What Are the Flavor Differences Between Washed and Natural Coffee? An Introduction to Natural Coffee Bean Flavor Characteristics

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FrontStreet Coffee's Introduction to Flavor Differences Between Sun-Dried and Washed Yirgacheffe Coffee

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 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 preferred processing method is sun-drying, which takes 1-3 weeks but yields exceptional flavor that is highly appreciated.

The washed method offers good body, high aroma, and vibrant acidity. Washed Yirgacheffe coffee beans are graded as Gr-1 and Gr-2, with smaller Arabic numbers indicating higher grades. G1 Yirgacheffe has a distinctive character, with citrus and floral notes blending into the coffee liquid—a flavor that everyone finds irresistible.

Yirgacheffe Natural Processing Method

In this method, the fruits begin sun-drying immediately after harvesting without any processing. This is the oldest existing processing method, typically requiring about 4 weeks for drying. The processing must be extremely precise to ensure the coffee doesn't lose any of its flavor. Natural processed beans have complete natural body, gentle aroma, and more mucilage.

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

Differences in Coffee Bean Appearance

Generally, washed green beans are greenish-blue. After roasting, washed Yirgacheffe has more silver skin and a wrinkled appearance from water processing. In contrast, natural processed green beans are yellowish-green. Natural Yirgacheffe has less silver skin and a smoother appearance.

Differences in Coffee Bean Flavor

Natural Yirgacheffe has a subtle fermented wine aroma, with a heavier body and much richer flavor. It presents honey sweetness, cocoa notes with hints of spice, a full body with persistent aftertaste. The rich texture and unique soft floral notes brush across your palate, leaving endless回味. Washed Yirgacheffe has brighter acidity, like lemon citric acid, with a cleaner taste and more prominent citrus aroma. The finish has some black tea characteristics. Both varieties offer fruit acidity similar to citrus fruits like lemon and orange.

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