Yellow Honey

Yellow Honey

Yellow honey processing sits between washed and natural methods, leaving just enough of the coffee cherry’s sticky mucilage on the bean to enhance sweetness without overpowering clarity. With around 50% of the mucilage removed before drying, this process creates a clean, balanced cup—offering delicate floral notes, subtle fruitiness, and a light to medium body. If you're looking for a coffee that bridges the gap between crisp acidity and gentle sweetness, you're in the right place.

  • 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 yellow honey processing different?

    Honey processing is categorised by colour—white, yellow, red, or black—based on how much mucilage is retained and how the beans are dried. Yellow honey sits on the lighter end of the spectrum, with around 50% of the mucilage removed before drying. This controlled fermentation results in a clean cup with a touch of sweetness, sitting between the lighter white honey process and the richer red honey process.

  • How does yellow honey processing affect flavour?

    Because yellow honey coffees retain some mucilage but not as much as red or black honey, the flavour is well-balanced. Expect a cleaner profile with floral and citrus notes, a light to medium body, and a delicate sweetness. It offers more clarity than darker honey processes while still carrying some of the fruit-driven depth honey processing is known for.

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!

What sizes or quantities can I order?

We offer coffee starting from as little as 0.5kg (1 lb) all the way up to full sacks. If you’re looking for larger quantities than what’s listed on our site, just get in touch! We’d be happy to help you organise and place a custom order. We're here to make sure you get exactly what you need.

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.

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.