The Complete Guide to Raw Coffee Beans
- Cheeko
- 0
- on Aug 26, 2025
Coffee enthusiasts often discover that the journey to exceptional coffee begins long before the brewing process. Raw coffee beans, also known as green coffee beans, offer home roasters and coffee lovers the opportunity to control every aspect of their coffee experience. Understanding raw beans opens up possibilities for creating personalised flavour profiles and experiencing coffee in its most natural state.
What Are Raw Coffee Beans?
Raw coffee beans are the unroasted seeds found inside coffee cherries that grow on coffee plants. These beans appear green or yellowish in colour and contain the foundational flavours that will later develop during the roasting process. Coffee cherries are harvested from coffee plants grown primarily in tropical regions around the equator, including countries like Ethiopia, Colombia, Brazil, and Guatemala.
The beans undergo processing after harvesting to remove the fruit pulp and dry the seeds. Two main processing methods exist: washed processing, which removes all fruit before drying, and natural processing, which allows beans to dry inside the fruit. Each method influences the final flavour characteristics of the raw beans.
Raw beans can remain stable for months or even years when stored properly, unlike roasted coffee which begins losing freshness within weeks. This longevity makes raw beans attractive for bulk purchasing and long-term storage.
The Journey From Raw to Roasted
Roasting transforms raw coffee beans from dense, flavourless seeds into the aromatic, complex beans we recognise. During roasting, heat triggers chemical reactions called Maillard reactions, which develop the hundreds of flavour compounds that create coffee’s distinctive taste and aroma.
The roasting process occurs in several stages. First, the beans lose moisture and begin to turn yellow. As the temperature increases, the beans expand and develop a light brown colour. The first crack occurs around 196°C, producing an audible popping sound that signals the beginning of light roast development.
Continuing the roast past first crack develops medium roasts with balanced acidity and body. Second crack occurs at higher temperatures, creating darker roasts with reduced acidity and more pronounced bitter notes. The roaster’s skill lies in stopping the process at precisely the right moment to achieve the desired flavour profile.
Buying and Storing Raw Coffee Beans
Purchasing raw coffee beans requires finding reputable suppliers who provide fresh, high-quality green coffee. Speciality coffee importers, online retailers, and some local roasters sell raw beans directly to consumers. Look for suppliers who provide detailed information about origin, processing method, and harvest date.
Quality indicators include bean size consistency, minimal defects, and proper moisture content between 10-12%. Beans should appear uniform in colour without excessive chaff or broken pieces. Reputable suppliers often provide cupping notes describing the expected flavour characteristics after roasting.
Proper storage preserves raw bean quality for extended periods. Store beans in breathable bags like jute or burlap in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight. Avoid plastic bags which can trap moisture and promote mould growth. Temperature fluctuations and high humidity can degrade bean quality, so consistent storage conditions are essential.
Start Your Coffee Journey Today
Raw coffee beans provide coffee lovers with unprecedented control over their brewing experience. From selecting origins to developing personal roasting profiles, green beans transform the simple act of making coffee into a creative and rewarding hobby. The investment in time and equipment pays dividends through fresher coffee, cost savings, and the satisfaction of crafting something truly personal.
Consider starting with small quantities of different origins to explore various flavour profiles. Document your roasting experiments and taste preferences to build knowledge and develop your palate. The path from raw bean to perfect cup offers endless possibilities for discovery and enjoyment.