Introduction to Basic Coffee Knowledge_ The Difference Between Single-Origin and Specialty Coffee_ A Must-Read Guide for Coffee Beginners

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Understanding Different Types of Coffee

We often encounter single-origin coffee, specialty coffee, or even blended coffee, and many people might feel confused about what these terms actually mean. Today, we'll provide a detailed explanation of the differences between these introductory coffee types.

Single-Origin Coffee

Single-origin coffee generally refers to coffee beans from a single country or producing region. It can be compared to a coffee solo. For example, cafetown brand's estate series: Colombia, Medellin, Ethiopia, Yirgacheffe, Costa Rica, Fika, etc., represent pure coffee made from single-origin coffee beans. Because each country or different region has its own climate, soil, and natural environment, the coffee cultivated there has unique characteristics. Tasting "single-origin coffee" allows you to understand the characteristics and flavor of coffee from a specific country or region. Generally, single-origin coffee servings are between 120ml-250ml, and when served, they come with a packet of sugar and a milk creamer or a small cup of whole milk.

It's important to note that if you see a European country name on a coffee menu, such as Italy, Vienna, or Ireland, it's not single-origin coffee. This is because the European mainland does not produce coffee. These belong to the category of specialty coffee.

Specialty Coffee

Specialty coffee refers to coffee made by adding various flavorings to espresso in different proportions, such as milk, cream, chocolate, ice cream, various liquors, fruit juices, etc. It can be compared to a coffee symphony. Examples include cappuccino, latte, mocha coffee, Viennese coffee, Irish coffee, etc. Generally, the taste is more acceptable to most domestic people—especially those just starting to drink coffee. For example, cappuccino coffee is made with one-third coffee, one-third milk, and one-third milk foam whipped from milk. Among specialty coffees, except for Italian espresso which has a particularly small serving of only 30ml-60ml, other coffee servings are between 120ml-300ml.

Blended Coffee

Blended coffee refers to relatively balanced coffee beans blended from several single-origin coffees according to their respective characteristics and taste profiles, which can be compared to a coffee concerto. For example, cafetown brand's: Mamba blend, Blue Mountain blend, Diamond blend, etc. You might see in a coffee shop with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that says: "This shop uses XX brand coffee beans," and there's also a brand lightbox—this brand's value is mainly reflected in its classic blend formulas and roasting techniques. Blended coffee is essential because all specialty coffees are made from blended coffee beans, and European coffee brands with hundreds of years of history are actually selling their blend formulas.

Many coffee varieties served in coffee shops have various added flavorings, such as chocolate, alcohol, mint, cloves, lemon juice, cream, coffee creamer, etc. People from different ethnic groups have different tastes in coffee. Here are some common types of coffee:

Common Coffee Types

Black Coffee: Also known as "plain coffee," commonly called "jai coffee" in Hong Kong, refers to coffee brewed directly from coffee beans without adding milk or other ingredients that would affect the original flavor of the coffee. Instant coffee does not fall within the scope of black coffee.

Flavored Coffee: According to different tastes in various regions, different seasonings such as chocolate, syrup, fruit juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange blossoms, etc., are added to the coffee.

Espresso: Or Italian espresso, coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee powder under high pressure.

Cappuccino: Espresso made with steam pressure plus milk with stirred foam (or steam-frothed), sometimes with cinnamon or spices or chocolate powder added as needed. Usually, the proportions of coffee, milk, and milk foam each account for 1/3. Alternatively, two shots of espresso can be added as needed, called "Double."

Caffè Latte: "Caffè latte" is the Italian transliteration; latte is also called "Café au lait" (French transliteration) — coffee with large amounts of hot milk and sugar. Also called "coffee milk" — Chinese interpretation, consisting of one shot of espresso plus two or more servings of hot milk. Alternatively, two shots of espresso can be added as needed, called "Double."

Caramel Macchiato: Add espresso and vanilla to rich hot milk, finally drizzled with pure caramel.

Caffè Mocha: Coffee with chocolate, milk, and whipped cream, sometimes with ice cubes added.

American Coffee / Americano: Espresso with large amounts of hot water. Milder than regular espresso.

Irish Coffee: Coffee with whiskey added, topped with cream.

Viennese Coffee: Invented by Austrian coachman Ein Schubner, coffee with chocolate syrup, fresh cream added, and sprinkled with sugar-made colorful rice.

Vietnamese Coffee: Coffee powder is placed in a metal special brewing filter, hot water is poured in, and coffee drips drop by drop into the cup; after the coffee finishes dripping, sugar or condensed milk is added according to individual taste and stirred well before drinking. In Vietnam, there are two ways to drink it: cold and hot. Hot coffee is mainly drunk in winter; when brewing, the cup is placed in another small bowl with hot water to keep warm. Cold coffee is mostly consumed in the hot summer months; it's brewed coffee with ice cubes added.

Yuanyang: Coffee with milk tea, a Hong Kong original.

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Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473