Semi-Washed Green Coffee Beans

Semi-Washed Green Coffee Beans

Unroasted semi-washed green coffee for roasters. 'Semi-washed' means different things in different origins: in Latin America it usually describes coffee that's depulped and partly demucilaged before drying, while in Indonesia it's often used for wet-hulling (giling basah). Each product states exactly how it was processed. Looking for fully washed coffee? See our washed green coffee beans. Buy from 0.5kg with samples on most lots – for wet-hulled lots, see our Indonesian green coffee beans. Or browse our complete green coffee list to compare processing styles. Looking for roasted coffee? These are raw beans you roast yourself – here's how to start.

  • Explorer - Rolling Green Bean Subscription
    Multiple Multiple

    Explorer - Rolling Green Bean Subscription

    Explorer - Rolling Green Bean Subscription

    Processing Method
    Multiple
    Varietal
    Multiple
    Main Flavour Notes
    Varies from each coffee
    £71.94 Inc. VAT £59.95 Excl. VAT
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  • Seasonal

    Jhonatan Gasca Washed Pink Bourbon
    Colombia Colombia

    Jhonatan Gasca Washed Pink Bourbon

    Jhonatan Gasca Washed Pink Bourbon

    Cupping Score
    86.25
    Processing Method
    Washed , Double fermentation, Thermal shock
    Varietal
    Pink Bourbon
    Main Flavour Notes
    Caramel | Pink Peppercorn | Blood Orange | Cardamom
    In stock
    - 12
    £16.95
    £33.90/kg
  • The Green Collection - Scenery
    Colombia Colombia

    Wilfer Portela - Anaerobic Semi-washed

    Wilfer Portela - Anaerobic Semi-washed

    Cupping Score
    87.0
    Processing Method
    Experimental , Anaerobic fermentation
    Varietal
    Caturra, Colombia F8
    Main Flavour Notes
    Sweet | Cream | Vanilla
    Out of stock

Your guide to Semi-Washed Green Coffee Beans

  • What semi-washed means

    In most Latin American origins, semi-washed coffee is depulped and has some of its mucilage removed – often mechanically, sometimes after a short fermentation – before drying without a full wash. In Brazil the closely related 'pulped natural' dries depulped coffee with the mucilage on, much like a honey process. The terms overlap, so we always list the producer's own description. See semi-washed in our glossary.

  • Semi-washed vs wet-hulled (giling basah)

    In Indonesia, 'semi-washed' is often used for wet-hulling, which is a different thing. The coffee is depulped and partly dried, then the parchment is hulled off while the bean is still wet, and the bare bean finishes drying. It's a response to a humid climate and gives the low-acid, heavy-bodied, earthy cup associated with Sumatra. Find Indonesian lots in our Indonesian range.

  • Roasting semi-washed coffee

    Latin American semi-washed lots roast much like a washed or light honey coffee: dense, fairly even, with a little more sweetness. Wet-hulled Indonesian coffees are a different proposition – irregular, often bluish-green beans that suit a slower roast with fuller development to bring out body and sweetness rather than acidity.

Your questions, answered

What is semi-washed coffee?

Coffee that's had its skin and part of its mucilage removed before drying, without the full fermentation and wash of a washed coffee. The exact method varies by origin.

Is semi-washed the same as wet-hulled?

Not strictly. In Indonesia the terms are often used interchangeably, but wet-hulling specifically means removing the parchment while the bean is still wet, which creates a distinctive earthy, heavy-bodied cup.

What does semi-washed coffee taste like?

Latin American semi-washed lots taste close to washed coffee with a little more sweetness and body. Wet-hulled Indonesian lots are lower in acidity, with heavy body and earthy, herbal or spicy notes.

Is semi-washed the same as honey processed?

They're close relatives. Both dry the coffee with some mucilage on; 'honey' is the usual term in Central America, while 'semi-washed' or 'pulped natural' is more common in Brazil and parts of South America. See our honey process range.

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 sizes or quantities can I order?

All our green coffee beans come in 0.5kg, 1kg and 5kg bags. Approved wholesale accounts can also order 10kg and 20kg at lower per-kilo prices, and for full sacks or anything larger, just get in touch – we'll help you put a custom order together.