Fermentation

Fermentation

Fermentation enhances coffee’s natural flavours, bringing out deep sweetness, vibrant fruit notes, and a rich, layered profile. Whether aged in barrels, fermented with fruit, or processed in oxygen-free tanks, each method adds something unique to the cup. Explore our selection and experience coffee at its most expressive.

  • What does fermentation in coffee mean?

    All coffee undergoes some level of fermentation, but in fermented coffees, this process is a deliberate extra step. Instead of just happening naturally during processing, fermentation is carefully controlled to enhance flavour. Inspired by techniques used in winemaking, it involves yeast, bacteria, and other microorganisms breaking down sugars and starches, producing compounds like alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process can dramatically influence flavour, creating bold, complex profiles.

  • What are some types of fermented coffee?

    Barrel-aged coffee – Green coffee is aged in freshly emptied barrels that once held distilled spirits. The beans absorb subtle notes from the previous contents, adding layers of flavour.
    Fruit fermentation – Coffee is fermented with whole or pulped fruit, infusing it with rich, juicy characteristics.
    Anaerobic fermentation – The beans ferment in sealed, oxygen-free environments, creating more complex flavour profiles.

  • What variables are controlled during fermentation?

    Fermentation time – Ranging from hours to days, the length of fermentation shapes the depth and complexity of flavours.
    Temperature – Higher temperatures speed up fermentation, often intensifying fruity and floral notes.
    Water content – Adjusting moisture levels allows producers to fine-tune acidity, sweetness, and overall flavour balance.

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.

How do I find the coffee right coffee for me?

It’s super easy! Just head to our coffee pages and use the search filters to narrow down what you’re after. Whether it’s origin, process, or variety, the filters make it simple to find exactly what you want. You can also check out the main coffee categories through the top menu on our site. Give it a go—it’s straightforward, and if you need help, we’re always here!

Are your coffees ethically and sustainably sourced?

Absolutely! We source all our coffees either directly from producers or through trusted sourcing partners who are just as committed to ethical practices as we are. We take the time to ensure the people behind the coffee are treated fairly. If you want to learn more, you can dive into our values.

Can I cancel my order?

If your order hasn’t shipped yet, just drop us an email at orders@greencoffeecollective.com with your order ID, and we’ll take care of it. If it’s already on its way, we can still help. We’ll just need to arrange a collection. Either way, email us and we’ll sort it out for you. You’re in control!

How can I get in touch with your team?

We love hearing from our customers. If you’ve got a question or need any help, just shoot us an email at hello@greencoffeecollective.com, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you. We’re always here to make sure you’re taken care of!

What sizes or quantities can I order?

We offer coffee starting from as little as 0.5kg (1 lb) all the way up to full sacks. If you’re looking for larger quantities than what’s listed on our site, just get in touch! We’d be happy to help you organise and place a custom order. We're here to make sure you get exactly what you need.

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 process for ensuring consistency between lots or harvests?

We work closely with our sourcing partners to make sure we’re always offering top-quality coffee. Most of the partners you’ll find on our site have years of experience in their regions, and they use that expertise to access the best coffees available each season. Their deep relationships with producers help maintain consistency in both quality and supply.

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.