Coffee bean processing methods revealed, how many methods do you know?

Coffee Bean Processing Methods Revealed

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and the way coffee beans are processed has an important impact on the final taste and flavor. In this article, we will reveal several common coffee bean processing methods.

1. Starbucks coffee types dry processing

Dry processing is also known as natural processing or sun drying. It is one of the oldest and most traditional ways of processing coffee beans. In dry processing, ripe coffee cherries are laid out in the sun to dry in order to remove the skin and pulp.

This process requires patience and time, and requires regular turning and stirring to ensure even drying. Once completely dry, the outer layer falls off and what remains is what is known as the "gold" or "white gold" bean.

Since there is no water involved, this processing method can retain more original flavors and produce a rich and complex taste. However, dry processing in high humidity or unstable temperatures may cause mold or spoilage.

2. Wet treatment

Wet processing is also known as the washed process. This method involves soaking the coffee cherries in water to remove the pulp and skin. First, the ripe coffee cherries pass through a peeling machine to remove the outer skin, and then the remaining bean paste is soaked in large fermentation tanks.

During the fermentation process, natural yeasts and bacteria break down the mucilage and produce chemical reactions that contribute to the taste and flavor of the soy milk. The residue is then completely removed through washing, bleaching and drying.

Wet processing generally requires more time, resources, labor, and is more environmentally demanding. However, it produces coffee beans that are crisp, bright, and aromatic.

3. Honey treatment

Honey processing is a processing method between dry and wet processing. It originated in Costa Rica and has become increasingly popular in recent years. This method retains some of the pulp and ferments it, but is less than wet processing.

In the honey process, the outer skin of the coffee fruit is removed, but the inner pulp remains around the bean. This retained pulp is fermented for a period of time and penetrates into the beans. It is then washed and dried.

Honey processing can produce a rich, sweet taste while retaining some of the complexity and depth of dry processing.

4. Semi-water washing method

Semi-washed coffee beans are a compromise between wet and dry processing. In this method, the coffee beans are first sent through a peeling machine to remove the outer skin, and then sent through a whirlpool washer to completely remove the remaining mucilage.

The semi-washed method combines the advantages of both wet and dry processing methods: it can produce a brighter and more refreshing taste while retaining a certain degree of original flavor characteristics.

Summarize

The above introduces several common coffee bean processing methods: dry method, wet method, honey processing and semi-washed method. Each method has its unique advantages and applicable scenarios. Choosing the right processing method can maximize the flavor potential of coffee beans.

Whether you are pursuing the original flavor or looking for a more refreshing taste, understanding the different coffee bean processing methods will help you better appreciate and taste this cup of fragrant coffee.