Beyond the different ways coffee is grown, once the harvest is complete, coffee processing comes into play. It is an essential step in turning coffee cherries into high-quality coffee beans. In this article, we’ll introduce you to different coffee processing methods and what they mean for the coffee you drink. Let’s take a closer look.
3 Easy-to-Understand Coffee Processing Methods for Coffee Lovers
Coffee processing is the process of treating or transforming harvested coffee cherries using various methods, such as washing, removing the pulp, fermenting, or drying. These steps turn the cherries into quality coffee beans. The post-harvest processing method can have a clear impact on the flavor in your cup, making coffee processing an important part of selling coffee as well.
Only some producers know what flavor profile their processed coffee will have. Most focus primarily on minimizing defects. After the coffee cherries are harvested, they are transported to a wet mill, where the pulp is removed before the beans are dried and stored. Coffee beans start at around 60% moisture. After drying, their moisture content is reduced to approximately 11-12%, helping prevent spoilage during sale or transport.
At the wet mill, coffee cherries are processed into parchment coffee. The beans are dried with a protective parchment layer still covering them. Many believe this layer helps preserve the beans’ quality until the parchment is removed, before the coffee is shipped from the farm. Most producers process coffee to maximize profits and market response, and this is always a key consideration when choosing a method. There are several ways to process coffee, but here we’ll introduce 3 of them:
Natural Process or Dry ProcessThis is a dry coffee processing method and is considered the oldest. After harvesting, the coffee cherries are spread out in thin layers to dry in the sun on brick patios or raised drying tables, allowing air to circulate around them. This helps the cherries dry evenly. They also need to be turned frequently to prevent mold, fermentation, and spoilage. This step can bring out the coffee’s flavor, though sometimes it can have the opposite effect.
Coffee processed this way can be high quality, and many in the coffee industry value its fruity flavors. They believe this method can highlight the coffee’s flavor profile. Others, however, may find fruity, berry-like acidity less appealing.
Washed ProcessWith this method, the pulp is removed from the beans before they are dried. This helps reduce the risk of errors during drying. Washed coffee has a relatively high value, which is reflected in its selling or export price. After harvesting, the outer skin and pulp are removed using a coffee pulping machine. The beans are then moved to a clean tank or pit to remove the remaining pulp. Pectin clings tightly to the beans, but fermentation helps break down the remaining pulp so it can be washed away completely.
If the coffee ferments for too long, or if the altitude or temperature is unsuitable, it can develop undesirable flavors. Once fermentation is complete, the beans are washed and dried. In sunny areas, they are dried in the sun. In places with less sunshine, drying machines can help reduce the moisture content to 11-12%.
Pulped Natural ProcessThe Pulped Natural Process is especially popular in Brazil. It was developed through experiments by Pinhalense, a coffee processing equipment manufacturer, which sought to produce high-quality coffee using less water than the wet process. After harvesting, the cherries are transported to a pulping machine to remove the skin and most of the pulp. The beans are then dried on patios or trays with less pulp remaining, reducing the chance of defects. At the same time, enough sugar remains around the beans to create sweetness and a more pronounced body.
That’s a look at the fascinating and complex world of coffee processing. Before quality coffee beans are roasted to different levels and enjoyed in our cups today, they go through a series of steps, from harvesting to fermentation and drying, each with its own variations. These methods affect both flavor and mouthfeel. If you’d like to learn more about coffee, explore our website. We’re experts in high-quality coffee trusted by leading hotels, and we offer coffee for offices and restaurants, helping every space enjoy the best coffee experience.
