Washed coffee vs. natural coffee: what's the difference?
When it comes to specialty coffee, one of the most determining factors in the flavor profile is the milling process : how the beans are treated after being harvested. The two most well-known methods are washed and natural . Both have profound impacts on the cup. Here's how they work and what to expect from each.
🚿 Washed coffee
In this method, the grain is pulped and washed with water to completely remove the mucilage (the sweet, sticky coating). It is then dried in the sun or under canopies. It is a more controlled and predictive process.
- ☑️ Cleaner, more defined cups
- ☑️ Greater clarity in acidity and fruity notes
- ☑️ Ideal for filtration methods such as V60 or Chemex
🌞 Natural coffee (natural/dry)
In this case, the bean is dried with the whole cherry . It is neither pulped nor washed. Prolonged contact with the pulp and husk generates fermentations that alter its profile.
- ☑️ Intense, sweet and fruity cups
- ☑️ Greater body, less clarity
- ☑️ Recommended for French press or espresso
🎯 Which is better?
There's no absolute winner. Washed coffee emphasizes precision . Natural coffee emphasizes intensity . It depends on what you're looking for in your cup, your brewing method, and your personal taste.
📌 At CafeCo
We select lots based on their character and the profile we want to highlight each season. Some washed coffees have unparalleled clarity. Other natural coffees offer notes so complex they're surprising. The important thing is to taste, compare, and find your perfect match.
The process isn't a technical detail. It's the journey that transforms a fruit into an experience.
Discover our current coffees at cafeco.com.co .
