Black Honey

Black Honey

Black honey processing leaves all of the coffee cherry’s sticky mucilage intact, allowing for a slow, controlled fermentation under deep shade. This extended drying process enhances sweetness, body, and depth, creating a coffee that is rich, syrupy, and full of pulpy fruit flavours. If you love bold, complex coffees with a smooth yet intense character, you’re in the right place.

  • Marin Family - Black Honey Geisha
    Peru

    Marin Family - Black Honey Geisha

    Marin Family - Black Honey Geisha

    Cupping Score
    87.5
    Processing method
    Honey
    Varietal
    Geisha
    Main flavour notes
    Caramel | Tangering | Black Tea | Lemon | Green Apple
    23kg left
    In Stock
  • Hermanos Aguilera ET-47 Black Honey Licho
    Costa Rica

    Hermanos Aguilera ET-47 Black Honey Licho

    Hermanos Aguilera ET-47 Black Honey Licho

    Cupping Score
    87.0
    Processing method
    Honey
    Varietal
    ET-47
    Main flavour notes
    Chamomile | Orange | Green tea
    -1kg left
    Out of Stock

Your guide to Black Honey

  • What is honey processing?

    Honey processing is a unique method of coffee production where some of the fruit’s flesh and mucilage (the sticky, sugary layer around the bean) is intentionally left on the beans as they dry. This process sits somewhere between the washed (or wet) process and the natural process, resulting in a distinctive set of flavours and textures. Depending on how much of the mucilage is retained, honey-processed coffees can have varying taste profiles, often with a delightful sweetness and a rich body. These coffees can bring together the best aspects of both natural and washed methods: the full-bodied, smooth mouthfeel of a natural coffee, combined with the crisp clarity and bright acidity that’s typical of a washed coffee. It’s this balance that makes honey processing stand out, offering a diverse and intriguing flavour experience.

  • What makes black honey processing different?

    Black honey is the most intensive and labour-heavy of all the honey processes, requiring more time, space, and careful control. Unlike other honey processes, 0% of the mucilage is removed before drying, meaning the sticky, sugary layer remains fully intact on the bean. The beans are dried under heavy shade, which slows fermentation and intensifies sweetness and complexity. While yellow honey is dried in warm conditions to speed up the process, and red honey is kept under partial shade for a slower fermentation, black honey takes even longer and is dried under deeper shade. This extended drying time allows for greater flavour development, resulting in a coffee that is intensely sweet and full-bodied, with deep fruit and pulpy richness

  • How does black honey processing change the flavour of coffee?

    Because the mucilage is left almost entirely intact, black honey processing enhances sweetness, body, and complexity. The result is a rich, syrupy mouthfeel with deep fruit flavours and a pulpy depth. Compared to lighter honey processes, black honey coffees tend to be bolder, with more pronounced sweetness and a heavier body.

  • What is the difference between black honey and natural processing?

    Natural processing leaves the coffee cherry whole as it dries, allowing the bean to absorb flavours from the entire fruit. Black honey, on the other hand, removes the outer skin but retains the sticky mucilage, creating a process that sits between natural and honey processing. The result is a coffee that shares the fruit-forward characteristics of a natural but with added control over fermentation and flavour clarity

Your questions, answered

What is the Green Coffee Collective?

We’re a community of coffee producers and sourcing experts, all working together to make green coffee easy to access—whether you’re a hobby roaster at home or a professional roasting hundreds of tonnes a year. Our platform is designed to simplify buying green coffee, just like any other online shopping experience. No fuss, just great coffee at your fingertips.

How do I find the coffee right coffee for me?

It’s super easy! Just head to our coffee pages and use the search filters to narrow down what you’re after. Whether it’s origin, process, or variety, the filters make it simple to find exactly what you want. You can also check out the main coffee categories through the top menu on our site. Give it a go—it’s straightforward, and if you need help, we’re always here!

How do I know your coffees are top quality?

We totally get it - quality is everything! That’s why we offer samples for almost all our coffees, so if you’re unsure, you can try it yourself before committing. Plus, every coffee comes with a detailed, easy-to-read cupping report where we break down the scores using SCA protocol and list all the flavour notes. We’re all about transparency, so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting!

Are your coffees ethically and sustainably sourced?

Absolutely! We source all our coffees either directly from producers or through trusted sourcing partners who are just as committed to ethical practices as we are. We take the time to ensure the people behind the coffee are treated fairly. If you want to learn more, you can dive into our values.

Do you offer support for direct trade relationships with producers?

Yes, we’re always happy to make introductions! If you’re interested in working directly with one of our producers, just send us an email (hello@greencoffeecollective.com) and we’ll gladly help facilitate the connection. For larger volumes, we can also assist with logistics and any complexities involved in sourcing directly from producers.

Do you offer samples or trial batches before committing to larger orders?

Yes, we offer samples for most of our coffees. If you need a larger sample than what’s typically available, we recommend trying one of the smaller quantity options listed on our site. That way, you can test the coffee before committing to a larger order.

What is your process for ensuring consistency between lots or harvests?

We work closely with our sourcing partners to make sure we’re always offering top-quality coffee. Most of the partners you’ll find on our site have years of experience in their regions, and they use that expertise to access the best coffees available each season. Their deep relationships with producers help maintain consistency in both quality and supply.

How do you handle logistics and shipping for larger orders?

We’ve got you covered! For larger orders, we offer full logistical support, including freight, warehousing, and inventory management. We’ll make sure the process is as smooth and hassle-free as possible, so you can focus on roasting great coffee. If you’re shipping internationally, we can also assist in ensuring smooth delivery.