Difference Between Single Origin Coffee and Blended Coffee
Buying coffee these days is a very complex and complicated procedure. There are so many choices to pick from when ordering your coffee. There are various roast levels (see our roasted origin buyers guide), acidity, flavours, and now coffee blends to choose from. Sometimes, the choices can be overwhelming (see our single origin colombian coffee).
Most people wonder; which is better, single-origin or blended coffee? For some others, it's not a big deal. However, if you are a fan of good coffee, you should know which is which and which one is the best for you.
For starters, single-origin and blended coffee are the two major categories of speciality coffee. At the moment, speciality coffee seems to be the most significant player in the coffee industry.
As you read on, you will find out the differences between these two unique types of coffee. Also, we hope at the end of the article; you will be better informed to decide which of them suits you best (make sure to check out the difference between coffee blends).
What is Single Origin Coffee?
From the name, single-origin refers to coffee beans that are gotten from the same source. This could be a particular country or a region in a country. So when next you see something like Brazil Cerrado, it means that particular coffee is a single-origin coffee from Cerrado in Brazil.
Single-origin coffees are usually exotic, unique, and have distinct characteristics that are peculiar with their origin. Because single-origin coffee is from a source, they are usually available at some specific time of the year. The time they are available will largely depend on the harvesting season in their place of origin.
Since they are from one source, a single-origin allows you to enjoy an exclusive taste of your coffee in its purest form. Everything from the aroma, the acidity down to the flavour is usually more noticeable and well balanced in single-origin coffee. One beautiful thing about single-origin coffee is that no two types taste the same. Therefore, they offer a unique experience to coffee drinkers.
What are Coffee Blends?
The term coffee blends refer to coffee that has different coffee beans in it. Usually, the coffee beans might be from different origins, which produce a combination of flavours and features.
Interestingly, coffee blends are the most common type of coffee in the world today. Most coffee drinkers consume coffee blends than they do with any other type of coffee. They usually have a more consistent taste, and they are usually produced in large batches.
Blends of coffee are typically more balanced and have a gentler taste. Thanks to mixing different coffee beans, blended coffee usually comes out with this harmonious taste that reaches all spots on your palate.
It's an extra sensual feeling, combining all the aroma and flavour notes in different coffee beans. It's one mouth-watering experience that most coffee drinkers love and appreciate.
The Big Difference Between Single-origin Coffee and Blend of Coffee
In reality, single-origin and coffee blends are both coffee. In fact, most people cannot tell one from the other. However, here are three distinct factors that correctly differentiate single origin from the blended coffee and vice versa!
1) Purity
Most people prefer single-origin coffee because they are purer and then to have a higher quality. That's all thanks to the fact that they come from one origin. While this is good, most single-origin coffee beans brew clean cuppa coffee, which might not go well with milk.
Coffee bean blends, on the other hand, are from a variety of sources. That means people who prefer that exotic taste will not like them. But then, they combine different characteristics of coffee beans from different origins, so they are more suitable to make a milk-based beverage.
2) Flavour profile
Single-origin coffee has the most original flavour. Coffee from single-origin usually have their taste and aroma unaltered, and the flavour is just as it is from the source. As a result, single-origin coffee tends to have a more exotic, robust, and bolder taste.
Coffee blends, on the other hand, usually combine different elements from coffee beans from different places. Therefore, coffee bend coffees usually balance out their taste with different beans that complement each other.
3) Consistency
This is one place where single-origin coffee will always pull a fast one on you. If you are keen on the taste of your coffee, you will notice some subtle changes in the taste of your single-origin coffee with changes in seasons. Don't be alarmed, and no one changed the origin of your coffee.
The idea is, different seasons have their effects on different varieties of coffee beans. Therefore, the taste of your coffee will vary slightly as seasons change. However, you will likely notice these changes more because as you get different batches of your coffee.
Coffee blends, on the other hand, do not have this consistency issue. This is because the mixing helps to tone down the individual differences in the taste of each coffee. So, in the end, you have a mellowed taste thanks to the combination of the various coffee beans.
Single-origin Or Coffee Bean Blends: Which Should I go for?
Well, there are no strict rules as to which is better. Coffee is like clothes or shoes; there are no ideals regarding shoe size or dress size; we all pick what suits us best.
That said, you can go for single-origin coffee if you want to explore the unique taste, flavours, and characteristics of coffee beans from across the world.
If you are new to coffee and brewing, you might want to consider choosing a solid coffee blend. Coffee blends are usually more rounded and approachable in taste compared with a single origin.
Ultimately, it's all about you, your taste, and your preferences. If at this point, you are still confused, you can consider trying both types. There and then, you will find out which is best for you *(have you see our guide on what is single origin coffee)!
See how to choose the highest quality beans!