Frequently Asked Questions
of
Ordering & Shipping
Very. We roast in small batches throughout the week and ship shortly after roasting so it arrives at peak flavour.
Due to current instability in our trade partnership with the US cross-border shipping has been unpredictable, inconsistent and expensive. Rather than risk delays or complications and unfair shipping costs we’ve chosen to focus on reliable Canadian delivery.
of
We currently ship within Canada.
If your order hasn’t shipped yet, email us as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to help.
We roast and pack your coffee fresh. Most orders leave our roastery within 1–3 business days.
of
Subscriptions
Absolutely. Your subscription is flexible — swap coffees or update grind size whenever you like.
Yes. You’re in control. You can adjust, pause, skip shipments or cancel anytime through your account.
Choose your coffee, select your delivery frequency, and we’ll take care of the rest. Fresh coffee delivered automatically — no extra effort required.
Yes. Subscribers receive preferred pricing as a thank-you for making us part of their routine.
of
Choosing Your Coffee
Yes — and we take it seriously. Our decaf is selected and roasted with the same standards as everything else we produce.
If you’re new to Fernwood, start with one of our blends. They’re balanced, versatile, and designed to taste great however you brew them.
If you’re looking for something more distinctive or seasonal, explore our single origins — they highlight unique flavours from specific farms and regions. Check out our 8 question coffee quiz developed by our roasters to help you find the perfect fit.
Blends are crafted for balance and reliability — think comfort, consistency, and everyday excellence. Single origins showcase the character of one farm or region — often brighter, more expressive, and seasonal.
Both are roasted with the same care. It simply depends on what kind of experience you’re after.
Our blends are especially versatile and pair beautifully with milk. Many of our single origins also perform well as espresso — check the tasting notes for guidance.
of
Brewing & Grind Size
Yes. It dissolves in cold water, milk, or oat milk, and works straight over ice. Cold takes a few more turns of the spoon than hot does. That's the only difference.
Yes — you’ll find simple brewing guides on our website to help you get the best out of every cup.
A good starting point is a 1:17 ratio (1 gram of coffee to 17 grams of water). Adjust to taste.
- Whole Bean – best if you have a grinder at home
- Espresso – fine
- Drip / Pour Over – medium
- French Press – coarse
If you’re unsure, whole bean gives you the most flexibility.
The coffee is the same coffee we roast in Victoria. From there it goes to Hasty Coffee, a Canadian specialty instant producer, who freeze dries it slowly so the water comes off without heat. Nothing gets cooked out of it on the way to the sachet.
of
Freshness & Storage
For best flavour, we recommend enjoying your coffee within three weeks of roast — that’s when it’s at its peak. Properly stored, it can still be enjoyed for up to three months before you’ll notice more significant flavour loss.
Keep it in a cool, dry place in its original bag with the seal closed. No need to refrigerate.
If you’re storing unopened coffee long-term, freezing is fine. Once opened, we recommend keeping it sealed at room temperature.
of
Sustainability & Sourcing
We work with trusted importers and producers who prioritize quality, transparency, and responsible farming practices. We value long-term relationships and thoughtful sourcing.
For details about how a specific coffee is sourced, visit its individual product page — we share origin information and context wherever possible.
Coffee is an agricultural product affected by harvest conditions, global markets, and exchange rates. We price thoughtfully to support producers while keeping our coffee accessible.
of
Capsules
Yes. Our capsules are made from aluminum, which preserves freshness and protects flavour exceptionally well. Aluminum is widely recyclable — check with your local recycling or specialty collection programs.
Every machine is a little different. We put together a Brew Guide to help you get started.
Aluminum offers superior oxygen protection and shelf life compared to compostable materials. It ensures the coffee tastes as intended when you brew it.
Our capsules are compatible with Nespresso® OriginalLine–style brewers, including many models made by Breville®, De’Longhi®, and Krups®.
Common compatible machine families include:
- Essenza (incl. Essenza Mini)
- Pixie
- Inissia
- CitiZ (incl. CitiZ & Milk)
- Lattissima (incl. One / Touch / Plus / Gran Lattissima)
- Creatista (incl. Uno / Plus / Pro)
- Prodigio
- Expert
- U
Maestria (incl. Gran Maestria)
Quick compatibility check:
If your machine uses the small, classic “Original” capsule shape, you’re good.
Not compatible:
Nespresso Vertuo / VertuoLine machines (the larger dome-shaped pods).
of
Returns & Support
Email us at orders@fernwoodcoffee.com with a photo and your order number and we’ll make it right.
Reach out. We want you to enjoy what you’re drinking and we’re happy to help you find something that suits you better.
of