How to Roast Green Coffee Beans at Home: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Introduction

Roasting your own coffee beans at home isn’t just a trend — it’s a ritual. It lets you control the flavour, freshness, and roast level, unlocking a world of aroma and taste that pre-roasted coffee simply can’t offer.

At Nature Commodities, we provide premium unroasted green coffee beans from Brazil and East Timor, perfect for beginners and pros alike. Whether you prefer a bright, citrusy profile or a bold, chocolatey finish, roasting your beans at home guarantees a fresher, more personal coffee experience.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about home coffee roasting — from choosing the right beans to knowing when your roast is just right.

Why Roast at Home?

• Freshness: Coffee starts losing flavour within days of roasting. Home roasting gives you peak freshness.

• Customisation: Light, medium, dark — you control the roast profile.

• Cost Savings: Buying green beans in bulk is more affordable over time.

• Satisfaction: There’s nothing like sipping a cup of coffee you roasted yourself.

What You’ll Need

You don’t need industrial gear to get started. Here are four beginner-friendly ways to roast green coffee beans:

1. Stovetop Pan or Cast Iron Skillet

• Simple but requires constant stirring

• Great for small batches

• Watch the temperature closely to avoid uneven roasting

2. Hot Air Popcorn Popper

• Inexpensive and easy to use

• Produces consistent results for small batches

• Roast time: 5–8 minutes

3. Home Coffee Roasting Machine

• Designed specifically for roasting

• Built-in temperature controls and airflow

• Ideal for regular home roasters

4. Oven Roasting

• Possible but less consistent

• Spread beans evenly on a perforated tray

• Roast at 230°C (450°F) and monitor closely

Step-by-Step Roasting Process

1. Measure Your Beans

   Start with about 100–150 grams (½ cup) of green coffee beans.

2. Preheat Your Roaster or Appliance

   Whether you’re using a popcorn maker or a skillet, warm it up first.

3. Add the Beans and Start Roasting

   Stir or rotate constantly for even heat exposure.

4. Listen for the Cracks

   • First Crack: A light popping sound, like popcorn — beans are entering a light roast.

   • Second Crack: A deeper, slower crack — beans are heading into a dark roast.

5. Decide When to Stop

   • Light Roast: Just after the first crack

   • Medium Roast: Between first and second crack

   • Dark Roast: Just before or during second crack

6. Cool the Beans Immediately

   Pour them into a metal colander or onto a baking tray and stir to cool.

7. Let Them Rest

   Wait 12–24 hours before brewing. This allows the gases to escape and the flavour to settle.

Tips for the Best Roast

• Always roast in a well-ventilated area.

• Use a thermometer if possible.

• Take notes: roast time, temperature, and result.

• Use a timer — every second matters in roasting.

• Try cupping small samples to compare roast profiles.

Why Use Nature Commodities' Green Coffee Beans?

Our East Timor coffee beans are grown in volcanic soil and offer smooth, chocolatey flavours with a hint of citrus. Perfect for light to medium roasts.

Our Brazilian Arabica beans are bold, nutty, and incredibly versatile — ideal for dark, espresso-style roasting or smooth pour-overs.

We source directly from farmers, ensuring your beans are not only fresh and single-origin, but also sustainably harvested and ethically traded.

Brew and Enjoy

Once your beans are roasted and rested, it’s time to grind and brew. Use your favourite brewing method — pour-over, espresso, AeroPress, or French press — and enjoy the freshest coffee you've ever had.

Ready to Start Roasting?

Explore our range of premium, unroasted coffee beans:

• Shop East Timor Green Coffee Beans

• Shop Brazil Green Coffee Beans

From farm to roast to cup — craft your perfect coffee with Nature Commodities.