All-Round Espresso Brewing

Green Coffee Beans for Espresso

Unroasted green coffee for espresso roasters. These lots are picked to work both ways – as a straight shot and under milk – so they suit a house espresso or a single bean that has to do everything. Expect sweetness, structure and enough body to carry milk, mostly from washed and natural Brazils, Colombians and Peruvians. Buy from 0.5kg with samples on most lots – and if you want a base that stays on the menu all year, see our staple green coffees. Looking for roasted coffee? These are raw beans you roast yourself – here's how to start.

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  • What makes a green coffee good for espresso

    Espresso concentrates everything, so it exaggerates sharp acidity and thin body. The lots here lean towards sweetness, chocolate and caramel, moderate acidity and enough body to stand up to milk – which is why washed Colombians and Peruvians and natural Brazils make up most of the range. If you know you'll only serve it one way, narrow down with our black espresso or milk-based espresso ranges. Our espresso buyer's guide goes deeper on choosing beans.

  • Roasting green coffee for espresso

    Most roasters take espresso a little further than filter – medium rather than light – and give more development after first crack so sugars caramelise and sourness drops away. Dense, high-grown washed lots can take a stronger start; naturals usually want a gentler one. Rest espresso roasts longer than filter, typically 7–14 days, before judging them. If shots taste sour and thin, extend development before changing the bean.

  • Single origin or blend?

    A single Brazil or Colombia makes a dependable house shot. Blending lets you combine a sweet, heavy base (often a Brazilian natural) with a brighter washed lot for lift. Many roasters roast components separately and blend after, because beans of different density and process rarely finish evenly in one batch.

  • Pulling an Espresso Shot

    Green Coffee Beans for Black Espresso

    Green coffees that stand out on their own – bold, sweet, complex, and full of character.

  • Green Coffee for Milk-Based Espresso Drinks

    Green Coffee Beans for Milk-Based Espresso

    Green coffees that shine in milk-based drinks – balanced, structured, and full of complementary flavour.

  • Mild Filter Brewing

    Green Coffee Beans for Mild Filter Coffee

    Green coffees for a milder cup – smooth, low-acid, and subtly sweet with classic filter flavour.

  • French Press Coffee Brewing

    Green Coffee Beans for French Press

    Sweet, full-bodied green coffees with depth and balance, ideal for rich, immersive brews.

  • Brewing Stovetop Moka Pot Coffee

    Green Coffee Beans for Moka Pot & Stovetop

    Green coffees with chocolate, fruit, and toasted notes – smooth, bold, and ideal for stovetop brews.

  • Fruity Filter Brewing

    Green Coffee Beans for Fruity Filter Coffee

    Fruit-driven green coffees with bright acidity and sweetness, selected for standout performance in filter brewing.

Your questions, answered

What are the best green coffee beans for espresso?

Sweet, lower-acidity lots with good body: natural Brazils, washed Colombians and Peruvians, and Central Americans are the usual starting points. Brighter Kenyan or Ethiopian coffees work too, but are better suited to black espresso than milk drinks.

What roast level is best for espresso?

Usually medium, with more development than a filter roast. Lighter 'omni' roasts can work for sweet, dense coffees served black, but expect to grind finer and pull longer shots.

How long should espresso rest after roasting?

Typically 7–14 days. Freshly roasted coffee is full of CO₂, which makes shots gush and taste uneven; resting lets it degas.

Can I use filter green coffee for espresso?

Yes – any green coffee can be roasted for espresso. Coffees chosen for bright, delicate filter cups can taste sharp as espresso unless roasted with more development.

Is Robusta good for espresso?

A small amount of good Robusta adds crema, body and caffeine to a blend. Most specialty roasters use it sparingly, if at all, alongside Arabica.

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 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.