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Do you prefer to drink coffee at home or at the coffee shop? Have you ever walked into a cafe and woken up looking at these two “Single Origin” words written in chalk on the beverage offer board? I mean, what does that really mean? Is it just another pretentious way of presenting coffee? (Spoiler alert: Not!)
One origin, one estate, one farm: what does all this mean?
Single origin is a small expression with a broad definition. The meaning is often simplified by the explanation that it is a coffee that comes from a single producer, culture or region in a given country. A single farm and a single estate means that the coffee beans come from a farm, mill or cooperative. Then, you can go one step further and find labels that tell you the name of the farm, the specific lot or the paddock on which the coffee was grown or if it is a microlot (a certain variety from a certain farm).
And yet, single origin is not just about that. As Andra Vlaicu from the Specialty Coffee Association stated:
“Perhaps the most important thing when we talk about ‘single origin’ coffee is its traceability, the fact that you know exactly where the coffee comes from and that it is a certain type of coffee, not a blend or blend as it is called.
It is usually of superior quality and is recognized as coming from a particular farm situated in a single setting, while its aroma describes its origin, possessing the characteristics of the specific area in which the coffee was grown. “
Going further, coffee beans grown on the same farm or cooperative are beans shaped by the same amount of rain, farmers’ traditions, specific growing conditions and processing methods, being a unique product of that time and place. Because it is related to a harvest season and has a very limited availability, coffee is more expensive, but also of very high quality.
The best coffee connoisseurs can buy beans that come from a certain batch (or an even smaller nano-batch) from a certain farm. Certainly nothing is more exclusive than this.
The popularity of single origin coffee
The current interest in single origin coffee has been influenced by the increase in the number of specialty cafes, which offer alternative methods of brewing coffee, such as pour-over or AeroPress. Given the desire to constantly experiment and innovate, it is no wonder that we are constantly looking for ways to reinvent the coffee experience for the 21st century.
With a fascinating journey of coffee beans, increased transparency and innovative methods, it is no wonder that single origin coffee beans are proving popular.
And this is a force large enough to affect agricultural methods. Certain farmers (labeled as specialist farmers) develop and improve high quality crops in response to demand. Some experiment with their selection of varietals, the control they have over the growing stage, the times and harvesting techniques, as well as the methods of grinding and processing.
Manufacturers rely on toasters to keep them informed of market trends, while specialty toasters, who are always looking for an interesting new origin to present, can easily locate producers and learn from them.
However, it is not only producers and toasters that play an important role. And the final consumer has his role. How? Recognizing the superior quality of coffee, thus forcing the roaster to pay the farmer a fair price for his product.
So, the next time you order a specialty coffee, remember that you play an important role in the search for high quality products and ethical business practices. Feels Pretty Good , doesn’t it?
Single Origin vs Blend
Blend, as the name suggests, is a mixture of coffee beans from different locations and processed together. Most coffee blends combine beans that come in two to four places, but some coffee roasters might even mix eight or nine. They can come from different regions in the same geographical area or from completely separate countries around the world.
Coffee roasters create these blends to create a unique and consistent flavor. Next time you get lost in front of the table with the coffee offer from the local coffee shop, try to identify the blend of the house.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SINGLE ORIGIN AND BLEND COFFEE?
Availability – Due to its geographical limitations, single origin coffee has extremely limited availability. Especially when it comes from a certain farm, it is seasonal and cannot be produced in abundant quantities. Because a blend combines different types of grains, they are available throughout the year.
Cost – Rarely means more expensive, of course. Because single-origin berries are exclusive, each cup is a time capsule that needs to be enjoyed until it is gone.
Traceability – When the beans are grown in the same place, you’ll know exactly where the coffee came from. This helps to promote sustainability and fair trade, which have often been lacking in the coffee industry in the past but also today.
Aroma – Many people, and especially coffee connoisseurs, seem to prefer the captivating experience of single origin, which is considered coffee in its purest form.
On the other hand, given the infinite amount of blending possibilities, each blend is also unique and consistent and offers a layered and well-rounded drinking experience.
In general, when you don’t know what to choose and you don’t want to have surprises or there is no one to guide you, you can go quietly to a blend. It has to be balanced, slightly gentle and easier to prepare. But it is well known that easy or simple work comes with fewer surprises and here we are talking about pleasant surprises.
We choose the coffees for each package according to those to whom we address the package. This way we can maintain a superior quality of the boxes by delivering single origin coffee with those superb surprises in the cup, but also easy to prepare for those at the beginning of the road, such as Boxul The Green .
So which is the best single origin coffee?
You decide! As I’m sure you’ve learned by now, single origin coffee and blend coffee are very different, so it all depends on how you prefer to enjoy your cup of coffee. If you usually drink coffee on the go, add a lot of milk and sugar and appreciate the consistency of its aroma, then you should choose a blend.
But, if you prefer to enjoy the raw and pure taste of coffee, we are confident that you will love single origin coffee.
Enter here and you will find the new coffee varieties chosen especially for you this month! And don’t forget to Love your coffee!
