Guatemala Green Coffee Beans for Home Roasting

Guatemalan coffee is known for its variety and complexity, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to roasting it. That said, there are a few key tips to keep in mind.
Because Guatemalan coffee is grown at higher altitudes, the beans tend to be denser. Denser beans need more heat to get the best out of them, so starting with a higher initial temperature can make a difference.
The roast level you choose will depend on the flavours you want to highlight. A lighter roast brings out bright acidity and malty sweetness, while developing the roast further reveals candy-like or fruity sweetness—think cherries, stone fruits, and citrus. Push it even further, and you’ll uncover notes of chocolate and caramel with a hint of vanilla.
Whether you’re brewing espresso or filter coffee, the right roast is all about personal taste. For espresso, you might prefer the rich sweetness of a more developed roast, while filter coffee lovers often enjoy a lighter roast with higher acidity.

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!