English Reference

Word

single origin

Phoneticssin·gle or·i·gin

US/ˈsɪŋɡəl ˈɔːrədʒɪn/

UK/ˈsɪŋɡəl ˈɒrɪdʒɪn/

Definition

compound. coffee beans that come from one specific country, farm, or geographic area rather than being mixed with beans from different places

compound. a classification of coffee beans sourced from a single geographic origin, such as a specific nation, region, or individual estate, to preserve unique terroir characteristics.

Examples

“I prefer this single origin because it has a unique fruity taste.”

“The barista recommended a single origin from Ethiopia for my pour-over to highlight its floral notes.”

“Discerning enthusiasts often prioritize single origin beans over blends to appreciate the distinct flavor profile imparted by specific soil chemistry and microclimates.”

Examples

simple

“I prefer this single origin because it has a unique fruity taste.”

contextual

“The barista recommended a single origin from Ethiopia for my pour-over to highlight its floral notes.”

complex

“Discerning enthusiasts often prioritize single origin beans over blends to appreciate the distinct flavor profile imparted by specific soil chemistry and microclimates.”

Real-World Examples

“On the surface, “single-origin” sounds like a straightforward description of something that comes from one place.”
Counter Culture Coffee · 25 Jun 2026
“Single origin”: a coffee that originates from one single place.”
Perfect Daily Grind · 24 Oct 2018

Etymology

From the English words 'single' and 'origin,' the term gained popularity in the 1990s specialty coffee movement to distinguish high-quality harvests from mass-market commercial blends.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

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English Reference