Roasting your own coffee at home is one of the most rewarding ways to experience coffee. Not only does it give you control over the flavour, but it also guarantees the freshest cup possible. If you’re just getting started with home roasting, choosing the right green coffee beans is key — and we’ve made it easy for you.
Here’s a guide to the best green coffee beans for beginners, selected for their forgiving roast profiles, balanced flavours, and consistent quality.
Why Roast at Home?
Before diving into the beans, let’s touch on why home roasting is worth it:
- Freshness on demand – Roast small batches as you need them.
- Customisation – Control roast levels to suit your taste.
- Exploration – Try beans from different origins and discover what you love.
New to roasting? Check out our Home Coffee Roasting Guide to get started.
Beginner-Friendly Green Coffee Picks
1. Brazil Yellow Catuai
Flavour Profile: Mild and nutty with subtle toasted grain notes.
Why it’s great for beginners: This bean roasts evenly and has a naturally smooth flavour. It’s perfect for medium roasts and works beautifully in espresso or filter coffee.
2. Colombian Excelso Huila
Flavour Profile: Balanced with chocolate and citrus notes.
Why it’s great for beginners: Colombian beans are consistently high quality and easy to roast. They’re incredibly versatile, working well across a range of roast levels.
3. Ethiopia Sidama
Flavour Profile: Bright, fruity, and floral.
Why it’s great for beginners: While it’s a bit more delicate, Sidamo offers a wonderfully rewarding experience for those experimenting with lighter roasts. It’s ideal for filter and pour-over brewing.
4. Guatemala Antigua
Flavour Profile: Rich and complex with chocolate, hazelnut, and exotic fruits.
Why it’s great for beginners: Roasts well from medium-dark to dark, offering plenty of flavour without requiring perfect technique.
5. Intro Green Coffee Bean Pack
Can’t decide? Try our Intro Green Coffee Bean Pack — it includes four beginner-friendly origins in one convenient bundle. It’s a great way to explore different flavour profiles and roasting techniques.
Tips for First-Time Roasters
- Start small — Begin with small batches of around 100–125g of green coffee beans. This gives you room to experiment without wasting beans if things don’t go perfectly the first few times. Smaller batches roast more evenly and are easier to control, making them ideal while you’re still learning.
- Aim for a medium roast – Medium roasts are the sweet spot for many coffees, offering a balance of body, acidity, and flavour. They’re also more forgiving than lighter or darker roasts, which require greater precision. Listen for the first crack — and if you’re unsure, it’s safest to stop just after this stage.
- Keep a roasting journal – Note the roast time, temperature, bean origin, roast level, and your taste impressions. Tracking these details helps you refine your process over time and replicate your favourite results. It’s one of the best ways to improve your home roasting skills.
- Let the beans rest (degas) – Once roasted, allow your beans to rest for 12–24 hours in an open container or loosely covered jar. This resting time, known as “degassing,” lets carbon dioxide escape from the beans and helps flavours settle. Brewing too soon can result in a flat or gassy cup, so give them time to develop.
Ready to Start Roasting?
Browse our full range of green unroasted coffee beans, including single origins and curated packs for every taste. Whether you’re experimenting or already hooked, we’ve got the perfect beans for your home roasting journey.