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Coffee Glossary

Single Origin

Definition

Single origin coffee comes from one specific geographic location - a single farm, region, or country - rather than a blend of beans from multiple locations. This allows the unique characteristics of that terroir (soil, climate, altitude, processing method) to shine through. Single origin coffees often have distinct flavor profiles tied to their origin, such as fruity Ethiopian coffees, chocolatey Colombian coffees, or wine-like Kenyan coffees. They're popular among specialty coffee enthusiasts who want to experience the unique flavors of different regions. Single origin coffees can be more expensive and may have more variation between batches. They're often best brewed as pour-over or French press to highlight their unique characteristics, though they can also make excellent espresso.

Common Mistakes

  • Expecting the same flavor profile every time (single origins vary by harvest)
  • Brewing single origin the same way as blends (they may need different parameters)
  • Assuming single origin is always better (blends can be excellent too)
  • Not storing single origin properly (they're often more delicate)
  • Using single origin for milk drinks without considering flavor pairing

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