account when comparing altitude between different countries, although the comparison is easier within a single country.
Healthier plants, a more complex cup What altitude changes in your cup.
The pathogens responsible for many diseases affecting coffee plants and cherries are also more likely to thrive at low altitude. Plants located at higher altitudes therefore have a better chance of survival. Given the many diseases affecting coffee, taking altitude into account is crucial for coffee producers.
You can then take altitude into account when buying coffee beans. To keep it simple: if you prefer a more classic, rounder coffee, go for a lower altitude. If, on the other hand, you enjoy a tangy and complex taste, go for a higher altitude. Of course, altitude alone doesn’t entirely determine the taste of a bean, but it gives a significant clue about what might end up in your cup.
