Washed Coffee vs Natural Coffee: Differences in Production Methods

Washed Coffee vs Natural Coffee: Differences in Production Methods

Coffee is a popular beverage, and there are two main methods for its production: washed and natural. These two methods have significant differences in the way they process coffee beans, which affects the taste and flavor of the final drink. This article will focus on the production methods of washed coffee and natural coffee and explore the differences between them.

1. Washed Coffee

The water washing method is a common and widely used processing method. First, the fresh fruits that are picked at the right maturity but not fermented or peeled are placed in a large soaking pool. Then, they are washed in cool, clean, impurity-free and flowing water (usually natural river or well water).

The washing process removes external matter such as pulp and makes the surface of the beans smooth. Afterwards, the beans are separated and placed in a specific location for the fermentation stage.

Fermentation is one of the key steps in the production of washed coffee. During this stage, the beans come into contact with water and absorb the microorganisms in it, which changes its flavor and aroma. Typically, the fermentation time is 24 to 48 hours.

After fermentation, the beans are thoroughly washed to remove residue and dried in the sun. Finally, the dried beans are screened, graded and packaged.

2. Natural coffee

Compared with the water-washing method, the sun-drying method is a more traditional and simple processing method. First, the fresh fruits that have been picked but not processed are spread out on a large open field.

The beans are then left to air dry in direct sunlight, a process that requires constant turning and stirring to ensure even heating and to avoid mold growth due to humidity or other environmental factors.

The entire sun drying process usually takes 7 to 10 days to completely dry. After completion, the beans also need to be sorted, graded and packaged.

3. Differences between washed coffee and natural coffee

There are significant differences in the production methods of washed coffee and natural coffee, and these differences directly affect the taste and flavor of the final drink.

Firstly, in the washed method, the beans go through a fermentation phase, which makes them lighter, softer and more acidic, whereas in the sun-dried method, the beans do not go through a fermentation phase, so they have a stronger taste and a unique aroma.

Secondly, there are differences in the drying process. The washed method removes residues and makes the surface of the beans smooth by drying in the sun, while the sun-dried method achieves the same effect by air drying.

In addition, since the water washing method requires a large amount of clean water for flushing and fermentation, it consumes a lot of environmental resources. In contrast, the sun drying method is more energy-saving and environmentally friendly.

4. Conclusion

Both washed coffee and sun-dried coffee have their own unique features and have a certain audience in the market. Washed coffee has a light taste and high acidity, suitable for people who like soft flavors; while sun-dried coffee has a strong aroma and is suitable for people who like strong flavors.

No matter which production method is chosen, it needs to be carefully processed and screened to ensure the quality of the final product. At the same time, when enjoying coffee, you can also choose the different flavors produced by different production methods according to your personal taste preferences.

In summary, there are significant differences in the production methods of washed coffee and natural coffee, which have an impact on the taste and flavor when you finally drink it. Understanding these differences can help us better understand and appreciate various types of coffee.