The “perfect” coffee blend is an elusive product. As with many other organic products, coffee comes in a variety of roast levels, origins, blend ratios, and even processing styles. With myriad options, every coffee drinker has their own, personal taste to their coffee, making no one blend the “perfect” blend. Finding the ideal balance of all the different aspects that go into a coffee blend can seem impossible, but by understanding the parts of the coffee blend, you may be able to find the perfect coffee blend for your taste.
Varietal
The varietal of the coffee is where all coffee production starts. The varietal refers to the actual plant the coffee is being grown from, and can be considered the first marker for a coffee’s flavor. On most commercial and supermarket coffee bags, coffee will likely be listed as “100% Arabica Coffee beans”, which refers to the Arabica varietal of the coffee. Arabica is one of, if not the first, coffee varietal to be codified — In modern coffee production, however, Arabica is referred to as “Typica”, the mother plant for many of the coffees produced today. Coffee comes in dozens more varietals as well, such as Robusta, Geisha, and many more, with each of these varietals carrying a distinct type of flavor to them. Typica may be the most popular and widely produced, but each varietal has something unique to give the blend.
Origin
Once the varietal has been defined, the coffee’s origin and processing are the next markers to find the perfect coffee blend for you. Each origin’s growing conditions can change the flavors present in the coffee, though some trends can be followed for experienced drinkers. Ethiopian coffees, for example, tend to be fruity and bright, while East Asian and Indonesian coffees tend to be more chocolate and spice-forward.
Processing
Processing is the next step to coffee production, which refers to how the coffee seeds are harvested. Washed Process is the most common for large productions, which produces coffee with a cleaner and typically less nuanced coffee. Natural Processes tend to be rather fruity and bright, while more unique processes like Honey can give a fermented, herbaceous quality to the coffee.
Roast and Ratio
Finally, once all the previous markers have been defined, the coffee can be roasted and blended into a true coffee blend. Coffee tends to come in Dark, Medium, or Light roast, but these roast levels can be subjective from roaster to roaster — One roaster’s medium could be another’s dark, and one roaster’s light could be too light for some people as well. The ratio of different origins and roasts can affect the overall coffee flavor also, as a light-roasted Guatemalan coffee can offset the bitter sootiness of a dark-roasted Ethiopian, allowing roasters to balance their blend’s taste by changing the ratios of different origins.
Finding the Perfect Blend for You
While there may be no objective “perfect” blend, there are subjective ones. Take time to develop your coffee palate and explore the world of whole coffee beans, and you may find just the right blend for your taste — Or, get started roasting your own coffee and make a unique blend that is truly yours! The world of coffee is an ocean of information, and there is more being learned every day.
When you just want to indulge and enjoy the feeling of guilt-free cravings, our unique Donut Blend coffee beans provide comfort in a cup to brighten your day.
You can add your favorite chocolate or caramel syrup to your Donut Blend!
These coffee beans are made from the combination of large-sized, bold-flavored Colombia Supremo and Central American coffee beans.
Arabica- Fancy a cup of great coffee?
Atlantica Coffee provides high-quality arabica coffee in green beans that sets the standard high for quality coffee.
Explore our fine collection of Atlantica fine cups, good cups, Rio minas, and coffee beans from Brazil and pick your choice.
