You may have come across the terms ‘blend’ or ‘blended’ while shopping for coffee, but what do these words mean when they are mentioned in an advertisement or on a bag of coffee beans?

What is a coffee blend?

A coffee blend is a coffee that consists of a mix of different coffee beans. A blend can be a mix of Arabica and Robusta coffee beans, for example, but also a mix of Arabica beans from different regions, countries, or continents. So when you see 100% Arabica on a package, for example, this does not mean that it cannot be a blend.

The big advantage of coffee blends is that they offer unique flavours that cannot be found anywhere else. With such a wide range of blends available, there is always a coffee to suit your taste.

Why do we blend coffee?

Roasting a single origin coffee is much simpler, but with a coffee blend, the flavours are more complex and have a broader flavour profile. This is because the selected coffee beans complement and enhance each other, creating unique flavour profiles. Blending coffee beans can, for example, create a specific sweetness that is completely different or even unattainable with other blends of coffee beans.

Because blends have a consistent flavour, they also ensure recognition and familiarity. Kaldi's blends each have a unique and familiar flavour because they are blended with great care to monitor the consistency of the recipe and ensure that every cup of coffee is just as delicious as the last. We do this by always carefully following the points below:

• Composition: Different beans are blended to create the desired flavour profile.
• Roasting: The roasting process is precisely controlled by adjusting the temperature, roasting time, and other variables
• Highest quality: Regular quality checks ensure consistency in flavours, aroma, and texture.
• Recipe management: Detailed recipes for blends ensure consistency in every production batch.

Other reasons for blending coffee:

• Reducing minor flaws in the coffee roaster.
• Keeping the price of coffee balanced.
• Enhancing coffee varieties and their characteristics by blending them.

How do we blend coffee?

When coffee beans are roasted, their flavours and aromas are released. Notes of nuts, caramel, or fruit are characteristic of coffee beans from specific regions and continents. Creating a consistent blend can be very difficult and can be compared to a puzzle in which the pieces are constantly changing, yet still result in the same outcome.

We want you to enjoy our Kaldi blend coffees all year round, but some coffee beans from certain regions are only harvested during a specific period. To guarantee the same flavour, combined with the freshness of the coffee beans used, we have to blend with an ever-changing mix of freshly harvested coffee beans. It is a true science that requires a great deal of expertise and creativity to ensure that blends always have the same flavour and that the positive characteristics of the coffee beans used come into their own.

In what ways can you drink blended coffees?

Blends are, of course, suitable for drinking black, but they are also typically good for combining with milk, as well as various flavourings and sweeteners. Compared to single-origin coffees, blends have a stronger flavour. Whereas with a single origin, you quickly lose the original characteristic flavours when adding milk, for example, with a good blend you can still taste many of the unique aromas and notes. This makes it an excellent option for creamy and sweet cappuccinos, macchiatos, and more!

To find out which type of coffee you like best, we recommend using the pour-over method. In general, a blend has a tighter water-to-coffee ratio than single origin coffees. This basically means that the amount of coffee dissolved in the water is greater. The idea that blends have a slightly fuller or heavier flavour may therefore be correct, because there is more coffee per sip compared to single origin coffee. When using the pour-over method, use approximately 27 to 30 grams of a blend per 350 grams of water. For single origin coffee, we recommend approximately 22 to 24 grams per 350 grams of water. Of course, it is entirely up to you to experiment until you discover your perfect flavour.

Which Blends does Kaldi have?

We offer our own house blends online and in all our stores! These are the Sicilian Blend, Barista's Choice, and the Kaldi Blend. Each one is a unique blend with its own characteristic flavors, strengths, and aromas.

Our blends are a closely guarded secret, which means that the flavour cannot be found anywhere else. Are you curious and would you like to try them? Then visit a Kaldi store near you! Would you rather enjoy these coffee bean blends from home? Try our Tasting set, which allows you to make barista-quality coffee at home!