Semi-washed

Semi-washed

Semi-washed coffee, or wet-hulled, sits between washed and natural processing, creating bold, full-bodied cups with lower acidity. Popular in Indonesia, this method removes the parchment while the beans are still wet, speeding up drying in humid conditions. The result is a coffee with a rich, earthy profile, often with a heavy mouthfeel and less pronounced sweetness than fully washed coffees.

  • 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
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    Colombia Colombia

    Wilfer Portela - Anaerobic Semi-washed

    Wilfer Portela - Anaerobic Semi-washed

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

Your guide to Semi-washed

  • What is semi-washed coffee?

    Semi-washed coffee, also known as wet-hulled or Giling Basah in Indonesia, is a unique processing method that falls between washed and natural techniques. It is widely used in Indonesia, where the climate makes traditional drying methods challenging.
    The process begins similarly to washed coffee—cherries are washed, floated to remove defects, pulped to remove the outer skin, and then fermented overnight. However, instead of drying fully in parchment, the beans are only dried for a few hours until they reach 40–50% moisture content. At this stage, the parchment is removed while the beans are still soft and swollen, exposing them to the elements for the remainder of the drying process.
    This method produces coffees with a heavy body and lower acidity but often at the expense of sweetness and aroma, which are more pronounced in fully washed coffees.

  • What is the difference between honey processing and semi-washed processing?

    The key difference is when the parchment layer is removed. In honey processing, the bean remains inside its parchment throughout drying, allowing some of the fruit’s sugars to interact with the bean. This enhances sweetness and complexity. In contrast, semi-washed coffee is hulled before it fully dries, exposing the beans much earlier in the process. As a result, semi-washed coffees develop a different flavour profile, often emphasising body and earthy characteristics rather than fruit-forward sweetness.

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.

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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.

How can I get in touch with your team?

We love hearing from our customers. If you’ve got a question or need any help, just shoot us an email at hello@greencoffeecollective.com, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you. We’re always here to make sure you’re taken care of!

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.

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.