How is a 'blend' defined in coffee terminology?

A 'blend' in coffee terminology refers to a combination of different coffee beans, sourced from various origins or cultures, mixed to achieve a specific flavor profile and balance. This practice allows roasters to create a unique taste experience by harmonizing different characteristics such as acidity, body, and sweetness. By blending beans, roasters can also achieve consistency in flavor from batch to batch, accommodating for variations in single-origin coffees that can occur due to changes in weather, harvest conditions, or processing methods.

The concept of blending is distinctive from single origin varieties, which emphasize the unique attributes of beans sourced from a specific geographic location. Additionally, blending is not a brewing method or a roasting technique; it specifically focuses on the composition of the coffee beans themselves before they undergo brewing or roasting processes. Thus, understanding the role of blends in coffee helps baristas and coffee enthusiasts to appreciate the intricacies of flavor and the art of coffee creation.