At Sonfresco, we offer a variety of green coffee beans for sale in an effort to cater to a wide variety of tastes. As you browse our green coffee product descriptions, you will notice that each coffee has “Processing Method” listed as one of its features. While every coffee is different, the way it is processed can be one of the most important indicators of its characteristics. So what kind of processing methods are there? And how does green coffee bean processing affect the coffee’s flavor?
Washed Process
The washed process is the most common type of green coffee processing, and is practiced all over the world. Using this method, the coffee cherry is de-pulped, and then water is used to wash the fruit of the coffee away from the green coffee beans inside before they are laid out to dry. This process is regarded as invisible – it allows the regional flavors of the coffee and the cultivar to shine through. Washed process coffees are higher in acidity and lighter in body.
Natural Process
The natural process is the oldest green coffee processing method, and is still popular in dry areas with abundant sunlight, such as Ethiopia. Using this method, the coffee cherry is dried whole, with the green coffee bean still inside. Once the fruit is completely dry, it is hulled away to reveal the bean inside (and can be used to make cascara tea). Natural process coffees taste fruity – like the coffee cherry itself, and have a heavier body and lower acidity.
Wet-hulled Process
The wet-hulled process is a method that is specific to Indonesian coffees, and used to keep green coffee from spoiling in the region’s hot, humid environment. Using the wet-hulled method, the coffee cherry is de-pulped, but no water is used. The protective skin around the green coffee bean (normally removed once the coffee is completely dry) is removed half way through the drying process. Wet-hulled coffees usually have asavory, earthy flavor with heavy body and low acidity.
Which processing method is best you ask? It depends on your preference! Looking for sparkling acidity and clean, crisp flavor? Choose a washed coffee like our Guatemala Café Feminino Naualá. Craving a sticky, sweet fruit bomb fit for dessert? A natural process coffee like our Ethiopian Sidamo is a great choice. Is your taste more savory and complex? A wet-hulled coffee might be your best bet – try our Sumatra Mandheling, you won’t be disappointed. Sonofresco offers a variety of premium green coffee beans for sale utilizing each of the said processing methods, giving you the opportunity to buycoffees that you truly enjoy.
For further information about the green coffee beans that we offer, please visit www.Sonofresco.com or contact one of our expert roasters at 866.271.7666 with any questions.
