A Single origin coffee is a stripped down version of a blend, offering a bolder flavor experience. It is usually roasted more lightly to highlight the inherent flavor without overwhelming it.
This is an excellent choice for those who want to know where their beans come from and support the farmers that grew them. It also offers a sense of terroir, the unique characteristics that each region lends to their coffee.
Geographical Origin
When you walk into any coffee shop, chances are you’ll see these words beautifully lettered on a chalk board or touted on Instagram: Single origin. While it may sound like an exotic buzzword, this term simply means that the coffee you are enjoying is a single bean from a specific geographic region or farm.
Many people choose to drink single-origin coffee for its unique depth of flavor and traceability back to a particular region. The nuances of the soil, weather and cultivation practices are what make up each coffee’s essence.
However, some coffees go even further to separate a single-origin from just one growing season by isolating a certain harvest within that year. For example, Colombian farmers Rigoberto and Luis Herrera grow a rare cultivar called Sudan Rume on their Las Margaritas farm. This coffee is harvested in the last two months of the harvest and carries characteristics of sweet red berries and candied apple.
Flavor Profile
A single origin coffee comes from a specific geographic area, which means that the beans will have a flavor profile that is unique to that region. This can be a great benefit to coffee drinkers, as single origin coffees tend to have more intense flavors than blends.
The climate, soil, and altitude of a location can all affect the flavor profile of a particular coffee. For example, a Kenyan coffee may have citrus and honey notes, while an Ethiopian can have floral and nutty characteristics.
This is why single origin coffees can be more exclusive and expensive than blends. However, this can also help to promote sustainability and fair trade. For the modern, values-driven consumer, this type of coffee is a way to connect with producers and their story. From small farms in Ethiopia to vast estates in Brazil, a single origin coffee can come from any country in the world. It could consist of arabica or robusta beans and can be roasted to a light, medium, or dark roast.
Roast Level
The way a coffee is roasted can impact its flavor. Single origin beans are roasted to preserve the distinctive qualities that define them at their source, whether that be floral and fruity or nutty and chocolaty.
Roasting is a science. A precise formula for the perfect roast level is impossible, but a good rule of thumb is to roast to just before the first few snaps of second crack start to be heard. This is a light to medium roast level that allows for some of the origin characteristics to be emphasized without being overpowered by the roast flavors.
This is a great roast level for espresso, as it balances the body and flavor profile of the bean well with milk. A medium roast can also provide a smoother mouthfeel than a light roast.
Sustainability
While many coffee blends are designed to mask any flaws in the beans, single origin coffee allows you to appreciate the nuanced flavors of a particular region. Single origin coffee is also more traceable than blends, allowing you to connect with the farmers who grew your favorite cup of joe.
This connection to the source can bring you closer to the culture and traditions of a specific area. It also encourages small-scale farmers to prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing practices.
In addition, since single-origin coffee is usually lighter roasted, it has lower levels of acrylamide, a chemical linked to certain cancers. Finally, it supports a sustainable and equitable coffee industry. It may cost a little more, but it is worth the extra investment for the flavor, health benefits, and connection to the farmers who grow your coffee. Like anything else, it takes time to learn how to love single-origin coffee and recalibrate your expectations for what a good cup should taste like.