Einhert Estate Huehuetenango Region | How Does Washed Processing Affect Maragogipe Bean Flavor? The Benefits of Washed Processing

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Einheit Estate, Nueva Segovia Region | What Do Washed Elephant Beans Taste Like? What Are the Benefits of Washed Processing?

Einheit Estate sits in the striking Nueva Segovia coffee region, known for steep, jagged peaks and narrow valleys. It receives warm air currents from the neighboring lowland valleys of Mexico. That warm air heats the mountainsides, allowing coffee to grow at unusually high altitudes here. The Maragogype variety produces exceptionally large green beans, commonly called "elephant beans," and represents some of Nicaragua's finest coffee. Today, because of low yields and thin profitability in the region, it is gradually being replaced by standard varieties, and Maragogype is disappearing. It offers balanced orange-fruit acidity, rich berry aroma, and a sweet, smooth texture. Conditions like these would normally be impossible at this northern latitude.

Einheit Estate has quickly become a world legend for coffee quality, winning 16 awards over 11 years at the Cup of Excellence, far more than any other estate worldwide. Each year the Aguirre family keeps improving the quality of their estate. They focus on every detail of the process, including floating transport of the coffee fruit, fermentation, soaking, drying, proper storage, and their own processing facilities.

Each Nativo batch ferments for 36 to 48 hours in fermentation tanks, then moves to patios for sun-drying for about seven days, or roughly 70 hours of sun exposure. Only after resting for at least 45 days do professional cuppers select samples for tasting and evaluation. The selected NATIVO batches come from the oldest coffee gardens within Einheit Estate, a mix of Bourbon, Caturra, and Catuai from trees over 40 years old. The elegance of old trees, classic varieties, and three generations of careful cultivation by the estate family give this batch a coffee flavor as refined as red wine: rich in layers and sweet with fruit.

Estate Information

Estate: Einheit Estate

Variety: Maragogype (Elephant Bean)

Processing Method: Washed & 24-hour water rest

Region: Nueva Segovia

Awards: 16-time COE competition winner

Certification: Rainforest Alliance Certified

Year: 2014 - 2015

Altitude: 1500m - 2000m

Flavor Profile: Strong aromas of bergamot and small white flowers, the high sweetness of almond caramel sauce, subtle rum and grape notes, with Earl Grey tea and roasted almond in the finish

How Are Elephant Beans Washed? (Wet Process / Washed Method)

The washed technique was invented by the Dutch in the 18th century. Because some countries see frequent rain and high humidity that make sun-drying impossible, this method, though relatively cumbersome, has become the most widely used processing method today. The biggest difference from the natural process is the use of fermentation to remove the mucilage layer.

Washed Method - Elephant Bean Processing Steps

Coffee Beans - Washed and Sun-dried

The first three steps are the same as the natural process: (1) harvesting ripe coffee cherries, (2) initial removal of impurities and defective beans, and (3) sorting floating beans.

4. Removing pulp and fruit flesh: The selected good cherries are put into a pulping machine to remove the outer skin and pulp, leaving the seeds (the coffee beans).

5. Fermentation to remove mucilage: The seeds, still coated with a layer of mucilage, are placed in fermentation tanks. Biological processing uses fermentation bacteria to dissolve the mucilage.

6. Washing to remove impurities: Because fermentation bacteria remain on the beans, they are sent to washing pools for cleaning and a second sorting (defective beans float to the surface). This step requires large amounts of fresh water to ensure a thorough clean.

7. Coffee bean drying: Machines (or sun-drying) are usually used to dry the beans until moisture content drops to 10-14%.

8. Removing parchment and silver skin: Finally, a hulling machine removes the remaining parchment and silver skin to complete processing. The green beans can then be packaged and shipped.

Washed Method - Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages: The beans carry fewer impurities and a more uniform appearance. Because the fruit flesh is removed at the start, there is less risk of mold, which gives more stable overall quality.

Disadvantages: The washed process is complex and cumbersome and requires large amounts of water, so it costs relatively more than the natural process and is less common in water-scarce regions.

FrontStreet Coffee Recommended Brewing

Pour-over Reference

Using a KEY dripper, 16g of grounds with 32g of water for a 30-second bloom. Extract at 89-90°C with a 1:15 ratio and a medium-fine grind (Fuji Rokusho 3.5). For the second pour, add water to 110ml and pause. Wait for the water level to drop, then pour again slowly, keeping an even speed and a water level that is not too high. Continue pouring to 233ml, then stop. Extraction time: 2 minutes 15 seconds, with rich sun-dried sweetness. Adjust to taste.

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

If you enjoy the clean, transparent cup that washed processing delivers, FrontStreet Coffee's washed selections echo that style. The FrontStreet Yirgacheffe Gediding Cooperative shows jasmine florals and bright citrus acidity with green tea and honey notes, while the FrontStreet Kenya Cherry Tomato, built on a classic double-wash, layers cherry tomato, smoked plum, snow pear, and black plum for a juicy, structured cup.

For a softer, balanced washed profile, the FrontStreet Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 brings cream, caramel, chocolate, nut, and honey notes with a clean, lingering finish.