Various processing methods of coffee beans

Various processing methods of coffee beans

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and coffee beans are the key raw material for making coffee. Different processing methods can give coffee beans different flavors and tastes. Here are some common processing methods.

1. Dry treatment

Dry processing is also known as natural processing or unwashed processing. This method originated in the Arab region and is still widely used in countries such as Brazil and Ethiopia. Dry processing requires the ripe coffee cherries to be placed in the sun to dry until the skin becomes brittle and easy to peel off.

This process usually takes several weeks and requires regular turning and stirring to ensure even drying. Once the skins are completely removed, the beans are known as "natural" or "unwashed" unhulled coffee beans.

Since there is no washing step, dry processing will retain more natural aroma and sweetness inside the beans and produce a rich fruity taste. However, due to the poor protection of the skin on the surface of the beans, dry-processed coffee beans are more susceptible to insect pests and mold infection.

2. Wet treatment

Wet processing is a common method of coffee processing, also known as washed or fermented processing. The process is usually divided into three main steps: hulling, fermentation and washing.

First, the ripe coffee cherries that have been picked need to be shelled by a shelling machine. This can separate the pulp from the coffee beans inside. Next, the unshelled coffee beans are placed in a large tank for fermentation.

Fermentation usually lasts from 12 to 48 hours and can be adjusted depending on weather conditions and desired flavor. During this process, microorganisms metabolize and change the internal chemical composition of the beans, giving them a specific flavor.

The last step is the cleaning stage, in which a large amount of water is used in the cleaning machine to rinse the coffee beans that have completed the fermentation process. This can remove the remaining pulp and other impurities, making the coffee beans cleaner.

Wet-processed coffee beans usually have higher acidity and a refreshing taste, and it is also easier to control the quality of the flavor. However, wet processing requires a lot of water resources, and the fermentation process may produce wastewater that pollutes the environment.

3. Honey treatment

Honey processing is a processing method between dry and wet processing. In this process, the ripe coffee berries picked are only shelled and a part of the pulp is retained on the surface of the beans.

Honey processing is usually divided into three levels according to the amount of pulp retained on the surface of the beans: white honey, yellow honey and red peeled (or black) peeled. White peeled is the level with the least amount of pulp retained, so its flavor is closer to dry processing; while red (or black) peeled is the level with the most pulp retained and the flavor is closest to wet processing.

Since part of the pulp is retained, during the fermentation process, the honey-treated coffee beans will absorb the natural sugars and yeasts in the pulp. This can give the coffee beans a richer sweetness and complexity.

Honey processing requires more time and labor, and has certain requirements for processing equipment. However, it provides a unique flavor profile between dry and wet methods.

4. Other processing methods

In addition to the above-mentioned common processing methods, there are some other special processing methods.

For example, the semi-washed method is to pick ripe coffee cherries, shell them, ferment them slightly in a water tank, and keep some pulp when washing. This method can produce a flavor between the wet method and the honey process.

Cold soaking is to soak unshelled coffee beans in low-temperature water for several hours or days. This process can retain more aroma substances inside the beans and produce a smoother taste.

In addition, there are processing methods unique to different regions and different coffee varieties, such as oxidation fermentation and Sauvignon Blanc.

Summarize

The various processing methods of coffee beans give them a rich flavor and taste. Whether it is dry processing, wet processing or honey processing, each method has its own unique features. Choose coffee beans that suit your taste and enjoy a cup of coffee with a unique flavor!