Elevation
Elevation refers to the altitude at which coffee is grown, measured in meters above sea level (masl). It plays a crucial role in determining bean quality, as factors like temperature, rainfall, and sunlight vary with altitude, directly impacting the coffee plant’s growth and development.
Coffee grown at higher elevations tends to have more complex flavors, denser beans, and greater resistance to pests, making it highly valued in the specialty coffee industry. In contrast, low-altitude coffee (below 800 masl) often has a simpler, more bitter taste, while mid-altitude coffee (800–1200 masl) offers a more balanced profile with mild sweetness and acidity. Specialty coffee is typically cultivated above 1200 masl, where optimal conditions allow for exceptional flavor development, producing refined and distinctive cups.