You’ve probably come across the terms “blend” or “blended” while shopping for coffee, but what do these words mean when they’re mentioned in a commercial or on a bag of coffee beans?
What is a coffee blend?
A coffee blend is a coffee that consists of a mix of different coffee beans. For example, a blend can be a mix of Arabica and Robusta coffee beans and a combination of Arabica beans from other regions, countries, or continents. So when you see, for example, 100% Arabica on a package, this does not mean that it cannot be a blend.
The significant advantage of coffee blends is their unique flavors that we can’t find anywhere else. Due to the wide range of blends, coffee always suits you.
Why do we blend coffee?
Blend coffees exist to guarantee a constant taste. Each cup of coffee is supposed to taste the same as the previous one, provided nothing has been changed in the brewing method or grind. Roasting a Single Origin Coffee is much simpler, but with a coffee blend, the flavors are more complex, and it has a broader flavor profile. So the chosen coffee beans complement each other, enhance each other and provide unique flavor profiles. For example, blending coffee beans can provide a specific sweetness that is entirely different or even impossible from other blends of coffee beans.
Because blends have a constant taste, they also ensure recognition and familiarity.
Other reasons for blending coffee:
- Reducing small coffee roaster mistakes.
- Balancing the price of coffee.
- Strengthen coffee varieties by blending them.
How do we blend coffee?
When we roast coffee beans, the flavors, and aromas emerge. Notes of nuts, caramel, or fruit are characteristic of coffee beans from specific regions and continents. Making a consistent blend can be very difficult and can be compared to a puzzle where the pieces change continuously but still end up with the same result.
Some coffee beans from certain regions are only harvested in a specific period. To guarantee the same taste, the used coffee beans must be blended with an ever-changing mix of fresh coffee beans that have just been harvested. An actual science where a lot of expertise and creativity ensures that blends always taste the same and that the favorable properties of the used coffee beans come into their own.
In what ways can you drink blended coffees?
Blends are, of course, suitable for drinking black but are also typically good for pairing with milk and various flavorings and sweeteners. Compared to Single Origin coffees, the blends are more robust in their flavors. With a Single Origin, you quickly lose the original characteristic flavors when you add milk; for example, with a good blend, you can still taste many unique aromas and tones. An excellent option for creamy and sweet cappuccinos, macchiatos, and more!
To find out which type of coffee you like best, we recommend using the pour-over brewing method. In general, a blend has a tighter water-coffee ratio than single-origin coffees. So that the amount of coffee dissolved in the water is more significant, the idea that blends taste a bit “fuller” or “heavier” may be correct because they contain more coffee per sip than single-origin coffee. Use about 27 to 30 grams of a blend per 350 grams of water with the pour-over. We recommend 22 to 24 grams per 350 grams of water for a single origin. Of course, it is entirely up to you to experiment with this until you discover your perfect taste.
