Almost anyone who loves their coffees has likely come across the phrase “single-origin” during their exploration of the coffee-sphere. But you might not know what exactly “single-origin” means, or if it’s worth paying a little extra for it.
So, let’s dive into the world of single-origin coffee to discover what it means, so you can decide if it’s something of interest to you.
What is “Single-Origin” Coffee?
“Single-origin” coffee quite simply refers to coffee beans that have been sourced from one single location or origin. This location can be as precise as a single farm, estate, or coffee cooperative within a particular region.
According to coffee expert, Fion Mccormack, from Hola Coffee, “The more precise the single origin is, the better. Sometimes single-origin is used loosely to describe any coffee from a specific country, and could include a mixture of coffees from that country. This is something to watch out for. Always try to find out the specific region in a given country, from which a single-origin coffee originates. If the seller can’t tell you the region, then that’s something to be concerned about.”
Is all coffee not single origin then?
Nope. A lot of coffee is a “blend”. Blends are a mixture of beans from various locations, often different countries, and they have been expertly combined (or blended) to create a specific flavour profile. Single-origin however, is more purist, and it aims to celebrate the unique characteristics imparted by the environment in which the coffee was grown.
The Importance of Terroir
Terroir is a word that describes the taste of the product in relation to its environmental factors, such as climate, soil, altitude, and other geographical factors that may influence the taste. A specific species of Arabica coffee grown in the highlands of Ethiopia, for instance, will have a unique taste profile vs the exact same species produced in Brazil. This is because of the terroir!
By focusing on a single origin, coffee drinkers can appreciate the nuanced flavours and aromas specific to any given coffee region, and in doing so they can truly experience the uniqueness that the region has to offer.
As coffee aficionados become familiar with the terroir of regions, they gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of what coffee regions they prefer, and in some cases, they can often develop an ability to identify the origin of a cup of coffee by taste alone.
Why is Single-Origin Coffee So Popular?
Transparency and Traceability: We live in an era where consumers are increasingly concerned about where their food and beverages come from. Single-origin coffee offers unparalleled transparency. Knowing the exact farm or cooperative that produced the beans gives you the buyer confidence as well as a connection with the grower, promoting ethical and sustainable practices.
Quality and Purity: Single-origin coffees are often associated with higher quality. This is because roasters tend to choose the better quality beans from more reputable farms, for single-origin coffee, because of the traceability factor – so single-origin coffee delivers not only a better taste experience but also comes with a story of authenticity.
Flavour Exploration: Coffee aficionados relish the opportunity to understand the uniquely diverse flavour profiles from around the world. Single-origin coffee acts kind of like a passport to different coffee-growing regions, each with a distinctive taste.
Supporting Local Communities: By discovering single-origin coffee from a specific area, and repeatedly buying the coffee, consumers support and reward the farms in that region more directly, for their great work.
How to Enjoy Single-Origin Coffee
To fully appreciate the unique characteristics of single-origin coffee, consider the following tips:
Brew Method: Discover the best way to prepare your coffee, whether that be filter coffee, french press, or espresso.
Grind: always grind the coffee correctly according to the way in which you wish to brew it. Fine grind for espresso, medium grind for filter coffee, and coarse grind for coffee presses. Whichever grind you choose, always ensure coffee is ground evenly if grinding it yourself at home.
Tasting: Pay attention to the info on tasting notes provided by the roaster. These descriptors can guide your palate and enhance your tasting experience. Another tasting tip is that it’s easier to experience the uniqueness of coffee if you drink it without adding sweeteners.
Freshness: Always grind coffee beans just before brewing, to maximise the freshness and flavour. And always use coffee within 30 days of when it was roasted
Water Quality: Use filtered water to ensure that the coffee’s natural flavours are not compromised by impurities.
Is it possible to get single-origin decaf?
Yes, it’s possible. You would normally need to buy it from a coffee roaster directly as most supermarkets probably won’t have it. Generally decaf uses lower quality beans which have undergone treatment to remove the caffeine. Single-origin decaf is not hugely popular, but it does exist, and can be roasted to order and shipped to your door, by good local coffee roasters.
Why single-origin coffee?
Single-origin coffee is more than just a trend; it’s a celebration of diversity, quality, and sustainability in the coffee world. By choosing single-origin, you’ll embark on a journey where you’ll discover the unique flavours and stories behind each cup. If you fancy a coffee exploration journey, then single-origin coffee is your ticket.
