Carbonic Maceration

Carbonic Maceration

Carbonic maceration is a controlled fermentation technique that uses sealed tanks filled with carbon dioxide to ferment whole coffee cherries. Originally adapted from winemaking, this method enhances fruity, floral, and wine-like flavours by encouraging fermentation inside the fruit. While complex and costly, it offers a high level of precision -and when done well, it produces some of the most expressive coffees in the world.

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Your guide to Carbonic Maceration

  • How does carbonic maceration work in coffee processing?

    Whole, ripe cherries are placed into sealed tanks filled with carbon dioxide, creating an oxygen-free environment. This setup encourages intracellular fermentation - where chemical reactions begin inside the intact fruit. Unlike traditional fermentation, this process is slower and more controlled, allowing enzymes and microbes to break down sugars and acids in unique ways. The result is a distinct profile shaped by the absence of oxygen and the internal breakdown of the cherry.

  • Why are producers turning to this method?

    Carbonic maceration gives producers a high degree of control over fermentation outcomes. By adjusting variables like temperature, pH, cherry ripeness, and duration, they can influence the development of flavour compounds with precision. The method also enables the exploration of new sensory territory - helping producers stand out in a competitive market and often commanding premium prices for small, experimental lots.

  • What makes the flavour profile unique?

    Coffees processed with carbonic maceration often display vibrant acidity, layered fruit, and wine-like complexity. Common flavour notes include red berries, tropical fruit, florals, and balsamic or spiced undertones. These profiles are prized by competition baristas and roasters seeking expressive, unconventional cups. While not every lot will taste the same, the method tends to produce clarity, intensity, and aromatic lift that are hard to achieve with other styles.

Your questions, answered

Where did carbonic maceration come from?

The method originates in winemaking, where it’s used to enhance fruit character and texture in grapes. It entered the coffee world through specialty experimentation, notably after being used to win the 2015 World Barista Championship.

Is carbonic maceration the same as anaerobic fermentation?

Not quite. Carbonic maceration is a specific type of anaerobic fermentation where whole cherries ferment in a CO₂-rich, oxygen-free environment. While all carbonic maceration is anaerobic, not all anaerobic fermentation uses this sealed CO₂ method.

Why is carbonic maceration a less common processing method?

It requires airtight tanks, CO₂ supply, and strict control of variables like time and temperature. It’s expensive and labour-intensive, with a higher risk of over-fermentation if not done correctly. That’s why it’s typically used for small-lot, high-quality coffees.

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 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!

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.