Washed

Washed coffee, often referred to as wet-processed coffee, is known for its clean and bright cup profile, with higher acidity and exceptional flavour clarity. This process brings out the intrinsic qualities of the coffee bean—such as its terroir, varietal, and origin—without being masked or altered by the processing method. Because of this, washed coffees are celebrated for their consistency and predictability, making them appealing to a broad range of coffee drinkers.

The result is a coffee with crisp, vibrant, and nuanced notes. Washed coffees are an excellent choice for those who value balance and clarity, as they allow the true essence of the bean to shine through. Their clean and refined profile makes them particularly popular among discerning coffee lovers and professionals alike.

Washed coffee, also known as the wet process, involves depulping the cherries to remove the skin and fruit, followed by a fermentation stage lasting 8 to 72 hours. During this time, the mucilage surrounding the beans is broken down. After fermentation, the beans are thoroughly washed to remove any remaining residue and are then dried, typically on raised beds or patios.

Fully washed coffee is a variation of this process that eliminates the fermentation stage altogether. After the cherries are depulped, the mucilage is removed immediately using a pressurised water system. The beans are then dried, just as in the washed process. This method produces an even cleaner and more consistent flavour, as it relies entirely on the quality of the coffee cherries and their growing conditions. Fully washed coffee is often considered the most accurate representation of a coffee's origin, as no pulp or mucilage influences the final taste.

The preference for washed or natural coffees depends largely on taste and the coffee experience being sought. Each processing method creates distinct flavour characteristics, suited to different palates.

Washed coffees are highly regarded for their clarity, acidity, and precision. They provide a pure expression of a coffee’s origin, highlighting subtle flavours that reflect the environment and conditions in which the beans were grown. This makes washed coffees an excellent showcase for high-quality beans, where the inherent taste profile can shine without interference from the processing.

Natural coffees, on the other hand, are known for their full body, fruity intensity, and sweetness. The natural process, where the coffee cherry dries with the fruit still intact, imparts rich, bold flavours and a unique complexity to the cup. These coffees are often described as having vibrant fruitiness, sometimes with a slightly wild or "funky" edge. They tend to offer a more pronounced and robust drinking experience.

Both approaches have their strengths. Washed coffee is ideal for those who prefer a clean, bright, and balanced flavour profile, while natural coffee appeals to those seeking bold, fruity, and richly textured flavours. Neither is inherently better, and both offer opportunities to explore the diverse world of coffee.