Guatemala Green Coffee Beans for Home Roasting

Guatemalan green coffee beans are known for their complexity and variety, so there’s no single approach that works for every lot. But there are a few things worth knowing before you fire up the roaster. Grown at high altitudes, Guatemalan coffee tends to be denser. These raw beans can take a bit more heat to get going, so starting with a slightly higher charge temperature is often a good move.

Flavour-wise, you have options. A lighter roast brings out the bright acidity and malty sweetness that many home roasters love. Take it a little further, and you’ll start to find fruitier notes - cherry, citrus, stone fruits. If you keep pushing the roast development, expect caramel, milk chocolate, and even hints of vanilla. The right roast really depends on how you brew. For espresso, a deeper roast often gives a sweeter, fuller shot. Filter drinkers might lean towards a lighter profile that brings more acidity to the cup.

Guatemalan coffee is prized for its vibrant flavours and moderate acidity, but the exact taste depends on the region it comes from. Here’s a quick guide to a few key regions:

• Huehuetenango: Known for its high altitude and diverse climate, this region produces coffee with a full body, bright acidity, and wine-like notes.
• Antigua: With rich volcanic soil and consistent weather, Antigua coffee is sweet, aromatic, and elegantly balanced.
• San Marcos: Thanks to high rainfall and fertile soil, this coffee offers pronounced acidity, a smooth body, and delicate floral notes.

Wherever it’s grown, high-quality Guatemalan coffee often features bright acidity, fruity flavours (like cherry or orange), and a touch of nuttiness or milk chocolate. It’s this mix of complexity and balance that makes it so special.

Roasting green coffee beans at home is a simple way to unlock their full flavour. You can use tools you already have, like a stovetop popcorn maker, an oven, or a dedicated home roaster.

Start by preheating your equipment, then add the beans and stir them consistently to ensure an even roast. As the beans heat up, you’ll hear cracks that signal the different stages of roasting. Light roasts bring out fruity, acidic notes, while darker roasts develop bolder, richer flavours.

Once your beans are roasted to your liking, cool them down quickly to lock in the flavour. For step-by-step guidance, check out our blog post: How to Start Roasting Coffee at Home: All Your Questions Answered!