How to Select the Right Coffee Origin As Your New Favorite
There can indeed be too much of a good thing, but we’ve gone years without ever getting in a coffee rut. Why? We are always trying new things!
If you have the same black coffee, out of the same old coffee pot, in the same mug every day, it’s easy to lose the magic and excitement that coffee used to hold.
But the good news is, your coffee options are endless! If you feel like you’re in a coffee-rut, or are just interested in trying something different to ring in the new year, here are some tips to get you started.
For a quick and easy way to choose a new origin, take our coffee quiz here!
How Processing Methods Make a Difference
After picking the coffee cherries, they go through a processing method that removes the coffee seeds or beans from the pulp and skin. Most coffee is processed by the natural or washed method, and each uniquely impacts the final result.
With the natural method, the beans are dried entirely in their natural form with skin and pulp intact. Sugars and flavors concentrated in the fruits impart a heavy body and intense yet refined taste into the coffee.
With washed coffee, cherries are pulped and then fermented in water for 3-5 days. Once fermentation is complete, the coffee is washed to remove any remaining debris, and then it is ready to be dried. This processing method oftentimes enhances acidity and notably presents a cleaner cup.
How coffee is processed does not always indicate specific flavors or aromas, though it undeniably affects the cup profile. If you prefer a heavy body coffee with noticeable sweetness, you may prefer naturally processed coffee. While washed coffees can share these characteristics, they tend to be more clean and consistent.
Single Origin or Origin Blend?
Coffee can come as beans from one single estate or as a blend of several single origins from multiple estates or even countries.
One is not better than the other when it comes to single-origin coffees or blends–it comes down to personal preference. The transparency of flavors from a particular region or country in the world makes single-origin coffees exciting. Our Zambia coffee is an excellent example of a high-quality, single-origin coffee!
Some single-origins are better in a blend and others create more balanced flavor profiles when a part of a blend. Ultimately, blends are designed by a roaster to create a unique coffee experience. We love to share our Ridge Blend and our seasonal Winter WonderBlend!
Learn more about how we make our blends here!
There’s no wrong answer when choosing between a single origin or blend. Coffee enthusiasts love exploring the nuances in single-origin coffees, but many blends have a smoothness and aroma that will turn heads.
Interested in a new specialty-grade single-origin coffee but don’t know where to start? Take our coffee quiz here!
Coffee’s Flavor Profile
Once coffee is harvested, processed, and roasted, a flavor profile is decided. A coffee’s flavor profile is another crucial factor in choosing your new favorite origin. From hints of fruits such as berries, stone fruits, and citrus to spices, nuts, and cocoa, the flavor variations are vast.
Fruit flavors are some of the most sought-after qualities in the best coffees. These coffees tend to be sweet and natural tasting and are often found in African and South American origins.
Chocolate is another popular note. Many South American countries are known for coffee with a signature chocolate flavor, especially Colombia and Brazil.
Find Your New Favorite Coffee Today!
Processing method, location, and flavor profiles are just a few of the many factors that can go into choosing your next coffee.
We also recommend finding a local roaster so you know your coffee is fresh! Supermarket coffee has been sitting on the shelves for months, and you will lose quality and flavor if you opt for these coffees.
We also created a two-minute quiz to help you identify which of our specialty-grade, quality coffees you may want to try next. You can browse all of our coffees in our online store or take the quiz here!