The “Single Origin” label appears on many coffees. Understanding this label can help you appreciate your coffee a lot more. Besides, knowing what single-origin means can help you make the right decision when shopping. So, this piece explains to you what single-origin coffee is.
What Is Single-Origin Coffee?
“Single Origin” is a small phrase with a big definition, meaning that coffee beans are grown or sourced from the same location. This could be a single farm, estate, region, country, or geographical location.
Peruvian, Colombia, and Brazilian are excellent examples of coffees grown in a known single country and region. Given that they are sourced from one area or farm, single-origin coffee is available exclusively at specific times of the year. Not to mention that single-origin coffees are also expensive because they are bound to harvesting seasons.
Macro-lot or mano-lot is the finest single-origin coffee you can ever get. A macro-lot or nano-lot label means that coffee has been sourced from a specific lot on a farm.
What Is A Coffee Blend?
What happens when a coffee roaster mixes coffees from different regions within the same geographical area? Do you still call it single-origin coffee? If this is the case, the resulting mixture is called blends.
To cut a long story short, blends are a mixture of coffee beans sourced from different locations and processed together. Often, most blends include beans from two or three different places. Sometimes, you may find coffee blends that include beans from more places.
Single Origin Vs. Blends: Understanding the Difference
Availability and Cost
Single-origin coffee is exclusively seasonal. Available at specific times of the year. The limited availability of these coffees is also reflected in the price of the coffee as a consequence. However, because blends combine different beans, they are available year-round. And for that reason, they cost a little less.
Flavor
Most coffee fans will tell you single-origin coffee is the best. This is simply because single-origin coffee allows them an opportunity to experience one specific taste over and over again. So, if you prefer the same cup of java every morning, single-origin coffee will not disappoint.
On the other hand, blends offer different experiences. This is because of the infinite amount of mixing possibilities that exist. If you remain loyal to the same roaster, you also are guaranteed a unique experience.
Traceability
Promoting sustainability and fair trade has been a big challenge in the coffee industry. Knowing where your coffee comes from can help you play a big role in promoting sustainability and fair trade. Fortunately, it is much easier to tell where a single-origin coffee is sourced.
So, which is the Best Single Origin Coffee?
How do you prefer to enjoy your cup of joe? What kind of experience are you looking for? The answers to these questions will help you make the right decision.
Alternatively, consider trying different single-origin beans until you are finally satisfied you have the right beans. You can even opt for a coffee subscription and have different beans delivered straight to your door.
It is challenging to settle on one single-origin coffee and say it is the best. This is because different people have different preferences. But we have something for you. The following you can find a list we have compiled for you:
Is Single-Origin Coffee Better?
Single-origin coffee is undoubtedly the best because it is available in its purest form. In most cases, blends have a bad reputation because some roasters mix beans with lower quality ones. However, it is good to note there are excellent blends in the market, some of which are far better than some single-origin coffee beans available in the market.
Conclusion
Now that you know a little about single-origin coffee, it is time to prepare and enjoy your java. Ready to enjoy your first cup? Go ahead, brew your beans, and remember to share your experience.
Editorial Staff
The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.
