Everything You Need to Know About Coffee Beans (and Then Some)
Everything You Need to Know About Coffee Beans (and Then Some)
If you’ve ever searched for coffee beans near me or found yourself wondering how coffee beans are grown, you’re in good company. At West Berkshire Roastery, we’re a little obsessed with beans—from how they’re cultivated to how they taste in your cup. Whether you’re a full-on home barista or just dipping your toes into the world of specialty coffee, here’s your go-to guide.
Where Do Coffee Beans Come From?
Coffee beans come from the seeds of the coffee cherry, grown on tropical farms around the world. We source ours from top-notch producers in places like Ethiopia, Colombia, Brazil, Costa Rica, and India—where altitude, climate, and soil all shape the final flavour. That’s why where coffee beans grow matters so much. It’s like terroir in wine, only buzzier.
How Coffee Beans Are Grown (and Made)
Coffee beans are grown on small farms or large estates, often under shade trees to preserve biodiversity. Once ripe, the cherries are picked (usually by hand), then processed using methods like washed, natural, or honey. This is what people often mean when they ask how coffee beans are made—it’s all about how they’re harvested, fermented, dried, and finally roasted. We take those green beans and roast them fresh in West Berkshire to bring out their full personality.
Can Coffee Beans Expire?
Short answer: yes. While they won’t “go off” like milk, coffee beans can expire in terms of flavour. Ideally, you want to use them within 2–4 weeks of roasting for peak taste. That’s why we roast to order—and even pack and ship on the same day—to make sure your beans arrive fresh and fabulous.
Can Coffee Beans Be Frozen?
Yes, but there’s a right way to do it. Coffee beans can be frozen to preserve their freshness, especially if you buy in bulk. Just divide into smaller portions, seal airtight (no sneaky oxygen), and thaw only what you need. Bonus points if you store them in one of our fancy Airscape® canisters instead.
Are Coffee Beans Cheaper Than Ground Coffee?
If you’re comparing supermarket prices, coffee beans might look a bit pricier than ground coffee—but it’s all about value. Whole beans stay fresh longer and give you more control over grind size, which means better brews and less waste. Plus, you’re not paying for pre-grinding, extra packaging, or flavour that’s long gone.
Coffee Beans and Grinder: A Match Made in Morning Heaven
For the best brew, coffee beans and a grinder go hand in hand. Grinding just before brewing makes a massive difference in flavour and aroma. Whether you're rocking a burr grinder or a hand-cranked one for those slow Sunday mornings, fresh-ground beans always win.
What Coffee Beans Do Costa Use?
We get asked this a lot—what coffee beans do Costa use? While Costa has its own signature blend, here at West Berkshire Roastery, we use traceable, ethically sourced beans that we roast in small batches. The difference is freshness, flavour, and a little love from the Berkshire hills.
Find Fresh Coffee Beans Near You
No need to keep Googling coffee beans near me—you’ve already found us! At West Berkshire Roastery, we offer a wide range of specialty-grade coffee beans, from single-origin stunners to expertly blended crowd-pleasers. You can shop online, visit our roastery, or set up a subscription to never run out of the good stuff.
So whether you’re chasing citrusy Ethiopians, chocolatey Brazils, or something weird and wonderful (hello, banana-milled coffee)—we’ve got the beans for you. Because life’s too short for bad coffee.
