Why origin matters: terroir in your cup
How altitude, varietal and processing shape the coffee you taste.
TL;DR
- Altitude, varietal and processing define a coffee's character.
- Washed = clean and bright; natural = fruity and bold.
- Single origin means traceable to one place and season.
Two coffees can be worlds apart before they ever hit the roaster. Where a coffee grows - and how it's processed - sets the stage for everything you taste.
The big three
- Altitude - higher grows denser, more complex beans
- Varietal - the coffee 'grape', from Bourbon to Geisha
- Processing - washed, natural or honey
Written by
Mara WhitfieldHead Roaster · Q-Grader
Mara has cupped on three continents and leads our roastery.
More from Mara →Related questions
Every bag is roasted to order and shipped within 24 hours of roasting, so it reaches you at peak freshness.
Was this helpful?Yes - skip, swap or pause any time from your account, with no penalty.
Was this helpful?Tell us how you brew and we'll grind to match - whole bean, espresso, filter or cafetière. Whole bean stays freshest.
Was this helpful?UK orders placed before 5pm ship the same day and typically arrive next day. Free over £30.
Was this helpful?
Keep reading
InsightWhat roast level actually means
Light, medium, dark - what changes in the cup, and how to pick the roast that suits you.
Read insight
InsightWater: the ingredient everyone forgets
Coffee is 98% water - so the water you use changes everything.
Read insight
GuideHow to taste coffee like a pro
Cupping, cleared up - build your palate with a simple routine.
Read guide