Coffee Processing Methods: Natural vs. Washed Explained
Natural vs. Washed Coffee Processing: What’s the Difference?
At Groundstate Coffee Roasters, we take pride in offering a diverse range of coffees with distinct flavors and origins. One of the factors that significantly influences the taste of your cup is the way the coffee is processed. Today, we’re diving into the two most common methods: natural (or dry) processing and washed (or wet) processing. By understanding the differences, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the coffee you enjoy and how it’s crafted.
What is Natural (Dry) Coffee Processing?
Natural processing is one of the oldest methods of preparing coffee cherries for roasting. Here’s how it works:
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Harvest: Ripe coffee cherries are carefully picked from the coffee trees.
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Drying: The whole cherries are laid out in the sun on raised drying beds or patios. They are turned regularly to ensure even drying and to prevent mold.
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Hulling: Once the cherries are completely dried, the outer layers are removed to reveal the coffee beans inside.
Flavor Profile of Natural Coffees
Natural coffees are known for their bold, fruity, and sometimes wine-like characteristics. Since the beans dry inside the fruit, they absorb flavors from the cherry itself. This method often results in vibrant and complex tasting notes.
Example:
Our Justine Beaver Colombia coffee is a naturally fermented gem, offering a lush and fruity profile that’s a delight for adventurous coffee drinkers.
What is Washed (Wet) Coffee Processing?
The washed process, also called wet processing, is a more modern method that emphasizes clarity and consistency. Here’s the process:
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Harvest: Like the natural method, ripe cherries are carefully picked.
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Pulping: The outer fruit layer is removed using specialized machinery.
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Fermentation: The beans are soaked in water to remove any remaining mucilage (a sticky substance surrounding the beans).
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Washing and Drying: The clean beans are washed and then dried, often on raised beds or in mechanical dryers.
Flavor Profile of Washed Coffees
Washed coffees are celebrated for their clean, bright, and crisp flavors. This method highlights the intrinsic qualities of the coffee bean, such as its acidity and delicate notes, without interference from the fruit.
Example:
Our Silly Simon coffee showcases the best of washed processing, offering a crisp and clean flavor profile with subtle brightness. Perfect for those who enjoy a refined and elegant cup, it’s a testament to the beauty of the washed process.
How Does Processing Impact Your Cup?
The choice between natural and washed processing boils down to personal preference. If you love adventurous and fruit-forward flavors, natural coffees are a fantastic choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a clean and refined cup, washed coffees might be your go-to.
At Groundstate, we celebrate both methods by sourcing exceptional coffees that showcase the best of each process. From the fruity vibrance of our Justine Beaver to the refined clarity of our Silly Simon coffee, there’s something for everyone.
Explore the World of Coffee Processing with Groundstate
The next time you sip on a cup of Groundstate coffee, take a moment to appreciate the journey it’s taken to reach you. From smallholder farms to the careful hands of processors, every step adds depth to your experience.
Ready to Taste the Difference?
Discover the unique flavors of naturally fermented and washed coffees in our collection. Whether you crave bold fruitiness or refined clarity, we have the perfect brew waiting for you.
