Nothing is quite as satisfying as a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the morning, using the finest quality, green beans that have been roasted yourself at home.
When searching online for unroasted coffee beans, you might find that you are spoiled for choice, with a multitude of fascinating blends from exotic places all over the world.
That is why we have put together this guide, detailing the nine best green coffee beans for home roasting in 2022.
From an Ethiopian decaf option to an organic pick from Bali, our list will not disappoint.
We’re reader suported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
How we choose
- Examined 25 green coffee importers from the U.S. and Europe
- Talked to 11 professionals in coffee roasting industry
- Combined nearly 130 customers reviews from Amazon, SweetMarias, Coffee Bean Coral, Fresh Roasted Coffee, etc.
- We included beans only of the highest quality – Organic / Fair Trade / Rainforest Alliance Certified
Table of Contents
Our top picks
*Package design can vary from one supplier to another.
#1
Costa Rica La Minita Tarrazu RFA
Best for: Medium Roast
Flavors: Cherry, Orange, Grape, Caramel, Chocolate.
Altitude: 1,143 – 1,524 meters
4.9 
Reviews
#2
Brazil Fazenda Da Lagoa Natural 17/18
Best for: Medium / Dark Roast
Flavors: Chocolatey, Nutty
Altitude: 1,100 meters
4.9 Reviews
#3
Bali Blue Moon Organic
Best for: Medium / Dark Roast
Flavors: Dark Chocolate, Surypy
Altitude: 1,500 meters
4.9 Reviews
#4
Ethiopian Yirgacheffe
Best for : Medium Roast
Flavors: Floral, Fruity, Blueberry, Lemon
Altitude: 1,100 meters
4.9 Reviews
#4
Mexico La Laja Honey Process
Best for: Light / Medium / Dark Roast
Flavors: Chocolate, Sugar Cane, Orange, Creamy
Altitude: 1,130 – 1,250 meters
4.9 Reviews
#6
Decaf Ethiopia Organic Sidamo Natural SWP
Best for: Light / Medium Roast
Flavors: Golden Raisin, Almond
Altitude: 1,500 – 2,000 meters
4.9 Reviews
#7
Brazilian Adrano Volcano
Best for: Dark Roast
Flavors: Buttery, Floral, Earthy
Altitude: 1,500 meters
4.9 Reviews
#8
Colombian Supremo
Best for: Medium / Dark Roast
Flavors: Milk Chocolate, Subtle Citrus
Altitude: 1,300 meters
4.9 Reviews
#9
Primos Nicaraguan Specialty Graded
Best for: Medium Roast
Flavors: Cacao, Sweety, Citrus, Tropical, Caramel, Vanilla
Altitude: 1,500+ meters
4.9 Reviews
Best Green Coffee Beans Reviews
From Bali to Brazil, our list of the 9 best green coffee beans for home roasting has compiled our favorite varieties for 2022, hopefully providing a diverse selection of flavor, acidity, body, and aromas.
All the beans we have chosen to showcase are sustainable and considerate of the environment while offering great working conditions for farmers, meaning you can have a truly guilt-free cup of amazing coffee.
Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
Description
This award-winning, specialty Arabica that is Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade certified, is worthy of the top spot in our list, although every bean mentioned is clearly a winner in our books.
The Costa Rica La Minita Tarrazu RFA has a very impressive flavor profile, with hints of Cherry, Orange, Grape, Caramel, and Chocolate.
Maintaining its integrity and avoiding joining the Costa Rican coffee farming co-op, Hacienda La Minita in Tarrazu is a highly respected producer and this variety is worthy of being their showpiece coffee bean.
This is a RainForest Alliance, Direct Trade certified coffee supplied by the Grand Parade Coffee where sustainability is paramount, committed to sustainable farming, direct trade sourcing, and women & youth empowerment.
Recommended for a medium roast and low on acid, the flavors are balanced and have a medium body. You will be hard pushed to find a smoother coffee bean on a modest budget.
Country Of Origin: Costa Rica
Best for: Medium / Dark Roast
Flavors: Cherry, Orange, Grape, Caramel, Chocolate.
Altitude: 1,143 – 1,524 meters
Varieties: Bourbon, Caturra, and Catuai
How they are grown: Grown at altitudes of between 1,143 – 1,524 meters along the Tarazu river, they are picked between March and May.
Description
Brazil Fazenda Da Lagoa natural beans are full-bodied with medium acidity and are one of our favorite varieties from South America. The farmers honor 200-year-old traditions to produce this bean close to the town of Santo Antonio do Amparo, with the land watered by natural springs.
Although traditions are important for these farmers, they are also renowned for adopting innovative and game-changing techniques based on scientific research and using the latest advancements in agricultural technology.
Brazilian pick that is part of the RainForest Alliance. Supplied by Bright Coffee Company which was set up by Australian, Ross Bright and established in Singapore. Bright has over 23 years in the industry and was a certified World Barista Championship Judge in 2006.
This bean has a modest sweetness, a chocolatey and nutty flavor, with balanced acidity.
Country Of Origin: Brazil
Best for: Medium / Dark Roast
Flavors: Chocolatey, Nutty
Altitude: 1,100 meters
Varieties: Mundo Novo, Catuaí, Catucaí, and Acaya
How they are grown: Produced on farms at an altitude of 1,100 meters, harvested between July and November, and processed using natural methods, the Brazil Fazenda Da Lagoa is a coventional coffee bean that has developed a cult following of home roasters.
Description
The iconic Bali Organic Blue Moon bean creates one of the richest coffees on the planet, with a dark chocolate flavor and a hint of spice, leaving a creamy, syrupy mouthfeel.
One of Indonesia’s finest beans, Blue Moon is very versatile in terms of roasting methods and can still be considered a hidden gem.
Fans of Yemeni coffees will love this one, although some people may find the richness slightly overwhelming at first.
Shaded by orange and tangerine trees, the taste of this bean becomes even more complex with citrus undertones.
Certified by the Rainforest Alliance, the farmers who grow this put sustainability at the forefront of their operations, in one of the most heavily-regulated coffee growing regions on Earth.
Supplied by roasting pioneers, Coffee Bean Corral, a well-known brand in the industry since 1994, offering 100+ varieties of coffee beans at any given time.
Country Of Origin: Indonesia
Best for: Medium / Dark Roast
Flavors: Dark Chocolate, Surypy
Altitude: 1,500 meters
Varieties: Blue Bourbon and Typica
How they are grown: Grown on farms in north Bali at altitudes of up to 1,500 meters and shaded by orange trees, they are harvested between April and June, before undergoing a wet-hulled processing method.
Description
Rich, complex, and distinctive, Unroasted Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Beans are medium roast beans that have a floral and fruity flavor, with hints of blueberry and lemon.
The wash process provides welcomed levels of acidity, while the laborious drying process that requires the beans to be turned every 48 hours results in a consistency that can’t be found anywhere else.
For a milky-bodied coffee and highly fruity taste, this hand-picked bean is popular across the world and the effort that goes into producing them can be fully appreciated in the taste.
This product is supplied by Smokin Beans Coffee Roastery, focused on offering the world’s finest specialty grade coffee beans.
Country Of Origin: Ethiopia
Best for: Medium Roast
Flavors: Floral, Fruity, Blueberry, Lemon
Altitude: 1,100 meters
Varieties: Ethiopian Heirloom
How they are grown: Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Beans are grown in red and brown fertile soil, under the shade of trees at an altitude of 1770 – 2200 Meters. Once hand-picked, the farmers use both natural and washed processing to achieve an instantly recognizable flavor.
Description
Grown on a family farm in Veracruz Mexico, the La Laja Honey Process bean is worthy of any home roaster’s attention. The original farm dates back to 1920, with three more added to the operation over the following decades.
Processed with honey, this is one of the sweetest coffees on our list and has a profile of chocolate, sugar cane, and orange which provides acidity. The flavor is fresh and consistent, producing a creamy-bodied coffee.
This is another selection that is supplied by Coffee Bean Corral.
Country Of Origin: Mexico
Best for: Light / Medium / Dark Roast
Flavors: Chocolate, Sugar Cane, Orange, Creamy
Altitude: 1,130 – 1,250 meters
Varieties: Caturra and Garnica
How they are grown: Harvested between December and March and grown at heights of 1,130 and 1,250 meters, this bean is rainforest alliance certified. The beans are dried on covered, raised beds over a 20-day period before undergoing the honey process.
Description
Decaf Ethiopia Organic Sidamo Natural SWP green coffee beans, as the name suggests, are our decaf option in this list.
Using the pioneering swiss water processing method, this unique chemical-free decaffeinating process results in one of the best decaf green coffee beans on the market.
Grown in Sidamo, Ethiopia, the flavor of this bean can be likened to golden raisin and almond, recommended for coffee lovers who prefer a bit of sweetness.
Another pick from the coffee super power that is Ethiopia. Supplied by Home Roast Coffee LLC who were established in 2012, growing from a small, family business and dedicated to offering quality, value, and taste.
Country Of Origin: Ethiopia
Best for: Light / Medium Roast
Flavors: Golden Raisin, Almond
Altitude: 1,500 – 2,000 meters
Variety: Ethiopian Heirloom
How they are grown: Grown at an altitude of between 1,500 and 2,000 meters, this bean is harvested between November and January and left to naturally dry in the sun.
Description
Brazil Adrano Volcano coffee is next on our list of great coffees to roast at home because of its strong and unique flavor, given to it by the minerals of the volcanic soil it is grown in.
One of the best green coffee beans for dark roast, you can achieve a smooth-bodied and very sweet coffee, a great choice for anyone who is new to home roasting and wants to begin with a less bitter option.
They are fully dry processed to help develop a ripened taste.
Sold by Heirloom Coffee LLC, another US brand, Heirloom has developed a strong reputation and is trusted by many as a reliable supplier.
In 2015 and 2017, this bean won the Bronze Medal at the Golden Bean Awards! UTZ Certified Safe & Sustainable, Safe Trace Café. Its producer also dedicates acreage of its land to the Rain Forest Preserve.
Country Of Origin: Brazil
Best for: Dark Roast
Flavors: Buttery, Floral, Earthy
Altitude: 1,500 meters
Varieties: Yellow Catuai and Red Mundo Novo
How they are grown: Grown in volcanic soil in the foothills of the rainforest in Poços de Caldas at an altitude of 1500 meters.
Description
Our next pick is the well-balanced Colombian Supremo which is well-liked due to its extremely pleasant aroma and rich taste but offers higher levels of acidity compared to similar coffees.
Many fans of this coffee feel it is perfect for both mornings and evenings depending on the level at which the beans are roasted – medium for a morning coffee and dark for the evening.
This premium Colombia coffee combines flavors of milk chocolate and subtle citrus, and in our opinion is one of the best green coffee beans for espresso.
Produced by New York-based, Stone Street Coffee Company which has been roasting and supplying green coffee beans since 2009.
They boast superior sourcing of their beans and have a strong focus on sustainability, from processing to packaging.
Country Of Origin: Colombia
Medium / Dark Roast
Flavors: Milk Chocolate, Subtle Citrus
Altitude: 1,300 meters
Varieties: Caturra and Castillo
How they are grown: Grown in the shade at an altitude of 1300 meters, the cold weather in this region means the beans take a long time to ripen.
They are hand-picked between September and December and dried in the sun on raised beds.
Description
Primos Nicaraguan Specialty graded unroasted coffee beans are undoubtedly worthy of any list due to their smoothness, a flavor combination of sweet and sour, and tropical notes.
Sustainability is key to the production of this variety, grown on a micro-lot on a fourth-generation farm, and harvested by hand. The highest standards are kept to ensure great working conditions for farmers and the protection of natural resources.
Grown in Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America. This coffee is grown under the shade of trees at an elevation of over 4,000 feet.
It is prepared using European techniques and allowed to dry naturally, combining modern processes and long-standing tradition.
This coffee comes in four varieties, the Caturra bean is of course the benchmark of coffee in Central America, while the slightly pointed, elongated bean, Java Nica can only be found in Nicaragua.
If you are looking for something creamier and medium-bodied, then the Parainema variety may be your perfect choice, with a decaf Parainema option also available.
Country Of Origin: Nicaragua
Best for: Medium Roast
Flavors: Cacao, Sweety, Citrus, Tropical, Caramel, Vanilla
Altitude: 1,500+ meters
Varieties: Caturra, Java Nica, Parainema, and Decaf Parainema.
How they are grown: This coffee is grown at a high altitude under the shade of trees, they are European prepared and dried naturally.
Where is the Best Place to Buy Green Coffee Beans Online?
There are many good online retailers that sell high-quality coffee beans but for variety and cost, Amazon is difficult to beat in terms of boasting an impressive amount of choice and great value.
Other reliable retailers to buy the best green coffee beans for home roasting include:
Green Coffee Beans Buying Guide
Purchasing green (unroasted) coffee beans means considering a lot of factors, such as their taste profile, the way they are grown, their sustainability, and more.
In this section, we will have a quick run-through of what to look out for when purchasing green coffee beans so you can enjoy great flavour, with peace of mind.
Factors to Consider
- Does the coffee have fair trade and environmental certifications?
- Is it organic?
- What taste profile does it have?
- What country does it originate from?
- What altitude was it grown at?
- What variety is the bean?
- What farming methods were used?
- How are the beans dried and processed?
- Does the supplier use sustainable packaging and transportation methods?
Coffee is grown in countries that have a tropical climate situated along the ‘Bean Belt’, an area that stretches 25 degrees north and 30 degrees south of the equator.
These countries must have a unique blend of mild temperatures, extremely fertile soil and regular rainfall.
Each country within the Bean Belt produces coffee with different tastes and acidity, therefore it takes time to establish which regions produce coffee that suits your palette.
In terms of processing, you will find that countries that have more unpredictable rainfall will tend to wash the coffee cherries (beans), while hotter and drier countries will leave them unwashed – this can also impact the final flavour.
With experience, you will learn to establish what flavour notes can be associated with specific countries.
Coffee Bean Varieties
- There are two main types of coffee beans that are distributed worldwide for the purpose of producing a drink, these are Arabica and Robusta.
- Arabica beans tend to have a lot more flavour.
- Meanwhile, Robusta beans have a high caffeine content.
There are many different varieties that come below Arabica and Robusta, and this is dictated by the way the beans are cultivated, or their natural environment. The taste of each variety can differ dramatically.
It is also worth bearing in mind that the size of the bean and the amount of beans the coffee fruit can yield can also play a major part in defining the profile of the coffee once roasted.
Is Altitude important?
Yes. Arabica beans are generally grown at altitudes of above 900 metres, while Robusta beans thrive at slightly lower altitudes of 800 metres above sea level.
Altitude is a very important factor to consider, as the higher the altitude, the colder the climate, meaning the beans take longer to ripen.
The longer a bean takes to ripen, the more sugars and acidity that develop, resulting in a more flavourful coffee.
Processing Methods
The main processing methods are natural drying, washing, and honey processing.
- Drying is the oldest processing method and occurs in hot countries. Beans are picked and cleaned, then beans that have visible defects are removed. Once sorted, the beans are then left to dry in the sun resulting in fruitier flavours and a full-bodied coffee.
- Washing sees the bean’s skin removed by a machine called a depulper, then they are soaked in water to remove unwanted mucilage. They are usually soaked for between half a day and six days, then dried for one to two weeks. Washed coffee generally has a brighter taste and fresher mouthfeel.
- Honey Processing is a mix between drying and washing, however, more mucilage is left on the bean, resulting in a sweeter taste.
Certifications
What does Fair Trade Coffee mean?
Fair Trade Coffee is coffee that is certified as having been produced to strict fair trade standards, ensuring the farmers who produce it receive a fair price that can support their business, families, and the community.
The aim of the certification is to ensure a better life for people in developing countries, guaranteeing they are sufficiently paid for their hard work.
What is the RainForest Alliance?
The RainForest Alliance is an organisation that operates in over 60 countries. Founded in 1987 with the aim of protecting biodiversity and promoting practices in the farming and forestry industries that are environmentally-friendly, sustainable and committed to strong social values.
By promoting these values, the RainForest Alliance can help to protect wildlife that could potentially be impacted by farming practices.
What is the Benefit of Organic Coffee?
Organic coffee offers a range of benefits that include:
- It is high in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Organic coffee can help boost people’s immune systems.
- It is completely free of artificial fertiliser and pesticides that can be harmful to a person’s health.
FAQ
Green coffee beans are simply raw coffee beans that are yet to be roasted, and these beans in their raw form can be used to create a drink that is likened more to herbal tea rather than coffee as we know it – but are there any health benefits?
The good news is that the answer is yes, these raw beans contain antioxidants in the form of chlorogenic acids that can work as a weight-loss supplement, as well as reduce symptoms relating to diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic diseases.
To guarantee the perfect cup, it is important to know how to store your green coffee beans at home, fortunately, it is very straightforward.
To sustain their freshness, you should keep your green coffee beans in an opaque, air-tight container at room temperature, as exposure to light can impact the taste of your coffee.
If you store your green coffee beans correctly then they can last between six and twelve months, although once you’ve tasted home-roasted coffee, it is unlikely your beans will stay on the shelf for very long.
In contrast, beans that have already been roasted have a shelf-life of around six weeks.
No Comments
Leave a comment Cancel