Natural

Natural

Natural processing is coffee at its most unfiltered. By drying the whole cherry, this method locks in the fruit’s natural sugars, creating bold, full-bodied coffees with deep sweetness and intense fruit flavours. It’s one of the oldest techniques in coffee, yet today, it’s driving some of the most exciting profiles in specialty coffee. Natural processing brings out a richness and complexity that stands out in every roast.

  • Bambito Estate Coffee - Red Bourbon Natural
    Panama

    Bambito Estate Coffee - Red Bourbon Natural

    Bambito Estate Coffee - Red Bourbon Natural

    Cupping Score
    89.5
    Processing method
    Natural
    Varietal
    Red Bourbon
    Main flavour notes
    Red Apple | Strawberry | Melon | Plum
    0kg left
    Out of Stock

Your guide to Natural

  • What is the flavour profile of natural coffee?

    Natural processed coffee is known for its bold, fruit-forward character and full-bodied richness. Because the beans dry inside the cherry, they absorb intense fruit flavours, often leading to notes of berries, tropical fruit, and even wine-like complexity. This method creates a coffee with deep sweetness, a velvety mouthfeel, and sometimes a hint of fermentation, making it a favourite among those who love expressive, flavour-packed brews. These qualities make natural coffees particularly well-suited for espresso, where their richness and layered sweetness shine through.

  • What is the difference between washed and natural coffee?

    The key difference between washed and natural coffee is how the beans are processed after harvest, which directly affects their flavour and texture.

    Washed Coffee (Wet Process): The fruit is removed before drying, leaving only the bean. This results in a clean, bright cup with crisp acidity, where the coffee’s origin, varietal, and terroir shine through. Washed coffees tend to be lighter, more structured, and refined, making them popular for those who prefer clarity over intensity.

    Natural Coffee (Dry Process): The whole cherry is left intact during drying, allowing the bean to absorb the fruit’s natural sugars and organic compounds. This leads to a fuller body, deeper sweetness, and bold, fruit-forward flavours. Natural coffees can range from smooth and tropical to wild and funky, depending on the origin and processing conditions.

  • Is washed or natural coffee better for espresso?

    Natural coffees often shine in espresso thanks to their fuller body, enhanced sweetness, and fruit-driven complexity. These qualities create a rich, well-rounded shot that pairs beautifully with milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and flat whites, allowing berry and tropical notes to cut through.

    Washed coffees, on the other hand, tend to have brighter acidity and a cleaner profile. While this can be appealing for espresso purists, some washed coffees can taste too sharp or astringent when pulled as a shot—especially if not dialled in correctly.

    Ultimately, the best choice depends on flavour preference and roast style. If you love a bold, syrupy espresso with deep sweetness, natural process coffee is a strong contender. For a crisp, elegant shot with pronounced origin character, a washed coffee might be the better fit.

    In contrast, washed coffees can sometimes taste too sharp or astringent as espresso, particularly if brewed improperly. This can result in unpleasant, overly acidic notes that struggle to blend well with milk. However, for black espresso purists who enjoy clean, crisp, and bright flavours, washed coffees may be preferred. Ultimately, the “better” option depends on your taste preferences and the specific coffee beans being used.

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.

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 minimum order quantity (MOQ) for large-scale or long-term contracts?

For larger-scale or long-term contracts, you can start with as little as a single bag. We’re also working on tools to help you access harvests and reserve coffees before they even leave the country. While it’s not fully ready yet, we’re always here to help roasters of any size connect with the producers they want to work with.

Can I arrange a visit to origin or participate in harvest season visits?

We’re working on coordinating trips in the future! In the meantime, if there’s a specific origin you’d like to visit, just get in touch with us, and we’ll do our best to help arrange something.

How does Green Coffee Collective support my business growth?

Our vision is to make amazing coffee accessible to roasters of all sizes. We provide all the marketing materials and storytelling you need to showcase the origins of our coffees. If there’s anything missing that’s holding you back from making a purchase, just let us know! We’re always looking for ways to improve and make our products and information even more transparent. Many roasters have successfully scaled their offerings with our support, and we’re here to help you do the same.