Single origin coffee has become a hallmark of the third wave movement, a style of modern coffee that elevates caffeination beyond mere caffeine ingestion. It can be a jarring experience for those who are used to blended java, as single-origin brews often taste different and accentuate specific flavor profiles.
What’s more, the coffee plant’s environment can affect the flavor of the finished cup, similar to terroir in wine.
Origin
Coffee beans come from many different places in the world. The flavor of a coffee comes from the unique soil and climate that grows the beans. This is called terroir. When coffee beans are blended together, the terroir of each location disappears, so the flavor is less unique and more blended.
Single origin coffee is typically roasted lighter to allow the unique flavor of the bean to shine through. It is also often served as espresso. This requires a high level of skill by the barista, as it can be difficult to control the extraction of the coffee and the flow of milk.
Some third wave roasters will offer single origins, as well as blends. These options will often include information about the farms where the beans were grown, as well as their processing methods and other factors that contribute to the final product. It is important to choose a roaster who values sustainability and who supports small-scale farmers.
Roast Level
Like wine, coffee beans take on a flavor profile that reflect the place they come from (terroir). Soil quality, temperature, elevation, rainfall, and topography all impact the beans.
For this reason, single origins are often roasted slightly lighter than blends to bring out the unique flavor notes of the specific bean. It may be a slight adjustment to the taste of non-generic java for some, but for those who are willing to try a new kind of coffee that doesn’t just “taste like coffee” this is an exciting way to learn about coffees from around the world.
For those who enjoy a little roastier cup of joe, specialty roasters offer single-origin coffee at medium roast. At this level the first snaps of the first crack have occurred and the roast flavors begin to overtake some of the origin flavors. Our Longbottom signature espresso blends are roasted to this level. This is a great roast level for many who enjoy a balanced, sweet cup.
Flavor Profile
If you’re a coffee connoisseur, chances are you’ve seen the words “single origin” on some of your favorite coffees. Single origin is a term that designates the specific country, region, or farm from where the beans were harvested. In most cases, you’ll be able to see this information clearly marked on the bag of coffee.
Unlike blends, single origin coffees will have a more nuanced flavor profile that is often influenced by the climate and growing conditions of the beans’ home regions. This can result in a variety of unique tastes including fruity, floral, and nutty flavors.
For many coffee lovers, single origin is the way to go. However, some people prefer the balanced and consistent taste of a good blend. It’s important to remember that both types of coffee can be equally delicious! The best thing to do is try both and find which one you like best. If you’re new to the world of coffee, blends may be the better choice for you.
Sustainability
Many consumers seek out single origin coffee because it allows them to trace their beverage’s flavors back to a specific region. This can be a great way to identify terroir (the unique characteristics of the soil in which beans are grown). Single origin coffee also tends to be pricier than blended varieties.
Unlike mass-market coffee, which is often grown with pesticides and other harmful chemicals, single-origin coffees prioritize sustainability and work to minimize their environmental footprint. They also use shade-grown methods to protect soil, conserve water, and support biodiversity.
As a result, these farms reduce the need to transport their products long distances, which can create greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to climate change. In addition, they often use solar energy to roast their beans, which eliminates the need for fossil fuels. Ultimately, these sustainable practices lead to more delicious cups of coffee that are worth the price tag. Lightly roasted single-origin coffees allow the beans’ natural flavor to shine through.