Coffee culture

What Are the Differences in Flavor Profiles Between Sun-Dried and Washed Yirgacheffe? How to Distinguish Between the Two

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee
Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Coffee first originated in Ethiopia, Africa. On this ancient land, magical fruits were cultivated that continue to influence the world today. While people in many parts of the world were still unaware of what coffee was, the Agao people of Ethiopia were already growing and drinking it. Today, Ethiopia remains
Coffee cherries on a branch

The earliest origins of coffee trace back to Ethiopia in Africa, where this ancient land cultivated magical fruits that continue to influence the world today. While people in many parts of the world were still unaware of what coffee was, the Agaw people of Ethiopia were already growing and consuming it. Today, Ethiopia remains the source of many premium coffee beans. Although Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee beans are small in size, they possess a gentle, elegant, and delightful sweetness. The phrase "coffee enters the mouth, a hundred flowers bloom" perfectly describes Yirgacheffe coffee. Now, Yirgacheffe has become synonymous with Ethiopian specialty coffee. But do you coffee enthusiasts know the difference between washed and natural processed Yirgacheffe?

Different Green Bean Processing Methods

FrontStreet Coffee's Yirgacheffe - Washed Processing Method: This method utilizes washing and fermentation to remove the fruit pulp and mucilage, leaving the coffee beans smooth and clean. After washing, the coffee beans remain encased in their parchment shell with a moisture content of 50%. They must be dried to reduce the moisture content to 12%, otherwise they will continue to ferment and become moldy and spoiled. The best processing method is sun-drying, which takes 1-3 weeks but yields exceptional flavor that is highly appreciated.

The washed method produces good body, high aroma, and lively acidity. Washed Yirgacheffe coffee beans are graded as Gr-1 and Gr-2, where smaller Arabic numbers indicate higher grades. FrontStreet Coffee's G1 Yirgacheffe has a distinctive style, with the fusion of citrus and floral notes in the coffee liquid creating an irresistible flavor for everyone.

FrontStreet Coffee's Yirgacheffe - Natural Processing Method: After harvesting, the fruits begin the sun-drying process without any treatment. This is the oldest existing processing method, typically lasting about 4 weeks. The processing method must be extremely rigorous to ensure the coffee doesn't lose any flavor. Natural processed beans have complete natural body, gentle aroma, and more gum content.

Natural grades are divided into Gr-1, Gr-3, Gr-4, and Gr-5. Similarly, the highest grade FrontStreet Coffee G1 natural Yirgacheffe has rich fruit aroma. Opening a bag of freshly roasted FrontStreet Coffee G1 natural Yirgacheffe can subvert everyone's original understanding of coffee. Only those who have tasted the highest grade FrontStreet Coffee natural Yirgacheffe will believe that coffee is a fruit.

Different Coffee Bean Flavor Profiles

FrontStreet Coffee's natural Yirgacheffe has a light fermented wine aroma, with a slightly heavier bitter taste and much richer flavor. It presents honey sweetness, cocoa notes with hints of spices, a full body with persistent aftertaste. The rich texture and unique soft floral notes brush across your taste buds, leaving endless aftertaste. FrontStreet Coffee's washed Yirgacheffe has brighter acidity, like citric acid, with a fresher and cleaner taste. The citrus aroma is more prominent, with some black tea sensation in the finish. Both have fruit acidity similar to lemon and citrus fruits.

For more professional coffee discussions, please scan the QR code to follow WeChat: FrontStreetCoffee

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473

0