Have you ever been to Starbucks, and when the barista asked: would you like single origin, you weren’t sure what to say? To know what you prefer, you need to know what is single-origin coffee and how it compares to other types of coffee.

Before you start a Reddit thread on the subject, this guide will explain what is meant by single origin. Not only that, but you’ll also learn what makes it so distinctive, where to find it, how to brew it, and what other options you can consider.

Read on to learn why this type of coffee matters and how you can use that knowledge to improve your coffee-drinking experience in the future.

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What Is Single-Origin Coffee?

The term single-origin describes a coffee that comes from one country or a region. It refers to beans that are only grown in that place, which could mean a particular farm, co-operative, or coffee plantation. You might also see the phrase used on labels for coffee from a micro- or nano-lot. In these cases, you’ll find that the beans are named after the estate, including a lot number or name.

The emphasis is on coffee that’s grown in a specific climate and a particular soil. Those conditions are what creates the beans with that particular flavor. This factor begins to explain why the product is so highly prized, as using beans from a distinct location allows the grower to preserve the characteristics and recreate them.

Single-Origin Coffee Vs Blend

The alternative to single-origin coffee is a blend of beans from different locations. Here are a few key reasons why you might prefer one to the other.

Flavor

What you can taste is a crucial consideration when it comes to your espresso, cappuccino, or however you like to take it. Since one type of bean is being used, and the growers have control over the characteristics, single-origin coffee means you’ll get a unique flavor with certain notes that can be reproduced.

On the other hand, blended coffee uses beans from different locations. You can still create a nice flavor, but it’ll be a mix of different notes, which might not always produce the same result. You might prefer a blend if you want something that combines the best qualities of various beans.

Availability

Since this type of coffee is grown in specific locations with a particular climate, it’s a seasonal product. That means that your preferred estate or brand won’t be available all year round. Once it has all been sold, you’ll need to wait until the next harvest to get some more.

Blends source beans from several locations and use smaller quantities of each product. Alongside Arabica, they might use Robusta beans, which are easier to grow.  For that reason, you’re likely to find blends available for most of the year.

Quality

For coffee lovers, quality matters. If you drink black coffee from a French press or use the pour-over method, you’ll be able to smell and taste the quality of the beans and how they’ve been roasted. Those who cultivate single-origin coffee are paying close attention to the quality of the beans, resulting in a good product.

That’s not to say that you can’t get excellent blends, too. However, as there’s a mix of beans, one that is slightly weaker than the others affects the overall result. Quality control can be more challenging with a coffee blend.

Price

The careful cultivation of quality beans with a distinct flavor means that single-origin coffee tends to be more expensive. Blends, which require less precision and are available most of the year, don’t cost as much to produce.

Traceability

A passion for coffee often extends to knowing where it comes from and how to achieve the perfect cup. That’s why traceability is so important. With single-origin, you know exactly where the beans came from, sometimes even down to a specific field or lot. For coffee blends, it’s much harder to trace the beans and the reputation of the growers.

What Does Single-Origin Coffee Taste Like?

Each batch of these coffee beans has its flavor profile. You’ll usually find descriptions, as you would on a wine bottle, that explain the notes that you can taste. Most have a crisp flavor, are smooth, and well-balanced.

You can find savory types, ones with a hint of chocolate, caramel, or vanilla, or even refreshing citrus or spicy notes. You can choose based on your preference.

How Do You Brew Single-Origin Coffee?

It’s all about flavor and quality, which means your brewing process, and the way you drink your coffee should put the bean in the spotlight. To make the most of it, you’ll probably want to drink it black using the pour-over method.

It involves pouring hot water over the coffee grounds in a filter, which then drips through into a carafe or mug. If you want to know how to make the ultimate cup, the manual method is best, as it’s the slower pace that brings out the flavor.

Where to Buy Single-Origin Coffee?

You can order a cup from your barista or buy single-origin coffee from local roasters or online. Another option is from your favorite coffee place if they also sell grounds or beans. These will be the freshest beans, but you can also look in the grocery store, though beans from the grocery stores (and large online retailers) can get stale and lose their freshness when sitting on the shelves too long. To get the freshest beans, turn to your local roaster or online specialized coffee roasters, such as Volcanica Coffee, Lifeboost Coffee, Fresh Roasted Coffee, or Out Of The Grey Coffee, to name a few. In any case, you’ll want to look out for the words single origin or single estate on the packaging. Remember to read the label to learn about the flavor profile.

FAQ On Single-Origin Coffee

If you want more information, these answers to common questions will fill you in on what you need to know.

Is single-origin coffee better?

Generally speaking, yes. The quality, traceability, and flavor make it the superior coffee.

What is the best single-origin coffee?

Jamaica Blue Mountain is considered the best. It comes from one of the oldest estates and produces a mellow and smooth cup.

Why is single-origin coffee expensive?

It’s expensive as a lot (and we mean a lot) of care and attention goes into cultivating the beans.

Does single-origin coffee taste different?

Yes. Each type has a distinct flavor profile, as it isn’t blended with other beans. You can get a more robust taste, too.

What is single-origin coffee: A Recap

Single-origin coffee contains one type of bean from a particular location or estate. It has a unique flavor, great quality and means you can know exactly where your coffee came from and how it was grown.

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