As a coffee lover, you know that not all coffee is the same. Single origin coffee is a special type of coffee that is grown in a specific region, and it offers a unique flavor profile that can't be replicated anywhere else. But where can you buy single origin coffee, and how can you be sure you're getting a high-quality product? In this article, we'll explore some of the best places to buy single origin coffee and what to look for when choosing your beans.

Single origin coffee is defined differently from other types of coffee in that it comes from a specific country, and specialty coffee goes a step further by oftentimes sourcing single origin coffee from a specific region and cooperative and even farm.

The flavor of single origin coffee is influenced by the unique characteristics of the region where it was grown, such as the altitude, soil, and climate. This means that single origin coffees can offer a range of flavors, from fruity and floral to earthy and nutty. But generally the flavor profile will be unique to the terroir of the coffee’s origins, as well as the specific processing used to ferment the coffee from cherry to bean.

Blends, on the other hand, are created by combining beans from different regions and/or countries to create a specific flavor profile. Blends are often used to create a consistent flavor and quality, and they can be less expensive than single origin coffee. Blends can offer a range of flavors, depending on the combination of beans used, and they are often used for the specific reason to have a consistent flavor profile year-round.

When choosing between single origin coffee and blends, it really comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy trying different types of coffee and appreciate the unique flavors of different regions, single origin coffee may be the best choice for you. If you prefer a consistent flavor and want a more affordable option, blends may be the way to go. Ultimately, both single origin coffee and blends offer their own unique characteristics and can provide a delicious cup of coffee.

When it comes to purchasing single origin coffee, there are several factors to consider before choosing a retailer. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Transparency: Look for a retailer that is transparent about where their coffee beans come from, how they are sourced and roasted, and the quality control measures they take. A transparent retailer is likely to have a strong relationship with their farmers and be committed to sustainable and ethical practices.

Quality: Consider the quality of the coffee beans. A reputable retailer will offer high-quality single origin coffee beans that are roasted to perfection. Look for reviews and ratings from other customers to get an idea of the quality of the coffee.

Price: While price shouldn't be the only factor to consider, it's important to find a retailer that offers fair prices for their single origin coffee that meet your needs. Look for a retailer that offers competitive pricing without sacrificing quality.

Brewing method: Consider your preferred brewing method and look for a retailer that offers coffee beans that are suitable for that method. Some retailers offer specific blends that are optimized for certain brewing methods, such as pour-over or espresso.

In this article, we’ll go over where to go to purchase single origin coffee, along with some of the positives and negatives of each option so that you can make an informed decision the next time you’re looking to purchase high quality single origin coffee.

Where to Buy Single Origin Coffee

We might be a little biased here, but Volcanica Coffee offers a wide variety of different high grade and quality single origin coffees from over 50 countries around the world. You can easily find a single origin coffee to fit your palate and taste preferences, or explore the coffee globe at the convenience of your home from a single website: volcanicacoffee.com.

At Volcanica, we roast our coffees daily to ensure a fresh cup by the time it reaches you. We also consistently perform a wide variety of quality control tests and assessments of our single origin coffees to guarantee the quality of your coffee stays consistent from week to week and year to year.

There are quite a few other online retailers as well, and we encourage you to try as many as you can in order to find the right cup of coffee for you. When buying single origin coffee online, it's important to read reviews and do your research to ensure that you're getting a high-quality product, along with looking at the taste descriptors of the single origin coffees to ensure it matches what you are looking for in your preferences for a good cup of coffee. Look for retailers that roast their beans to order, as this ensures that the coffee is as fresh as possible.

But just remember, if it has a different label than Volcanica Coffee then it was probably made by another company.

Local Coffee Shops

If you prefer to buy your coffee in person, local coffee shops are a great place to find single origin coffee. Many coffee shops offer a selection of single origin coffees from different regions, and the barista staff can often provide recommendations and information about the flavor profile of each coffee. 

When choosing a local coffee shop, look for one that roasts their own beans or sources their coffee from reputable roasters. It is fairly common for a lot of cafes to source their beans and single origin coffees from other coffee roasters, which isn’t necessarily bad, but it does also add an extra layer of doing due diligence on the roaster the cafe uses to ensure they are reputable and high quality. Most cafes, however, should have a pretty good relationship with their roasters and can easily answer any questions or concerns you might have about the roaster’s single origins.

Farmers Markets 

Another great place to find single origin coffee is at farmers markets. Many coffee farmers sell their beans directly to consumers at farmers markets, and this can be a great way to get high-quality coffee at a fair price. It could also be a great opportunity to buy fresh green coffee, if you were wanting to explore how to roast your own coffee at home. When buying coffee at a farmers market, be sure to ask the farmer about the region where the coffee was grown and the flavor profile of the beans.

This option, however, tends to only be available in areas where coffee is grown, which is known as the Coffee Belt, or more specifically between the Tropics of Cancer and the Tropics of Capricorn. Coffee farmers and producers also sometimes do not have the necessary equipment or time to roast their own coffee, and so they might outsource the roasting of their coffee to local cafes and roasteries.

Specialty Food and Grocery Stores

Finally, specialty food stores and groceries are another great place to find single origin coffee. Many specialty food stores  and groceries offer a selection of high-quality coffee beans from around the world, and the staff can often provide information about the flavor profile of each coffee. When choosing a specialty grocery, look for one that specializes in gourmet products and carries a wide selection of single origin coffee.

The general drawbacks with groceries and food stores are that they sell many different food products, which means they also do not specialize in coffee outright. While you may be luck a few times in getting a knowledgeable and informed shelf stocker, you may run the risk of find employees at grocers not having sufficient information about the single origin offerings they have. It should also be noted that when purchasing single origin coffees from grocery stores that it’s important to check the roasted-on date to ensure the freshness of the coffee, as there are often instances of coffee going stale and bland when not consumed quick enough.

There are many great places to buy single origin coffee to fit your caffeine needs, both online and in person. Whether you choose to buy your coffee from an online retailer, a local coffee shop, a farmers market, or a specialty food store, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable source. With a little bit of effort, you can enjoy the unique and delicious flavor of single origin coffee from around the world.