Did you know that 75% of Americans drink coffee every day?
Our love for coffee is no secret. Whether it’s a cup of get-up-and-go in the morning, an after-dinner espresso, or a delicious cold brew shared with friends, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a decent cup of coffee.
However, if you only drink blended coffee, you could miss out on a whole world of flavor. In this article, we’ll take a worldwide trip and explore everything single origin coffee has to offer.
So, grab a coffee and read on to learn more.
What Is Single Origin Coffee?
Put simply, single origin means that all the beans are sourced from a single farm, producer, or location. Unlike blend coffees – which use a variety of beans to create a broad, balanced profile – single origin coffee focuses on bold, unique flavors.
The taste profile of a single origin coffee tells a story. Much like fine wine, the flavor is affected by the unique characteristics of the plantation where it’s grown. Soil pH, local climate, and roast profile are all factors that can add to the experience of drinking a quality single origin brew.
Single origin coffee is seasonal, which means it cannot be produced in large quantities year-round. As a result, it is less readily available than blend coffee. However, single origins are typically harvested at the peak of their flavor, showcasing the bold palate when it’s at its very best.
Typically, single origin tastes more robust and exotic, with unique flavor elements to enjoy. If you want to learn more, check out Coffee Maker & Travel today!
Where to Find the Best Single Origin Coffee
Single origin coffee comes from plantations all around the world. Let’s take a look at some of the most famous single-origin-producing countries.
Brazil
Brazil has a rich culture of coffee production, and its home to some of the largest plantation estates in the world.
Most Brazilian coffee is grown in the southeastern states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Paraná. Here, the fertile hills, gentle climate, and light rainfall provide a moist, temperate climate- bringing out the best in the beans.
As well as large-scale farms, Brazil is home to hundreds of smaller coffee-growing operations. Some of these farms have been producing the same regional variety for generations.
Peru
Peruvian coffee is considered by many to be the best in the world. And if you’ve tried single origin coffee from Peru, you’ll know why.
The 3 main coffee-producing areas – Chanchamayo, the Amazonas, and San Martin – sit high on the eastern face of the Andes, where the high altitudes provide a cool and temperate growing environment. There are also multiple growing regions in the southern highlands and across the Ecuadorian border.
The low-pH volcanic soil lends a delicate acidity to many Peruvian single origins, plus rich tones of chocolate, tobacco, and vanilla.
Ethiopia
The single origin coffees produced in central Ethiopia have some of the most diverse and interesting flavor profiles available. Whether you’re looking for something sweet and fruity, or dark and bold, you’re sure to find it in an Ethiopian single origin coffee.
The three main growing regions are called Yirgacheffe, Sidamo, and Harrar. Each is famed for wildly-different tasting coffee – something you’ll truly appreciate when you try a single-origin brew from each.
The high soil quality and tropical conditions mean no need for chemical fertilizers or aggressive agriculture. Instead, most Ethiopian single origin coffee comes from smaller farms, which work cooperatively to create some of the finest coffee in the world.
India
Coffee is produced all over India, and they’re responsible for some of the most delicious single origin coffees on the market right now.
The majority of plantation estates and coffee cooperatives are in the southern part of the country. Karnataka state, in the southwest, produces around 70% of Indian coffee. While India is more famous for exporting coffee blends, its single-origin offerings give you a fascinating taste experience.
Try a single origin arabica from India, and you’ll notice smokey undertones with rich brown sugar overtones and a chocolatey aftertaste.
Indonesia
Indonesia’s coffee is highly regarded and sought-after around the world. In fact, the largest and most populous island – Java – is synonymous with coffee.
With lush green jungles, plenty of rainfall, and rich volcanic soil, it’s not hard to see why Indonesian coffee tastes so good. But, when you try single-origin coffee from Sumatera, Java, Sulawesi, or Flores, you’ll begin to appreciate the unique tastes each island has to offer.
Some of the most popular Indonesian coffee comes from small, quality-focused farms on the Bali islands. Expect undertones of berry with a sweet yet acidic body and nose.
Vietnam
Another Southeast Asian coffee-producing powerhouse, Vietnam’s single origin offerings have gained a lot of popularity over the past few years.
Known for its bold taste, single origin coffee from the central highlands of Vietnam is showing up in coffee shops across the globe – and we, for one, could not be happier.
The coffee is grown using traditional methods, sun-dried, and carefully roasted. Grab yourself a cup next time you get a chance, and you’ll see what we mean.
Single Origin Coffee Explained
Everybody loves a cup of Joe. So, why not take your flavor experience to the next level with a delicious single origin coffee?
We hope this guide inspires you on your journey as you sample some of the finest flavors from across the globe!
Did you find this article informative? If yes, check out the rest of our blog. We’ve got tons of articles and advice just waiting for you to discover.
