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

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A successful cup of coffee begins with rigorous treatment of coffee beans from the very start. Coffee bean processing methods can be divided into natural (dry) processing and washed processing. The specific method used depends on the local climate, environment, and coffee bean characteristics. After processing, coffee beans can be roasted and ground, but the quality of a cup of coffee is primarily determined by the freshness of the coffee beans. Whether the processing of a coffee bean is successful directly affects whether this cup of coffee is worthy of your exclamation "I have a bean."

Processing Methods

Moisture Content

Washed coffee beans have a moisture content of 12%–13%, while dry-processed beans have 11%–12%. General coffee beans show different colors depending on their moisture content - higher moisture content appears green or cyan, while lower moisture content appears brown or near white. Therefore, washed coffee beans show a deeper green color.

Silver Skin Integrity

Washed coffee beans generally have their silver skin removed during processing, presenting a special luster. However, the dry processing method only removes the coffee husk, leaving the silver skin completely intact.

Roast Degree

Different processing methods use different roast degrees, and their effects are also different. Generally, if washed coffee beans haven't undergone deep roasting, the remaining silver skin on their center line still exists. Although dry-processed coffee beans have intact silver skin during processing, it disappears after roasting. The deeper the roast degree, the darker the coffee bean color.

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