What does the term 'single origin' refer to in coffee?

The term 'single origin' refers to coffee that is sourced from one specific location or farm. This designation highlights the unique flavors and characteristics that can be attributed to the specific growing conditions, climate, and processing methods of that particular area. Coffee from a single origin often allows drinkers to experience the distinct taste profiles that result from the unique terroir, much like wine. This clarity in flavor is appealing to many coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the nuances of different coffee growing regions.

In contrast, coffee sourced from multiple countries would not have the distinctive characteristics associated with a single location and instead would provide a blend of flavors that may not tell a cohesive story of origin. Similarly, coffee from different bean types would not focus on location but rather on the genetics of the coffee plants, which could lead to a wide variety of taste profiles that may or may not connect back to a single geographic region. Blended coffees are designed for consistency and may involve mixing beans from various origins to achieve a uniform flavor, which again diverges from the concept of celebrating a single origin.