A blend is a mixture of two or more kinds of coffee beans. Coffee comes in many flavors, blends, and brews in order to provide the maximum options for a public that demand variety as the very spice of life.

Many coffee blends can transport you with the first sip to another time or place. Kona coffee blends tends to remind drinkers of the coffees of the Pacific Islands whilst Chicory brings to mind beignets and Zydeco music. There are other blends that can transform you to different parts of Europe and bring to mind coffee experiences from around the world.

While there are many that argue that blends aren't the real thing, I believe that is absolutely true. Blends are not the real thing. They aren't intended to be. 100% Kona coffee will have a vastly different flavor than a blend would have. However, a blend is much more affordable for the average coffee drinker and is often easier to put your hands on. A one-pound bag of Kona coffee will run about $45 plus shipping. You can get much more for the same price or pay much less for the same amount with a blend and still have a small taste to remind you of the place that you love so much.

Chicory blended coffees around the country have risen sharply as the populations of New Orleans and Mississippi Gulf Coast have been spread asunder. Not only are they bringing their love for this particular coffee with them wherever they may travel, they are also introducing the flavor to others along the way.

The truth of the matter is that the blend is what makes a great deal of difference in the cup of coffee you drink and your enjoyment. Be careful and forewarned, not all blends are created equal. Unfortunately there are no hard and fast rules governing how much of a particular bean is required in the mix in order to be considered a blend. Therefore you will find a lot of companies that will put a minimum amount of Kona beans in the mix and call it a Kona blend. It's best to deal with a reputable manufacturer and if the packaging doesn't identify a specific percentage for their blends, ask.