I’m sure you’ve been offered a “single origin” coffee at least once, and you wondered: What does that mean? Is it important? Should I’ve known this before I came to order coffee?

While you are not alone in feeling like that, it’s important to know the basics of the single origin coffee beans so you can enjoy your coffee more and get the full experience out of it.

In this article, I put down the most important things to know about single origin coffee beans, so you can easily use that knowledge when you order your next coffee drink or when you buy coffee beans. These are the basics that made my coffee experience a lot better, without digging deep into the details that might confuse you even more.

What is Single Origin Coffee?

The term “single origin” is a coffee category that is sourced from one single farm, producer, crop, or region in one country.

Single farm and single estate mean that the coffee is sourced from one farm, mill, or co-operative.

The most important part is that you know exactly where your coffee is coming from, understanding that this particular place will bring unique flavor and characteristics specific to the area the coffee beans were grown.

Single Origin Coffee Vs. Blends

The opposite of single-origin coffee is blend coffee (which is wonderful as well). The main difference when comparing single-origin coffee vs blend coffee is that blend coffees are made with coffee beans from multiple places.

So, while blends combine beans from different places to achieve the desired profile, a single-origin coffee’s profile is always rooted in one specific place and is as unaltered as coffee can possibly be.

Availability of Single Origin Coffee

Single-origin coffee beans are seasonal and have limited availability since they can’t be produced in extremely large quantities.

While their availability is limited, single-origin coffees are featured when they are at their peak flavor, providing fresh coffee beans and a truly unique and enjoyable tasting experience.

How Does Single Origin Coffee Taste?

Because single-origin coffees are traceable to a single place, they typically have a distinct flavor based on the growing and processing conditions of that region. Flavors can be heavily influenced by many factors including botanical variety, soil, climate, altitude, and shade.

Single origin coffee delivers an original flavor profile, while a blend combines the elements of various beans. Generally speaking, single origin coffees are usually bolder with a more robust and exotic taste. This coffee provides you with the opportunity to experience an exclusive taste at the purest it can be.

The aroma, acidity, and flavors of the coffee blends tend to be more balanced since the variety of beans complement one another.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve made it here, I’ll guess that you enjoyed this article and learning a little bit more about your favorite drink.

Now you will be more confident when you are at your local coffee roaster looking for coffee beans that are perfect for you.

I, personally, love both single origin coffee and blends, because they give me a different experience, However, if you are looking for a unique experience, single origin coffee is a better option for you because no two batches will taste the same.

If you are looking for a well-rounded coffee that is consistent in flavor, the blends are for you.

What do you prefer: single origin or blend?

Tell me in the comments, I would love to hear from you.

And if you liked this article, share it with friends and family, someone might need to read this.

Enjoy Your Coffee!