best green coffee beans

Best Green Coffee Beans (The Best 10 Unroasted Beans)

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If you are familiar with the best coffee beans available to brew your coffee and want to experiment with some of the best green coffee beans on the market, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve done the research for you; all you have to do is sample them!

Green Coffee Top Picks

RUNNER UP

Organic Peruvian Unroasted Coffee Beans

Organic Peruvian Unroasted Coffee Beans

These Peruvian beans are grown under ideal conditions giving you a well-balanced, full-bodied, and flavorful coffee brew.

At A Glance: The Best Green Coffee Beans

This is our best green coffee beans list you should include on your next grocery list. All these coffee are available at Fresh Roasted Coffee. You can buy them via our links and save 10% on your initial purchase using the discount code SOLOESPRESSO.

NameImagePackagingPrice
Brazil Cerrado 1, 5 or 25 lbs bagsCheck latest price
Organic Peruvian 1, 5 or 25 pound bagsCheck latest price
100% Maui Yellow Caturra 1 or 5 pounds size bagsCheck latest price
Tanzanian Peaberry Tanzanian Peaberry Unroasted Coffee Beans-opt1, 5 or 25 pound sized bagsCheck latest price
Organic Decaf Sumatran Decaf Sumatran Unroasted Coffee Beans-opt1, 5 or 25 pound bags
Check latest price
Organic Decaf Honduran Decaf Honduran Unroasted Coffee Beans-opt1, 5 or 25 pound bagsCheck latest price
100% Maui Mokka 100% Maui Mokka Unroasted Coffee Beans-opt1 lb. and 5 lb. bagsCheck latest price
Kenya AA Kenya AA Unroasted Coffee Beans-opt1, 5 or 25 pound bagsCheck latest price
Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea Unroasted Coffee Beans-opt1, 5 or 25 pound bagsCheck latest price
Decaf Indian Monsoon Malabar Decaf Indian Monsoon Malabar Unroasted Coffee Beans-opt1, 5 or 25 pound bags
Check latest price

Best Overall

Brazil Cerrado Unroasted Coffee Beans

This high-quality single-origin Brazilian grown coffee bean gives you a smooth, full-bodied cup of coffee when roasted medium to dark. You can expect a nutty, earthy flavor when brewing with this bean.

This bean is grown at an altitude of 3,000 to 4, 000 feet above sea level which explains its delicious flavors and taste. It comes from the coffee plantations of Cerrado, Brazil. The growing process is entirely natural, with the cherries being hand-picked and sorted during harvesting. Harvesting takes place between April and September.

The coffee cherries are both sun-dried and mechanically-dried, depending on the coffee farm it comes from. These coffee beans roast well, guaranteeing to give you good results every time. You can also expect these beans to be of uniform size.

These coffee beans can be ordered in three different bag sizes: 1, 5, or 25 lbs. Brazilian coffee farmers grow either the Mundo Novo, Yellow Catuai, or Red Catuai coffee varietals.

If you’re looking for an unroasted coffee bean to make up a blend, this is a good choice. With its mild but deep, smooth taste you can add this to your next espresso blend and not be disappointed.

PROS

  • A good bean to add to blends
  • Good for roasting with great results
  • Perfect for dark roasting

CONS

  • A milder taste so not suitable for drinkers who prefer a strong brew

Organic Peruvian

Runner Up

Organic Peruvian Unroasted Coffee Beans

This Peruvian Sol y Café coffee is USDA Organic and Fair Trade certified and is Kosher. If roasted correctly you can expect a well-balanced and flavorful cup of coffee. Expect hints of spice and sweetness profiles with a nutty undertone. The recommended roasting level is medium to medium-dark.

This green coffee bean is grown in the mountains of the Cajamarca region of Peru. The coffee farms are located in the provinces of Jaen and San Ignacio. Their growing altitudes range between 1,200 and 2,000 meters above sea level. The trees are grown in volcanic soils, ideal for a flavorful bean.

Peruvian coffee farmers use the following coffee varietals: Catimor, Catuai, Mundo Novo, Pache, Caturra, and Typica.

These coffee beans are fully washed and sun-dried, enhancing the flavors of this green bean. Harvesting takes place between July and November. The coffee beans may be ordered either in 1, 5, or 25-pound bags.

If your idea of the perfect cup of coffee being imbued with notes of spices but balanced out with hints of sweet cocoa, then you’ll love this one. Just make sure you roast to medium or else you could end up with an acidic brew.

PROS

  • Has a pleasant aftertaste
  • A full-bodied and medium bold coffee
  • Well-priced for home roasters

CONS

  • Can be acidic if under-roasted

100% Maui Yellow Caturra

A rare and unusual coffee bean, if you’re looking for flavors that offer hints of allspice, sweet fig, and honey wheat, then you’ve got to try this one.

Originating from the Ka’anapali Estate in Lahaina, Maui, these coffee trees are grown at altitudes of 1,500 to 1,800 meters above sea level on the West Maui Mountains. They are grown using natural farming processes, minimizing the use of pesticides, insecticides, and other chemicals.

The coffee cherries are harvested during the months of September to December. They undergo a mechanical drying process on the 500-acre coffee farm. This particular Arabica bean is of the Yellow Caturra coffee varietal.

These Maui beans have been sourced directly from the coffee farm and are available in 1 or 5 pounds size bags. It’s best suited for light to medium roasting.

This coffee bean is not always easy to find and as a result, can be an expensive coffee brew to make. But, if you’re lucky enough to source it, then you will love the exotic flavors of this brew.


PROS

  • A great bean for roasting at lower temperatures
  • A good coffee bean for light and medium roasts
  • An exotic blend of flavors

CONS

  • Not always available
  • On the high price band

Tanzanian Peaberry

Tanzanian Peaberry Unroasted Coffee Beans

The Tanzanian Peaberry green coffee bean suited to light to medium roast. If you go to dark roast, you’ll lose the deep, wine flavors and its bright acidity. This single origin bean is Kosher certified and is rarely available.

Grown in the Mbeya region of Tanzania in East Africa in the mountains at altitudes of 1,200 t0 2,000 meters above sea level, this coffee bean is of the Bourbon varietal. Harvesting is done by hand and the beans are washed and sun-dried on the farm. Harvesting takes place between April and September.

You can expect a full-bodied, smooth taste and fruity notes of lemon and peach and a hint of black tea whenever you brew with this coffee bean. When light or medium roasted, you’ll have medium acidity.

The green coffee beans are available in 1,5, or 25 pounds sized bags.

This may be peaberry and a smaller bean but you certainly won’t be lacking in flavors and taste with this one. Keep to the lighter roast and you’ll benefit from the extraction of the winey, earthy flavors of this bean.

PROS

  • The high-quality bean that roasts well
  • Mild and smooth with a balanced flavor
  • Great aromatic coffee

CONS

  • Not great for dark roasting

Organic Swiss Water Decaf Sumatra

Decaf Sumatran Unroasted Coffee Beans
If you’re looking for a coffee bean that’s been processed in a chemical-free, environmentally-friendly environment, then these coffee beans are for you. 

The decaffeinated process brings you a bean that’s 99.9% caffeine-free. An earthy coffee, it’s recommended you roast to a medium or dark level to extract the full flavor profile. 

The coffee trees are grown in an area called Aceh in Sumatra. The region is known as the Bener Meriah Regency. The plantations are situated at altitudes of 1,200 to 1,500 meters above sea level. The coffee farmers use the following varietals: Bourbon, Timtim, Catimor, and Ateng.

Once harvested (October to December), the beans are hulled while wet and semi-washed. They are then sun-dried.

These coffee beans are USDA Organic, Fair Trade and Kosher certified and are available in 1, 5, or 25-pound bags.

If roasted as recommended you’ll find yourself sipping on a cup of coffee that’s earthy with hints of chocolate while the finish is creamy. What’s more, the Swiss Water process assures you your brew is free of any chemical toxins.

PROS

  • Very smooth without any bitterness
  • Great for blending with other decaf green coffee beans
  • Excellent for cold brew coffee

CONS

  • Not ideal for drinkers who prefer a strong, bolder flavor

Organic Swiss Water Decaf Honduras

Decaf Honduran Unroasted Coffee Beans

Here’s a coffee bean that carries the USDA Organic, Fair Trade, and Kosher certifications. It’s also recognized as a product with the Rainforest Alliance seal. This Honduran green bean undergoes the Swiss Water decaffeinated process

This is best when roasted at a medium to medium-dark level. This is a rich and very satisfying coffee known for its caramel flavors imbued with notes of tropical fruits and berries. Sometimes, you can expect hints of chocolate and even apricot.

Grown in the San Pedro de Copan region of Honduras, the coffee farms are located at altitudes of 1.100 to 1.400 meters above sea level. The beans are patio dried on the farms after being harvested in the months of November to February.

These coffee beans can be purchased either in 1, 5, or 25-pound bags. 

Honduran is famous for its unique flavors and taste which differ from region to region. By roasting this bean, you’ll get to experience these flavors in your own home whenever you want to.

PROS

  • A well-balanced decaf coffee
  • Very little bitterness
  • Smooth and mellow with mild aromas

CONS

  • Not ideal for dark roasting

100% Maui Mokka

100% Maui Mokka Unroasted Coffee Beans

These coffee beans are sourced directly from the coffee farmers in Maui and are Kosher certified. They are not easy to find, so get them whenever you can. You won’t be disappointed by the rich and exotic flavors.

It’s recommended to roast these small beans at light to medium level in order to extract the full, tropical flavors. You can expect undertones of chocolate and hints of winey flavors as well. The acidity level is considered pleasant, not too strong but not too mild either.

These coffee beans are grown on the Ka’anapali Estate in Lahaina, Maui at elevations of 500 to 600 feet. This Mokka variety is not commercially grown anywhere else in the world. The seeds were originated in Ethiopia and while small in size it’s not peaberry.

Harvesting takes place between October and December and the beans are mechanically dried. The trees produce a low yield and they are difficult to hand-pick.

This is an expensive coffee bean and it can be purchased either in 1 lb. or 5 lb. bags.

This Hawaiian coffee bean is an interesting choice and one every coffee drinker needs to try at least once – if you can find it! Be careful while roasting as the small beans tend to burn quickly.

PROS

  • Subtle flavors with gentle acidity
  • A delicious range of flavors
  • Single-origin coffee bean

CONS

  • Not easy to light roast due to the small size of the bean

Kenya AA Nyeri Ichamara

Kenya AA Unroasted Coffee Beans

An East African coffee bean bringing you deep and earthy flavors. It can handle high heat and is best roasted to a medium or medium-dark level. It’s grown in the Bungoma County of Kenya.

Coffee plantations from which these beans come are located at altitudes of 1,330 to 1,550 meters above sea level. The coffee varietal grown are SL28, SL34, and Ruiri 11. The beans are wet-processed and sun-dried on raised beds on the farms.

Harvesting takes place between the months of April and June.

This is a complex and bright coffee with an abundance of sweetness. It’s well-balanced with hints of floral bouquet and winey flavors. The velvety body has a mild acidity level which is easier on the stomach for many coffee drinkers.

This Kosher certified product can be bought in 1, 5, or 25-pound bags.

If you enjoy African coffees for their rich and bold flavors, you’ll like this one. They’re easy to roast too. So, if you’re new to home roasting, you may want to hone your skills starting with this green bean from Kenya.

PROS

  • An easy-to-roast coffee bean
  • Mild acidity ideal for sensitive stomachs
  • Great tasting coffee

CONS

  • Some coffee drinkers may prefer stronger African flavors

Papua New Guinea Unroasted Coffee

Papua New Guinea Unroasted Coffee Beans

If you’re looking for a green coffee bean that gives you a clean and bright finish, you’ll find it with this one from Papua New Guinea. What’s more, the moderate to low acidity levels make it an ideal brew for coffee drinkers who struggle with acidity.

Grown in the Goroka Area of the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, the plantations are located at 1,400 to 2,400 meters above sea level. The ripe cherries are wet-processed and sun-dried on raised beds. Harvesting takes place between May and August.

The coffee farmers of this area choose to grow the coffee varietals known as Typica, Bourbon, and Arusha. 

The beans are Kosher certified and are available in 1, 5, or 25-pound bags. It’s recommended to roast them to a medium level so you can benefit from both the sweet and intense body of this bean.

Whether you’re using your drip machine or the Moka pot, you’ll find this bean gives you a decent espresso coffee brew. And, expect to experience a rich, chocolate aroma whenever you sip on this brew.

PROS

  • No bitterness even if dark roasted
  • Works well for pour-over coffee
  • A smooth and great tasting coffee

CONS

  • Some drinkers may find the buttery flavor too rich

Water Process Decaf Indian Monsoon Malabar

Decaf Indian Monsoon Malabar Unroasted Coffee Beans

These beans have undergone the Swiss Water decaffeinating process, giving you a chemical-free green bean. They’re Kosher certified and are 99.9% caffeine-free.

medium to dark roast level is recommended for this coffee bean if you want to extract the rich and unique flavors. The process of exposing the coffee beans to monsoon rain and wind causes the beans to lose their original acidity. Instead, you’re given a coffee that is pH neutral.

Flavors can be described as being hints of chocolate and mellow while being creamy. The body is smooth and mild leaving no unpleasant aftertaste.

The beans originate from Mysore, India, and are grown at elevations of 914 to 1,828 meters above sea level. The coffee varietals grown are Kents and Cauvery. After undergoing the monsoon process, the beans are harvested and sun-dried. Harvesting takes place from November to February.

This particular bean has the Royal Select Water Process certification and is available in 1,5, or 25-pound bags.

Coffee drinkers love this decaffeinated coffee because it doesn’t taste like decaf at all! And, you can use it to make your favorite espresso.

PROS

  • An easy-to-roast coffee bean
  • Moderate acidity
  • Full-bodied and fruity

CONS

  • Mild flavors may not suit coffee drinkers who prefer a stronger brew

Buyers’ Guide

If you enjoy the best coffee beans for your coffee, but you’re new to roasting green coffee beans, you may have a lot of questions about the process starting from where to buy the beans to how to roast them and how to store them. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you get the most out of green beans.

Where to Buy Green Coffee Beans


Green coffee beans can be sourced from various specialty stores, some local supermarkets, and a number of online stores. 

From our personal experience, we’ve found Fresh Roasted Coffee to be one of the best online stores for purchasing green beans. Delivery is efficient and your order always arrives in good condition. The beans are fresh and the company offers a wide range of coffees to select from. As mentioned earlier, all of the beans reviewed in this article can be sourced from this online store.

What to look for in the best green coffee beans

When buying green beans consider the following:

  • Origin and growing conditions: Consider the typical growing conditions of the area. Coffee grown under different climatic conditions and in different soils produce different flavors and aromas. 
  • Varietals: A Yellow Caturra variety is not the same as drinking a coffee of the Bourbon varietal or Catimor variety. Familiarize yourself with the range of coffee varietals so you know what to look out for when buying your next batch.
  • Altitude: Coffee trees grown at higher altitudes produce a more complex and sweeter brew. Their beans also have a lower level of acidity.
  • Wet or dry processing method: Dry or natural processed beans generally have a sweeter taste compared to wet-washed beans. However, wet-washed beans are cleaner, accentuating the floral flavors, acidity, and brightness of the bean. Beans that have been naturally processed tend to have a “wilder” or earthier taste.

Watch this video which explains how wet-processing is done on a coffee farm estate in Tanzania.

How to determine the quality of the beans

The best way to determine the quality of the green beans is to look at them. If they have a dull look about them, then they’ve been dried for too long or processed incorrectly. If not managed properly, patio or mechanical dry processing will result in a poorer quality bean. Look out for the following defects:

  • Mottling
  • Dull, brown color
  • White or faded around the edges
  • Coated with a pink skin

A good quality bean should be of similar or equal size and of similar color all round. They should not feel glassy or fragile nor should they be pliable. If they have a fermentation smell then discard them.

How to Store Green Coffee Beans

If you’re into buying bulk, you’re going to realize pretty soon that you’ll need to store green beans correctly to maintain freshness and quality. It’s vital to know that these beans are porous and will absorb moisture and other smells easily. Keep them next to your onions and you’re going to have onion-flavored coffee the next time you brew!

When considering the right packaging for storing your beans, remember you want to keep out exposure to moisture. So, plastic bags are not a good idea as condensation will take place. Other storage aspects to consider are temperature levels, light exposure, pests, and the length of time you’ll be storing.

An opaque, air-tight container kept at room temperature in a dark cupboard is the best way to store these beans. Stored this way, you can expect your bulk buy to last you for as long as twelve months.

How to determine the best roasting level for green coffee

Home roasting can be done easily enough at home using either a home roaster, a popcorn popper, a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop, or roasting on a baking tray in the oven. Determining the best roast level is dependent on a number of factors including:

  • The type of beans you’re roasting. In other words, certain coffee types are best-roasted light or medium compared to other types best suited to a medium-dark or dark roast.
  • The flavors and aromas are extracted during the roasting process. If a bean meant for light roasting is over-roasted, you’ll lose the essence of the bean’s flavors and taste
  • Your brew preference. If your idea of a good cup of coffee is espresso, then you need to get a bean that can be dark roasted. Medium-dark and dark roasted beans are also preferred for the French press brewing method. A light roast is recommended for pour-over brewing while a medium roast is often preferred for automatic drip machines.

The more you practice home roasting, the better you’ll become at determining the best roast levels.

Final Thoughts

Roasting your own coffee beans is extremely rewarding. Trying out the different green coffee beans available is fun and you get to sample flavors and tastes from all over the world. Coffee aficionados are known for being adventurous so what’s stopping you? Buy in your first batch of green coffee beans and get roasting now.