Natural

Natural

Welcome to our natural coffees! Known for their bold, fruity flavours and rich profiles, these coffees are perfect for anyone who loves something unique. Whether you’re after a small sample or wholesale quantities, we’ve got you covered. Explore and discover your next favourite brew!

  • What is the flavour profile of natural coffee?

    Natural processed coffee, often celebrated for its vibrant, fruit-forward characteristics, is a favourite among coffee lovers who appreciate bold and unique flavours. The beans spend an extended period in contact with the fruit of the coffee cherry during the drying process, which allows organic compounds from the fruit to infuse into the bean. This results in a coffee with a fuller body, velvety mouthfeel, and often a “funky” complexity. Expect juicy, berry-like sweetness, tropical notes, and sometimes even a slightly fermented tang. These qualities make natural coffees particularly well-suited for espresso, where their richness and layered sweetness shine through.

  • What is the difference between washed and natural coffee?

    The primary difference between washed and natural coffee lies in how the coffee cherries are processed after harvest.

    Washed Coffee:
    In washed processing, the outer fruit and mucilage are quickly removed from the coffee bean after harvest. The beans are then thoroughly washed and left to dry, free from any organic material. This process allows the natural qualities of the coffee bean—such as its origin, varietal, and terroir—to shine through. Washed coffees often have a cleaner, brighter flavour profile with crisp acidity, making them a favourite for those who enjoy a more straightforward and terroir-driven cup.

    Natural Coffee:

    Natural coffees are processed differently. The entire coffee cherry is dried intact, leaving the fruit and mucilage to stay in contact with the bean throughout the drying process. This method encourages the bean to absorb sugars and organic compounds from the fruit, resulting in a coffee with pronounced fruitiness, a fuller body, and more complex, sometimes funky, flavours.

    In short, washed coffees highlight the bean itself, while natural coffees put the spotlight on the processing method.

  • Is washed or natural coffee better for espresso?

    When it comes to espresso, natural coffees often have the upper hand. The fuller body, enhanced sweetness, and fruit-forward flavours of natural processed beans create a robust, harmonious shot of espresso. This makes them an excellent choice for milk-based drinks like cappuccinos or cortados, as the rich, fruity flavours cut through milk beautifully, creating a balanced and enjoyable cup.

    In contrast, washed coffees can sometimes taste too sharp or astringent as espresso, particularly if brewed improperly. This can result in unpleasant, overly acidic notes that struggle to blend well with milk. However, for black espresso purists who enjoy clean, crisp, and bright flavours, washed coffees may be preferred. Ultimately, the “better” option depends on your taste preferences and the specific coffee beans being used.

Your questions, answered

What is the Green Coffee Collective?

We’re a community of coffee producers and sourcing experts, all working together to make green coffee easy to access—whether you’re a hobby roaster at home or a professional roasting hundreds of tonnes a year. Our platform is designed to simplify buying green coffee, just like any other online shopping experience. No fuss, just great coffee at your fingertips.

Do you offer support for direct trade relationships with producers?

Yes, we’re always happy to make introductions! If you’re interested in working directly with one of our producers, just send us an email (hello@greencoffeecollective.com) and we’ll gladly help facilitate the connection. For larger volumes, we can also assist with logistics and any complexities involved in sourcing directly from producers.

Do you offer samples or trial batches before committing to larger orders?

Yes, we offer samples for most of our coffees. If you need a larger sample than what’s typically available, we recommend trying one of the smaller quantity options listed on our site. That way, you can test the coffee before committing to a larger order.

What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ) for large-scale or long-term contracts?

For larger-scale or long-term contracts, you can start with as little as a single bag. We’re also working on tools to help you access harvests and reserve coffees before they even leave the country. While it’s not fully ready yet, we’re always here to help roasters of any size connect with the producers they want to work with.

Can I arrange a visit to origin or participate in harvest season visits?

We’re working on coordinating trips in the future! In the meantime, if there’s a specific origin you’d like to visit, just get in touch with us, and we’ll do our best to help arrange something.

How does Green Coffee Collective support my business growth?

Our vision is to make amazing coffee accessible to roasters of all sizes. We provide all the marketing materials and storytelling you need to showcase the origins of our coffees. If there’s anything missing that’s holding you back from making a purchase, just let us know! We’re always looking for ways to improve and make our products and information even more transparent. Many roasters have successfully scaled their offerings with our support, and we’re here to help you do the same.