The word “blend” means “mixture or combination.” When applied to coffee, it refers to a combination made to accentuate or balance certain flavors from different types of beans. It is a thoughtful and strategic mixture, not just a random combination.
Why Blend Coffees?
Science shows that there are interesting interactions between different flavors in foods. These interactions renew brain stimuli and increase satisfaction when tasting.
The balance between bitter and sweet flavors, as well as between acidic and sweet, illustrates how blends can create more pleasant beverages.
Why Do Baristas Create Blends?
Professionals combine coffees for various purposes:
- Commercial goals - Creating unique and exclusive products
- Specific demands - Meeting customer preferences
- Brewing methods - Optimizing for espresso, pour-over, etc.
- Signature drinks - Developing exclusive recipes
When to Blend?
Blends can be made before or after roasting:
- Pre-roast - Combines green beans before roasting them together
- Post-roast - Roasts each coffee separately and combines afterwards
Many professionals opt for post-roast blends to maximize the potential of each variety.
Technical Considerations
Creating a good blend is an art that demands knowledge to classify coffees properly. Professionals consider what flavor each bean will contribute to the mixture, involving continuous testing to achieve the desired balance.
Want to try exclusive blends? Come to Consciencia Cafe and discover unique flavor combinations!