Caffeine
100 varieties of coffee beans, the world’s largest selection, available to you unroasted or in your choice of six roasts.
Our café-roastery
Enjoy fine coffee roasted on site amidst Canada’s largest selection of coffee paraphernalia. Try our food and dessert offerings, too.
Equipment
Home roasters, coffee syphons, French presses, espresso machines, grinders and all the accessories you can imagine are found both in store and in our online catalog.
WHO WE ARE
Green Beanery has a mission, one that extends beyond the commercial (not that we aren’t proud to have become Canada's largest online retailer of coffee and coffee equipment, offering more varieties of coffee beans than any other retailer in the world and selling more coffee paraphernalia than any other Canadian retailer).
Green Beanery aims to reinvent the coffee shop of old. Until the 1920s, when big business began to take over the coffee industry, all coffee shops roasted their own. Green Beanery is helping to spur a renaissance in local roasting by supplying hundreds of micro-roasters and restaurants, and leading by example by roasting all of our own coffee, too, at our cafe-roastery at 565 Bloor St West in Toronto’s Annex district.
The renaissance includes returning coffee shops to the service of the community, providing a place to sip small luxuries in an atmosphere large with comforts for both mind and palate. You won’t find Wi-Fi in our cafe - our patrons place a premium on conversations and conviviality.
The renaissance also includes reviving the coffee shop as change agent. Coffee shops of old were known for great innovations and passionate discourse - this is where Lloyd’s of London launched the insurance industry, and where social revolutions were born. In that spirit, Green Beanery hosts Grounds for Thought for those who relish having their intellect provoked and entertained. Fittingly, Green Beanery is owned by Probe International, a Canadian charity known for out-of-the-box thinking, whose directors have included many of Canada’s most celebrated minds, among them Jane Jacobs, David Suzuki, Margaret Laurence and Thomas Berger.
Favourite Beans
Roasted - Brazil Natural
$11.65
About the bean
We're welcoming a new coffee to our selection. The Brazil Natural comes to us from a very large farm in the Cerrado region of the world's most famous coffee-producing country, and, as its name makes clear: this bean was dried naturally. The natural method of drying coffee is an ancient practice that involves leaving harvested beans to dry under the sun. Simple!
This process has been likened to red wine by some connoisseurs with a renewed interest in the natural method. Like red wine, more of the skin and the fruit is absorbed. Because the seed of the coffee cherry is imbued with more of the coffee fruit's sugars and nutrients, the final result can be flavour magic. You will sometimes hear the term "wild in the cup" associated with naturally processed coffees. This method provides more in the way of flavour brilliance as well as flavour quirks. Its inconsistencies is one of the reasons why the wet method of washing the coffee seed off the fruit became the preferred process of the two. But never discount the merits of risk, coffee lovers. And this pick pays off.
A sweet softie with a thick body. Our favourite Brazilian bean in stock right now alongside the Brazil Planalto.
Quick Notes
Grown at a low altitude of only 800m on a large farm and harvested mechanically. These indicators do not suggest the favourable outcome a bean cultivated at a higher elevation on a smaller farm with hand pickers does but this natural Brazilian is a total pleaser. In a country without the growing altitudes of more elevated coffee-producing regions, the natural process can accomplish more fruitiness, more flavour, more complexity.
Our taste test: Brewed in a French press at a City roast profile, we enjoyed a soft, velvety body reminiscent of white chocolate, a medium brightness (acidity), with a caramel underlay and some fruity flair. A pour over brew enhances these fruit notes. A most enjoyable, sweet aftertaste which is typical of the natural drying process.
For those of us who prefer a darker roast, the Brazil Natural brewed in a French press at a Vienna roast profile made a memorable impression. The deeper richness did not overwhelm or undermine the cup's balance. Great espresso potential here.
Roast Recommendation: To preference. For an explanation of our different roasts, see here: http://greenbeanery.ca/pages/roasting-chart.
Roasted - Colombian Supremo SC 17/18
$9.30
About the bean
Do you like a medium to dark roast? Do you like espresso? Do you like a brew rich in flavour and bold in body? Yes? Then our new batch of Colombian Supremo SC 17/18 is for you! These beans are sourced from the central northwest of Colombia in the Antioquia region, the country's largest coffee producing region. Coffee here is mountain-grown by small farmers and large estates. The high altitude slows the pace of ripening and the result is a classic Colombian - rich, full bodied, and a toasted chocolate taste that cools to a cold brew perfection.
No surprises and that's OK because this coffee is super good. And the crema! Go espresso, go cold brew and get happy.
Taste Test
City roast, medium-fine grind, brewed in a Hario V60 pour over (30g of coffee to 500ml of water)
This combination produced a silky body and a sweet taste with a light acidity. Pleasant indeed with a smoky finish.
Vienna roast, medium grind, brewed in a French press (40g of coffee to 500ml of water)
Oh, yeah! We upped the ratio of coffee to enhance the body, which at this level was syrupy strong with a potent chocolate, almost brownie flavour. When the cup cooled, the flavour balance evened out, making this one a great pick for cold brew.
Our only regret? We didn't pull an espresso shot. And that's where this bean shines.
Roast recommendation: Medium to dark. Oh, Vienna! You were nice. For an explanation of our different roasts, see here: http://greenbeanery.ca/pages/roasting-chart.
Roasted - Costa Rican Tarrazu
$13.14
About the bean
Ah! We miss the summer, already. But at least we've got this vitamin of a coffee to make us feel summery fine.
When we're asked for recommendations for a good, classic coffee or a morning brew or a coffee that will suit most tastes, Costa Rica is the first suggestion out of our mouths. Why? Just like the consistent temperature of the country's climate (which only varies about ten degrees throughout the year), coffee from Costa Rica is reliably good: grown in ideal conditions at high altitude, hand-picked and processed with care - a law passed in 1989 actually prohibits the planting of low-quality beans in Costa Rica, making it illegal to produce any other type of coffee than Arabica. Although, some growing regions around the globe have been making great strides in Robusta coffee quality (but that's another bean story).
As per the name, this Costa Rican Tarrazu is from the country's oh-so-famous Tarrazu region, considered the best of the best from this sandy, sun-soaked coffee paradise. Expect a very well-balanced cup with a smooth body and just the right amount of sweetness.
Paradise in a cup.
Quick Notes
Species: Arabica
Category: Single Origin
Process: Washed and sun dried
Altitude: 1,400-1,700 masl.
Region: Tarrazu
Brand: La Pastora
Botanical variety: Caturra and Catuai
Harvest: December-February
Mill: Coope Tarrazú R.L.
Taste Test
We went from light to dark because we're relentlessly curious. An American roast brewed in a Hario V60 pour over gave us a coffee to wake up with: great balance, nice body and notes of apricot and peanut for an aromatic, tasty cup. A Full City roast brewed using the same method produced a flavorful mix of cocoa and nut for a classic Costa Rican (aromatically intense and sweet) - another morning hit. A City roast profile brewed in a French press gave us chocolate notes, good body and sweetness. To finish, we tried the Full City roast as a latte and the result was most enjoyable - a nutty cocoa with a caramel finish. Something about the approach of fall has turned us into latte lovers lately.
Consider this bean for cold brews (while there's still time to chill). The aftertaste should rock. Experiment by adding the cold brew to Perrier (or similar) over ice with a splash of milk (a refreshing and yum combination). This bean should also delight for baking and recipes that call for a teaspoon or two of coffee. Use for caffeinated syrups drizzled over desserts.
Roast recommendation: American to Full City+. Light for a complex fruit-nut flavour. Darker for a more intense coffee hit. For an explanation of our different roasts, see here: http://greenbeanery.ca/pages/roasting-chart.
Roasted - Ethiopian Yirgacheffe GR2
$13.39
About the bean
A number of the major coffee-growing countries we source from may not know how great their product is. When the "good stuff" is exported elsewhere, local coffee can be a sub-par experience, roasted dark to hide defects and mixed with filler to increase volume. Happily, that isn't the case with Ethiopia, which consumes half of its annual coffee production and boasts a thriving domestic coffee culture (Google for examples of an Ethiopian coffee ceremony). The birthplace of coffee according to legend, Ethiopia is where Coffea arabica originated, which is said to be the first species of coffee ever cultivated; it remains the dominant species and accounts for more than 60 percent of the world's commercial coffee production. Given its genetic wealth and history, Ethiopia is a coffee region like none other and an unparalleled paradise of coffee flavour.
Sun, sun, sun, sun ... For coffee lovers, Yirgacheffe is the luminous summit of coffee gaga. Light, bright, clean and balanced, this Yirgacheffe pick is also decently priced.
Taste Test
American roast profile brewed in a Hario V60 pour over: Yirgacheffe is known for a sweet, tea-like taste songed with notes of fruit and berry. Our sampling produced a sweet cup with a uniquely pleasant flavour of honey and lemon rind. The aroma was potent yet even and the aftertaste lifted by a caramel softness. At an American roast profile, the acidity is high but the brightness adds a complexity and juiciness that many enjoy. A star of a bean.
Vienna roast profile brewed in a French Press: The unique characteristics dimmed at a darker roast profile (and Vienna is quite dark). The body is great here, though, and the sweet notes continued, albeit without the fruitiness of the American cup. The Vienna sample made us wish we had tested this as an espresso - the balance and flavour would translate to an excellent shot.
Roast recommendation: Typically, light to medium. For an explanation of our different roasts, see here: http://greenbeanery.ca/pages/roasting-chart.
Roasted - Nicaragua Fair Trade Organic SHG EP
$10.29
About the bean
Our new batch of Nicaragua FTO makes us think of balmy nights and basking in the pause of the season. This is a smooth, creamy cup, pleasant and sweet (even a bit nutty), with a chocolate finish (that ranges from caramel to baker's chocolate depending on the roast). A fine summer companion, easy to sit with, and that's what these slow-down days are calling us to do.
Nicaragua coffee is known for quality and, increasingly, variety of flavour. Most of the country's offerings are shade grown and cultivated at high altitudes. The world's largest coffee beans (elephant beans) are produced here. Typically, beans from this region are similar in character to other Central Americans but Nicaraguans are the mild ones of the bunch.
Summer fine. Deep dive into this coffee pause.
Quick Notes
Region: San Juan del Rio Coco, Madriz
Supplier: Procafe RL Cooperative (approx. 90 small-holder farmers)
Process: Sun dried, washed Arabica
Certification: Fair Trade, Organic, Smithsonian Bird Friendly (Bird friendly, organic, shade-grown coffee supports bird conservation, a healthy environment and the livelihood of small-scale farm owners).
Process: Sun and mechanically dried
Altitude: 900 - 1,900 masl.
SHG: Strictly high-grown
EP: European Process (Indicates the coffee has undergone rigorous sorting - usually by hand to ensure defective beans and foreign material have been removed).
Taste Test
Full City roast profile brewed in a French Press: This is the sweet spot. The bean's brightness is balanced by a pronounced sweetness and a smooth, round body; a most enjoyable brew. Opt for a pour over brew for more expression or a plunge-press for amped-up body. A lighter roast (City) gave us a muted sweetness (stone fruit, roasted chestnut) and a medium to high acidity; the nutty flavour really developed on the cool-down.
Embrace the darkness - this is a bean suited to a Vienna roast, espresso and for chillin' (cold-brew style). And that's what we did!
Cold Brew (Full City roast, coarse ground) brewed in a Bodum Bean Cold Brew Ice Coffee Maker: Using a 1 to 4 coffee-water ratio, we let this one sit overnight and supped our chill Nicaraguan for breakfast. What a delight! At this temperature, we have a more fruity cup (watermelon, a touch of cucumber) with a splash of nut. This is just the ticket for a hot summer night; maybe even add a dash of cream or milk. So nice.
Roast recommendation: The dark side. For an explanation of our different roasts, see here: http://greenbeanery.ca/pages/roasting-chart.
Roasted - Papua New Guinea Plantation AA
$15.12
Currently, most of PNG's coffee is grown by small households in "coffee gardens" or collectively by villages - nice because the offerings are typically organic but iffy because quality is inconsistent. That isn't the case with our current crop of PNG sourced from the high-profile Sigri Estate located in the country's western highlands.
Sigri is recognized as a gourmet coffee producer with an international reputation for excellence. The care taken post-harvest to control for quality and uniformity is really something and includes an intense fermentation process that lasts three days, paused every 24 hours for washing. Once done, coffee cherries spend a further day immersed in water and this last step gives the result its unique flavour profile.
Species: Arabica
Grade: AA
Process: Washed; sun dried on raised beds
Harvest: Late spring to mid-summer
Altitude: 1,660 masl.
Cupping Score: 85.70 (a score of 80 points or above on a 100-point scale is graded "specialty" coffee)
Bird Friendly: Sigri uses two types of shade trees to protect its coffee plants and fields, which promotes the even ripening of coffee cherries and provides habitat for at least 90 species of birds.
Taste Notes
In the cup, Sigri's PNG is earthy with a wonderful complexity - sweet (citrus, tangerine and honey), creamy (hints of nut) with a peppery underlay (hickory). A standout vibrant acidity that mellows to a caramelized sugar aftertaste. Reminiscent of the Jamaica Blue Mountain Typica rootstock Sigri's Arabica plants originated from with a body similar to a Sumatran coffee. Aromatic and clean.
Roast recommendation: Light for the thrill of flavour. Popular as a filter coffee or espresso. Typically preferred as either a City or Full City roast. For an explanation of our different roasts, see: http://greenbeanery.ca/pages/roasting-chart.
Unroasted - Papua New Guinea Plantation AA
$8.75
Currently, most of PNG's coffee is grown by small households in "coffee gardens" or collectively by villages - nice because the offerings are typically organic but iffy because quality is inconsistent. That isn't the case with our current crop of PNG sourced from the high-profile Sigri Estate located in the country's western highlands.
Sigri is recognized as a gourmet coffee producer with an international reputation for excellence. The care taken post-harvest to control for quality and uniformity is really something and includes an intense fermentation process that lasts three days, paused every 24 hours for washing. Once done, coffee cherries spend a further day immersed in water and this last step gives the result its unique flavour profile.
Species: Arabica
Grade: AA
Process: Washed; sun dried on raised beds
Harvest: Late spring to mid-summer
Altitude: 1,660 masl.
Cupping Score: 85.70 (a score of 80 points or above on a 100-point scale is graded "specialty" coffee)
Bird Friendly: Sigri uses two types of shade trees to protect its coffee plants and fields, which promotes the even ripening of coffee cherries and provides habitat for at least 90 species of birds.
Taste Notes
In the cup, Sigri's PNG is earthy with a wonderful complexity - sweet (citrus, tangerine and honey), creamy (hints of nut) with a peppery underlay (hickory). A standout vibrant acidity that mellows to a caramelized sugar aftertaste. Reminiscent of the Jamaica Blue Mountain Typica rootstock Sigri's Arabica plants originated from with a body similar to a Sumatran coffee. Aromatic and clean.
Roast recommendation: Light for the thrill of flavour. Popular as a filter coffee or espresso. Typically preferred as either a City or Full City roast. For an explanation of our different roasts, see: http://greenbeanery.ca/pages/roasting-chart.
News
Shipping notes - placing an order
When placing an order, sometimes questions arise over estimated delivery times. This post will clarify some of the terminology we use and our delivery timelines,... Read More
Coffee Credits
Some equipment purchases come with coffee credits, which allow you to sample free coffees from our selection of 100+ varieties. If you have credits you'd... Read More
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