Coffee culture

Coffee Bean Processing Methods and the High Defect Rate with Noticeable Sweetness of the Natural Process

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee
Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Professional coffee knowledge exchange For more coffee bean information Please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat public account cafe_style ) FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Natural Coffee Processing The natural process (Dry process/Natural method) is the oldest and most original processing method for coffee beans. Compared to the washed process, coffee processed by this drying method is also called "natural coffee" or "sun-dried coffee," where

For professional coffee knowledge exchange and more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat public account: cafe_style).

FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Sun-Dried Processing Method

Sun-Drying Method (Dry Process/Natural Method)

The sun-drying method is the oldest and most primitive processing method for coffee beans. Compared to the washed method, coffee processed using this drying method is also called "natural coffee" or "sun-dried coffee." The harvested coffee fruits are directly exposed to sunlight for about two to four weeks. This method is typically used in countries with distinct wet and dry climates.

Sun-Drying Method - Processing Steps

1. Harvest mature coffee fruits

2. Initial removal of impurities and defective beans

3. Screen floating beans: Pour coffee fruits into a water tank, where mature and full fruits will sink to the bottom, while immature or defective fruits will float to the surface.

4. Sun-drying: Remove the mature coffee fruits that sank to the bottom of the tank and spread them in an exposed area for sun-drying, reducing moisture content from 70% to about 10-12%. The fruits need to be turned several times daily to ensure even drying, and they must be covered at night to avoid moisture absorption.

5. Remove outer shell: After about two to four weeks of exposure, the outer layer of the coffee seeds becomes dry and hard. At this point, a hulling machine is used to remove the outer shell to complete the process.

6. Packaging and transportation: The hulled coffee beans are packaged in bags, which is what we generally call green beans. Finally, through different roasting processes and brewing variations, the countless flavor profiles of coffee can be presented.

Characteristics

Sun-dried coffee beans have a very high sweetness, with a robust mouthfeel and a persistent aftertaste.

Knowledge Extension

Regardless of the method used, the most important point is to ensure that water flows evenly through the coffee grounds to achieve better extraction. During the process, the water flow can start small and then increase, which can also enhance the layered complexity.

In Summary

FrontStreet Coffee is a coffee research establishment dedicated to sharing knowledge about coffee with everyone. We share without reservation to help more friends fall in love with coffee. Every month, we hold three coffee promotion events with significant discounts because FrontStreet Coffee wants to enable more friends to enjoy the best coffee at the lowest possible price. This has been FrontStreet Coffee's mission for the past six years!

Important Notice :

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