What is Single Source Coffee and Why You Should Try It

What is Single Source Coffee and Why You Should Try It

If you are a coffee lover, you might have noticed some coffee labels that say “single-source” or “single-origin.” But what do these terms mean, and how do they affect the quality and taste of your coffee? In this blog post, we will explain what single-source coffee is, how it is different from blended coffee, and what the benefits of drinking it are.

What is single-source coffee?

Single-source coffee, also known as single-origin coffee, is coffee that comes from a single source or region. This means all the coffee beans in a batch are grown in the same place and usually harvested simultaneously. Single-source coffee is typically named after the region where it was grown, such as “Ethiopian Yirgacheffe” or “Colombian Huila.”

Single-source coffee can also refer to coffee that comes from a single farm, estate, mill, or cooperative within a region. This allows for more traceability and specificity of the coffee’s origin, as well as the growing and processing methods used. For example, you might find a single-source coffee labeled as “Kenya Gachatha AA,” which indicates the country, the washing station, and the bean size and grade.

Single-source coffee is often considered specialty coffee, which means it meets high standards of quality, sustainability, and transparency. Specialty coffee is graded by professional tasters, who evaluate the coffee’s aroma, flavor, body, acidity, and balance. Specialty coffee must score at least 80 points out of 100 to be classified as such.

How is single-source coffee different from blended coffee?

Blended coffee, as the name suggests, is coffee that is made by mixing beans from different sources, regions, or countries. Blended coffee is usually created by roasters, who combine different beans to achieve a consistent and balanced flavor profile. Blended coffee can also be used to mask the defects or weaknesses of lower-quality beans or to reduce the cost of production.

Blended coffee is not necessarily inferior to single-source coffee, as it can offer more complexity and versatility. Blended coffee can also be tailored to suit different brewing methods, preferences, and occasions. For example, espresso blends are designed to produce a rich and strong flavor, while breakfast blends are meant to be smooth and mild.

However, blended coffee can also lose some of the unique characteristics and nuances of the original beans, as they are diluted or overshadowed by other beans. Blended coffee can also be less transparent and traceable, as it is harder to know the exact origin and quality of each bean. Blended coffee can also vary from batch to batch, depending on the availability and seasonality of the beans.

What are the benefits of drinking single-source coffee?

Drinking single-source coffee can offer many benefits, both for you and for the coffee industry. Here are some of the reasons why you should try single-source coffee:

• You can enjoy the pure and authentic flavor of the coffee’s origin. Single-source coffee can showcase the region's terroir, which is the combination of factors that influence the coffee’s taste, such as the soil, climate, altitude, and variety. Single-source coffee can also highlight the craftsmanship of the farmers and producers, who use different techniques to cultivate, harvest, and process the coffee. Single source coffee can offer a wide range of flavors, from fruity and floral to nutty and chocolatey, depending on the origin and roast level.
• You can learn more about the history and culture of coffee. Single-source coffee can tell a story about the people and places behind the coffee. You can discover the traditions, customs, and challenges of the coffee-growing communities and how they affect the coffee’s quality and sustainability. You can also appreciate the diversity and richness of the coffee world and how each region has its own identity and specialty.
• You can support the coffee farmers and producers. Single-source coffee can promote fairness and transparency in the coffee supply chain, allowing for more direct and traceable relationships between the roasters and the farmers. Single-source coffee can also encourage more ethical and environmental practices, rewarding the farmers and producers for their quality and care. Single-source coffee can also empower the farmers and producers, giving them more recognition and value for their work.

Conclusion

Single-source coffee is coffee that comes from a single source or region, and it can offer a unique and rewarding coffee experience. By drinking single-source coffee, you can enjoy the pure and authentic flavor of the coffee’s origin, learn more about the coffee’s history and culture, and support the coffee farmers and producers. Whether you are a coffee novice or a coffee connoisseur, you can find a single source coffee that suits your taste and curiosity at Terran Coffee.