Coffee, a drink valued and loved worldwide, is grown and processed in various ways before it ends up in our cups. The process of coffee processing has a significant influence on the taste and aroma of the coffee beans. In this blog we take a closer look at three different processing methods: natural, washed and honey processing. We illustrate each of these methods with an example from a notable coffee producer.
1. Natural Processing
Natural processing, also known as dry processing, is one of the oldest and most traditional methods of processing coffee beans. With this method, the coffee cherries are dried intact in the sun, including the pulp that surrounds the beans. The result is often a coffee with a rich, full flavor and a unique character.
During the natural processing process, the coffee cherries are spread on drying beds or patios and turned regularly to promote even drying. This process can take several weeks depending on the climate. The berries are allowed to ferment and sugars in the pulp enter the beans. This contributes to the sweet, fruity flavor often associated with naturally processed coffee.
An example of a coffee that is naturally processed is the coffee from Single Estate the Brazil Campo.
The Baraona Family chooses to dry their coffee cherries in the sun. This method brings out an intense sweetness and fruity flavors, with notes of berries, chocolate and a subtle acidity.
2. Washed Processing
Washed processing, also known as wet processing, is a method in which the pulp and skin of the coffee cherries are removed before the beans are dried. This method is known for its clean, crisp flavor profiles and is often chosen for coffees that want to emphasize the natural sweetness and acidity of the beans.
During washed processing, the coffee cherries are stripped of their pulp by machines. The beans are then washed to remove any residue and fermented to remove excess mucilage. They are then dried on drying beds or using machines. This method often produces coffee with bright acidity, delicate aromas and a distinct taste.
An excellent example of washed processing can be found in Single Estate's coffee, the Guatemala Puerta Verde.
At Single Estate, a lot of attention is paid to the selection and processing of their coffee cherries. The berries are carefully stripped of their skin and pulp, after which the beans are washed and then dried on drying beds. The result is a coffee with a refined taste, a clear acidity and subtle notes of citrus, flowers and nuts.
3. Honey Processing
Honey processing, also known as pulped natural, is somewhere between natural and washed processing. This method strips the coffee cherries of their pulp, but retains some of the sticky, sweet mucilage (flesh) around the beans during drying. This results in coffee with a striking sweetness and complexity.
The name "honey" refers to the sticky layer left on the beans, which resembles honey. Honey processed coffee can range from "white honey" (where more of the mucilage is removed) to "black honey" (where almost all of the mucilage is retained). These variations lead to different flavor profiles, ranging from light and floral to rich and full.
White Honey : 90% of the pulp (and pectin) has been removed
Golden Honey : 75% of the pulp (and pectin) has been removed
Yellow Honey : 50% of the pulp (and pectin) has been removed
Red Honey : 25% of the pulp (and pectin) has been removed
Black Honey : 5 – 10% of the pulp (and pectin) has been removed
A striking example of honey processing can be found in PIHA's La Victoria.
La Victoria, from PIHA, is grown and processed with great care and attention to detail. The coffee cherries are stripped of their pulp, after which the beans are dried with some of the sweet, sticky pulp still intact. This process creates a coffee with a silky body and a noticeable sweetness, often accompanied by nuts, caramel and fruity notes.
In conclusion, the natural, washed and honey processing methods each provide unique flavor profiles and aromas for coffee lovers to enjoy. Whether you like the fruity and wild taste of naturally processed coffee like Morgon Coffee's Baraona Family, the bright and clean taste of washed coffee like Single Estate's Guatemala Puerta Verde, or the sweet and silky notes of honey processed coffee like La Victoria by PIHA, there is something for everyone in the world of coffee. The next time you drink a cup of coffee, think about the processing that contributed to the delicious taste you experience.
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