The return of the blend: for love or for money?
by Carlo Odello *
The blend seems to be regaining ground in several countries where for many years the espresso has been seen as a single origin product. We are actually receiving signs of interest in the blend from the United States, and the same can be said for Japan.
This situation often leads to a double interpretation. Some rejoice saying that the rediscovery of the blend is a clear sign of more complex aromatic research. Others however, perhaps the more pessimistic, see it from a different light: the carefully selected single origins, particularly some washed Central American origins, have become very expensive in their pure form. Laws: the profit margin has fallen drastically compared to the past.
However the fact remains that for money or for love, the blend seems to catch on again. Not a bad thing for the Italian espresso which has always cherished the blend.
* Trainer and member of the board of the International Institute of Coffee Tasters
Tags: blend, central american origins, International Institute of Coffee Tasters, italian espresso, japan, single origin
May 31st, 2011 at 4:00 pm
I am somewhat confused by this article. I work in England where 100% arabicas are by far the most “adored”, mainly due to trend than knowledge as I always try to explain to my customers some robusta can be good, especially with 30cl of milk!!We call single origin those 1kg bags containing only 1 variety of beans, however a 100% arabica can be a “blend” too ie brazil-guatemala and costarica. Aplogies if I did sound pedantic in my comment, I was just looking to clarify.All the best!
June 6th, 2011 at 5:52 am
the fact remains that the belnd first for love and then for money, as two faces of the coin.
K.J.Balyaya
Cup Taster( Coffee Quality Specislist)
(since September 1983 Experts for Green Roast & Ground and even Soluble Coffee Quality)
Quality Control Division
Coffee Board of India
CRSS, post:chettalli-571248
Kodgau District, Karnataka State.