How to Distinguish Between Natural and Washed Coffee Beans? The Biggest Differences Between Natural and Washed Coffee Beans

A successful cup of coffee begins with rigorous handling of the beans from the very start. Processing methods fall into two broad categories, natural (dry) and washed, and the specific method chosen depends on the local climate, environment, and the characteristics of the beans. After processing, the coffee can be roasted and ground, and the quality of the cup depends heavily on how fresh it is. Whether a bean is processed well directly determines whether the cup deserves a genuine exclamation of delight.

Processing Methods

Moisture Content

Washed coffee beans have a moisture content of 12%-13%, while dry-processed beans have 11%-12%. Coffee beans show different colors depending on moisture content: higher moisture appears green or cyan, while lower moisture appears brown or near white. Washed coffee beans therefore show a deeper green.

Silver Skin Integrity

Washed coffee beans generally have their silver skin removed during processing, giving them a special luster. Natural processing, by contrast, removes only the coffee husk and leaves the silver skin completely intact.

Roast Degree

Different processing methods suit different roast degrees, and the effects differ too. Generally, if washed beans have not been taken to a deep roast, the remaining silver skin along their center line is still visible. Although naturally processed beans keep their silver skin intact during processing, it disappears after roasting. The deeper the roast, the darker the bean color.

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

Washed processing is what gives FrontStreet's cleanest coffees their clarity and brightness. FrontStreet Yirgacheffe Gutingding, processed at the Gutingding cooperative, shows jasmine florals and bright citrus acidity with green tea and honey notes, and works as pour-over, cold brew, or espresso.

FrontStreet Kenya Cherry Tomato takes the method furthest: Kenya's double-wash soaks, washes, and soaks the beans again, so the juice-like body carries cherry tomato, smoked plum, snow pear, and black plum over brown sugar sweetness and a long, clean finish. For a rounder, more balanced washed cup, FrontStreet Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 brings hazelnut, cream, chocolate, and caramel with no single note dominating.

Brew these washed coffees in a V60 at a 1:15 ratio and 89-90 degrees Celsius, or try a French press at a coarser, 68-75% pass-through rate on a #20 sieve if you want a fuller body. If you want the fruit-forward contrast of a natural process instead, FrontStreet Sun-Dried Red Cherry and Ethiopia Flower Queen are the ones to compare side by side.