Coffee Natural Processing Method Steps and Flavor Characteristics of Natural Process Coffee Beans

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FrontStreet Coffee - Sun-Drying Processing Introduction

We should be aware of the flavors that coffee beans can have, and the processing method is the main influencing factor. How can we imagine coffee flavors from the processing process! First, we need to clarify a concept: processing process = fermentation process.

The processing of coffee beans is the process of taking coffee cherries from fruit trees and treating them into raw beans before roasting. This process can also be regarded as the fermentation process of coffee beans. Just as wine needs to undergo good brewing to produce excellent-flavored wine, the processing method for raw beans is similar. It is a treatment method where microorganisms and coffee beans combine and ferment, which can guide out the secret flavors hidden in coffee beans!

So what kind of secret flavors will sun-drying and water-washing methods have?

Simply put, the sun-drying method uses the sun to dry coffee cherries with their pulp and skin still attached, which is why it's called "Natural" in English. However, this natural processing method seems easy but is not simple at all; its improvement has also gone through considerable effort.

The commercial sun-drying processing method involves laying a plastic sheet on the ground and directly placing the coffee beans on it for sun-drying. However, the problem with this approach lies in the unstable heat transfer from the ground and the thermal convection of coffee cherries. If not stirred frequently, there may be issues with excessive temperature rise or uneven fermentation. (You can imagine that the beans on top are being sun-dried comfortably, while the beans trapped underneath might develop strange flavors due to being stuffy.)

In addition, there are many harmful microorganisms and contaminants on the ground that can also damage the flavor of coffee beans. Therefore, traditional sun-drying has many flavor issues, and high-quality beans were not treated using this method in the early days because the impression was poor and the price was not high.

However, in recent years, the sun-drying method has made great progress. Most modern sun-drying processes now use African-style raised beds. These elevated beds can effectively block moisture and soil from the ground while increasing air convection. Temperature is also strictly controlled during the sun-drying process to prevent problems of over-fermentation caused by high temperatures.

The entire sun-drying process usually takes more than 20 days, allowing microorganisms and coffee cherry pulp to gradually ferment, resulting in sweeter flavors with rich tropical fruit characteristics.

About FrontStreet Coffee

In short: FrontStreet Coffee is a coffee research specialty shop, happy to share coffee knowledge with everyone. We share without reservation just to help more friends fall in love with coffee. Every month, there are three low-discount coffee activities because FrontStreet Coffee wants to let more friends drink the best coffee at the lowest price. This has been FrontStreet Coffee's principle for the past 6 years!

Important Notice :

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