Learn the Types of Coffee Processing
A Coffee Farmer sifting through coffee beans in the drying portion of the natural process.
Understanding the Types of Coffee Processing
It all begins here. (Well technically it – the journey of a coffee – begins when a coffee is planted, but you know what we mean.)
A farmer picking coffee cherries still on the vine
Coffee beans are the seeds of the coffee cherry. After the cherries are harvested, the processing starts. Farmers then can work to remove the pulp and mucilage surrounding the beans.
(And before you ask… coffee – before it is picked – is a fruit. That’s why it’s called a coffee cherry.)
Imagine drinking two cups of the same single-origin coffee, processed differently, and getting completely opposite tastes.
It’s wild, we know.
In this article, you’re going to learn the base types of coffee processing. There are other hybrid variations, but today we are only going to stick with the classics: Natural, Washed, Wet-Hulled, and Honey.
Let’s get to it.
Natural Processing
Natural processing is the simplest method of coffee processing.
The harvested coffee cherries are laid out to dry in the sun, allowing the pulp and mucilage to ferment and dry naturally. This process can take several weeks and is often influenced by weather conditions (as you can imagine).
The resulting coffee beans have a sweet, fruity flavor profile and are often described as having a "wild" or "fermented" character. For example, our Brazil Mogiana is sweet with tart acidity. The notes are unique with almond, cocoa, and grape-like flavors.
Related: 6 Steps to Make a Great Cup of Coffee
Washed Processing
Washed processing is a more controlled method.
It involves pulping the coffee cherries immediately after harvest. The beans are then fermented in water tanks to remove the remaining mucilage. After fermentation, the beans are washed, dried, and sorted.
Washed coffees are generally considered to have a cleaner, brighter flavor profile with less acidity than natural coffees. Our washed Guatemala Huehuetenango has a sweet and savory flavor with notes of praline and citrus fruit.
Wet Hulled Processing
Wet hulled processing is similar to washed processing, but the beans are hulled (removed from the parchment layer) before fermentation.
This method is often used in areas with limited water resources or when quick processing is necessary. Wet hulled coffees can have a unique flavor profile, often with notes of earthiness and spice.
Honey Processed coffee - some of the mucilage remains on the beans.
Honey Processing
Honey processing is a hybrid method that combines elements of natural and washed processing.
The coffee cherries are pulped, but some of the mucilage is left on the beans before drying. This creates a balance between the sweetness of natural processing and the cleanliness of washed processing.
Honey processed coffees can have a wide range of flavor profiles, depending on the amount of mucilage left on the beans.
Which Processing Method is Best?
The best coffee processing method depends on one very important factor…
You!
Some coffee drinkers prefer the complex sweetness of natural coffees, while others like the brightness of washed coffees. Honey coffees offer a balance between the two, with a wide range of flavor – think of it like a wildcard.
It’s all up to you.
At Refuge Coffee Roasters, we carefully pick green beans from different regions with a range of processing methods to give you all the options you could want. Whether you prefer the fruity sweetness of a natural coffee or the bright acidity of a washed coffee, we have something for you.
These are the coffees our roasters have cupped, dialed in, & found to be their monthly top picks! Whether our roasters are experimenting with different coffees weekly or modifying a consistent favorite throughout the year, you can be sure that the roaster’s choice selection will be creatively & expertly crafted every time you receive your subscription!
You will receive two 340 gram bags of coffee each month which are subject to vary based on roaster recommendation.
If you’re going to learn how to make coffee like a pro, you’ve got more to read…
The Best Roast For Black Coffee - It’s not what you think…
The Roasting Process of Coffee - In only 7 steps
What is Single Origin Coffee - Why It Matters