Nav: Home > Coffee >

Introduction to Flavor Characteristics of Sun-Dried Coffee Beans Why Are Sun-Dried Coffee Beans More Flavorful?

Published: 2026-01-28 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/28, Professional coffee knowledge exchange For more coffee bean information Please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account cafe_style) [About Coffee Beans: Flavor Characteristics of Sun-Dried Processing] The sun-drying method is the world's oldest coffee bean processing method and also the simplest way. The fruits are poured into a water tank for screening, where mature beans will sink to the bottom and floating beans are removed Then placed outdoors sun

Professional coffee knowledge exchange. For more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style).

About Coffee Beans: Flavor Characteristics of Natural Processing

The natural process is the world's oldest and simplest method of coffee bean processing.

Coffee cherries are poured into water tanks for sorting, where mature beans sink to the bottom while floaters are removed.

They are then placed outdoors to sun-dry until the moisture content drops below 12%.

During this period, the coffee beans must be constantly turned to prevent mold growth.

Finally, machines are used to remove the pulp, fruit skin, and parchment before bagging.

(Floaters are mostly underdeveloped or overripe beans.)

The advantages of this processing method are its simplicity, water conservation, and low cost.

The disadvantage is that during the sun-drying process, the pulp is not removed, making it prone to mold growth.

Or uneven drying may lead to over-fermentation, producing sour and off-flavors.

Natural processed coffees typically feature tropical fruit, berry, and wine-like aromas, with a rich, multi-layered mouthfeel.

Suitable for coffee enthusiasts who love intense fruity flavors.

Why Do Natural Process Coffee Beans Have Richer Flavors?

The flavor profile of coffee beans can often be inferred from their processing method.

Today, let's explore how to imagine coffee flavors through the processing journey!

First, we need to understand a concept: Processing = Fermentation

Coffee bean processing refers to the journey of coffee cherries from being picked on the tree to becoming green beans ready for roasting.

And this process can also be seen as the fermentation process of coffee beans.

Just as excellent wine requires good fermentation to produce outstanding flavors, the processing method is similar for green coffee beans.

It's a treatment method that combines microorganisms with coffee beans through fermentation, which can draw out the hidden secret flavors of the coffee beans!

What Secret Flavors Does Natural Processing Offer?

Natural processing, simply put, involves sun-drying coffee cherries with their pulp and fruit skin intact, which is why it's called "Natural" in English.

However, this natural processing method may seem easy but is actually not simple. Its refinement has gone through considerable effort.

Commercial natural processing typically involves laying plastic sheets on the ground and placing coffee beans directly on them for sun-drying.

The problem with this approach is that heat transfer from the ground and heat convection of coffee cherries are unstable. Without frequent turning, there may be issues with excessive temperature rise or uneven fermentation.

(Imagine the beans on top being dried comfortably, while beans trapped underneath might develop strange flavors from being suffocated.)

Additionally, many harmful microorganisms and contaminants on the ground can also damage the coffee bean flavors.

Therefore, traditional natural processing often has inconsistent flavors. In the past, high-quality beans wouldn't be processed using natural methods because of poor reputation and low selling prices.

However, natural processing has improved significantly in recent years.

Modern natural processing mostly uses African raised beds. These raised beds effectively block ground moisture and soil while increasing air circulation. Temperature is also strictly controlled during sun-drying to prevent over-fermentation from high temperatures.

The entire natural processing process typically takes more than 20 days, allowing microorganisms and coffee cherry pulp to ferment gradually. This results in sweeter flavors with abundant tropical fruit characteristics.

FrontStreet Coffee (FrontStreet Coffee): A roastery in Guangzhou with a small shop but diverse bean varieties, offering both famous and lesser-known beans, plus online services. https://shop104210103.taobao.com