The Ultimate Guide to Coffee Processing Methods: What’s Behind the Flavour
For coffee enthusiasts, understanding what makes each cup unique can enhance the enjoyment of every sip. One of the biggest factors that shape the taste and aroma of coffee is its processing method. At After Hours Coffee, we take pride in curating and roasting single-origin beans that highlight diverse flavours, made possible through different processing techniques. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common methods—washed, natural, honey, and anaerobic—so you can appreciate the journey each bean goes through from farm to cup.
1. Washed Process (or Wet Process)
The washed process is one of the most traditional and widely used coffee processing methods. In this method, coffee cherries are depulped, removing the outer cherry flesh, and the beans are then fermented in water to break down any remaining pulp. After fermentation, the beans are thoroughly rinsed and dried.
- Taste Profile: Coffee processed this way often has a clean, bright taste with vibrant acidity and clarity. It highlights the bean's natural flavours rather than influences from the cherry’s pulp.
- Notable Origins: The washed process is especially popular in regions like Colombia, Ethiopia, and Central America.
- Example at After Hours Coffee: Our Colombia - La Divisa - Washed Pink Bourbon is an excellent example of a washed coffee that showcases clear, fruity notes with a smooth finish.
2. Natural Process (or Dry Process)
In the natural process, coffee cherries are dried with the fruit still intact around the beans. This method involves spreading the cherries out in the sun, allowing them to dry slowly and absorb sweetness from the fruit. Once fully dried, the outer layer is removed to reveal the green coffee beans.
- Taste Profile: Natural-processed coffees are often full-bodied and sweet, with fruit-forward notes, making them popular among those who enjoy bolder, richer flavours.
- Notable Origins: Ethiopia is renowned for its naturally processed beans, which deliver complex berry-like flavours.
- Example at After Hours Coffee: Try our Ethiopia - Kochere Boji G1 - Natural for a juicy, berry-like experience with hints of floral notes.
3. Honey Process
The honey process is a middle ground between washed and natural methods. After removing the cherry's skin, the beans are dried with some of the fruit’s mucilage (or “honey”) still attached. This process requires careful monitoring to achieve the right balance of flavours.
- Taste Profile: Honey-processed coffee often has a rich body with a balance of sweetness and acidity. The flavour profile can vary depending on how much mucilage remains during drying, creating subtle to intense sweetness.
- Notable Origins: This method is commonly used in Costa Rica and Central America, producing beans with a distinctive sweetness.
- Example at After Hours Coffee: Our Honduras - La Hachazon - Anaerobic Honey Typica offers a delicious mix of sweetness with vibrant acidity, ideal for those seeking something unique.
4. Anaerobic Process
Anaerobic processing is an innovative method that involves fermenting coffee beans in sealed tanks without oxygen. This process can intensify flavours and create complex taste profiles, especially with experimental coffee varieties.
- Taste Profile: Anaerobic-processed coffee often results in rich, intense flavours with layered complexity. Expect notes that can be tangy, fruity, or even spicy, with a depth that makes it a favourite for coffee aficionados.
- Notable Origins: Many experimental coffee farms in Colombia and Costa Rica are now using anaerobic methods to create distinctive flavour profiles.
- Example at After Hours Coffee: Our Colombia - Las Flores - Anaerobic Thermal Shock - Sidra stands out for its vibrant and intense flavours, offering a unique experience with every sip.
Why Coffee Processing Matters
Understanding the impact of coffee processing methods can deepen your appreciation of specialty coffee. Each process highlights different flavour qualities, making each cup a unique tasting journey. At After Hours Coffee, we strive to offer a range of coffees processed in different ways, so you can explore and find your perfect cup. Whether you’re drawn to the clean, crisp taste of washed coffee or the rich, fruity flavours of natural and honey-processed beans, there’s a method—and a coffee—for everyone.
How to Choose the Right Processing Method for You
- If you prefer a bright, clean taste: Washed coffees are your best bet. They showcase the bean’s origin and variety, ideal for those who appreciate a crisp, clear flavour.
- If you love fruity, bold flavours: Try natural-processed coffee. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bit more body and sweetness.
- If you want a balanced, rich cup: Honey-processed coffee offers the best of both worlds, combining sweetness with subtle acidity.
- If you’re feeling adventurous: Explore anaerobic coffees, which bring unique complexity and depth to the cup.
Try Our Coffee Today
Now that you know how different processing methods affect your coffee, it’s time to explore. Head over to our shop and pick your favourite processing method for a truly unique coffee experience.
Coffee processing is more than just a step in production—it’s an art form that brings out different characteristics in each bean. At After Hours Coffee, we celebrate this diversity by offering a selection of coffees processed in various ways, so you can savour the distinct tastes and aromas that each method provides. Next time you brew, remember the journey your coffee has taken to reach you, and enjoy the flavours crafted by the perfect blend of nature and processing.
Join the After Hours Coffee Community
Stay up-to-date with the latest in specialty coffee and be the first to know about new releases and promotions. Sign up for our newsletter and get exclusive offers straight to your inbox.