"Single origin" gets used a lot, but it doesn't always mean the same thing. Here's a short guide to reading the label with a critical eye.
The levels of traceability
- Single origin (country or region): the coffee comes from one place, e.g. Amazonas, Peru. Already better than an anonymous blend of several countries.
- Single estate: all the coffee comes from one farm. You can know who grew it and how.
- Micro-lot: a specific plot or harvest, separated for its exceptional quality. It usually comes with altitude, variety, and process.
Why it matters
Traceability isn't just marketing. When you know which farm and what altitude a coffee comes from, you can understand why it tastes the way it does — and repeat the experience. It also means the grower gets recognized for their work.
At Yanahuayo, all our coffee is single-estate: Finca Lozano, in Rodríguez de Mendoza, Amazonas, at 1,700 m. Traceable to the plot.