High altitude coffee has quickly become a premium beverage. Coffee from Colombia, Ethiopia, Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica in particular are known for their vibrant acidity, natural sweetness and unique sensory notes attributed to being grown at higher elevations where temperatures are cooler and the sun less intense; slowing their rate of plant growth.

Higher altitudes promote a slower ripening process in cherries, allowing natural sugars to fully form and mature into complex flavor profiles that consumers appreciate. Due to this unique characteristic, high-elevation coffee makes an ideal candidate for single origin and specialty brewing methods such as V60, Chemex and espresso brewing methods.

Coffee grown at higher elevations has long been acknowledged to produce higher concentrations of chemical compounds – known as coffee quality attributes – than lower altitude varieties, particularly when harvested at 1,200 meters or above. Such coffee has been shown to contain greater levels of chlorogenic acids, phenolic compounds and volatile alcohol precursors than lower-elevation varieties; their higher levels may account for fruity and floral flavors associated with these varieties.

Polyphenols, commonly referred to as antioxidants, have long been recognized for their powerful antioxidative effects in the body and as such are widely known for helping reduce oxidative stress, contributing to good health while protecting against diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Studies have revealed that polyphenols protect proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and even inflammation while strengthening immunity functions.

Coffee is one of the world’s primary sources of polyphenols, with each cup typically providing between 19,000-14,000 mg. To maximize benefits from their cup, individuals are advised to consume between 650-1.400 mg daily of polyphenols through various sources, such as coffee.

Though higher altitude coffee may contain higher polyphenol concentrations, their nutritional advantages have yet to be proven. To get maximum polyphenols from your cup, we advise selecting organic beans; commercially produced non-organic beans can contain pesticides that may be toxic and lead to lower nutritional values.

To maximize its health benefits and get the most from your cup of joe, we advise searching for high-altitude, single-origin, fair trade organic coffee like Peak Performance Organic Coffee which comes straight from its farmers and is guaranteed to be pesticide free – providing you with peace of mind that each sip will contain healthy polyphenols! Don’t settle for less – enjoy!