Do coffee shops typically buy green beans or roasted?

I've seen variances in different parts of the US and abroad where sometimes coffee shops usually have a roaster inside, versus other areas where most coffee shops purchase their coffee from a few local roasters. Here in San Diego, CA - most of the coffee shops and cafes purchase their coffee from local roasters like us. read more

You will typically buy roasted from a specific supplier who you trust. Most shops don't want the expense and wasted space of a roaster, plus the time spent roasting and maintaining it. As to how much you might order it really depends. Normally beans are best say 3-5 days after roasting and then reduce in quality after maybe another 2-3 weeks. read more

Raw coffee beans are initially green when harvested. It is only through roasting that they take on their familiar brown color. Lightly roasting the coffee beans will give them a tan color not unlike the color of a peanut. These are deemed "white" coffee beans, which are much harder than roasted beans and carry a different taste. read more

Roasting The Coffee. You will need the roaster, green beans, a tray that has vents like a pizza screen or even a wire strainer and a bowl with water in it. Remove the top plastic shroud of the popper and pour in your beans. Remember, don’t go past the vents. read more