Coffee Bean Processing: The Natural Method

The Natural Processing Method

The natural processing method, also known as the dry process, is essentially the oldest, simplest, and most mechanically minimal approach to coffee processing.

Initial Processing Steps

The primary steps begin with sorting and cleaning. Unripe, overripe, and damaged coffee cherries are first sorted out. Simultaneously, branches, leaves, clumps of soil, and stones mixed in with the cherries are also removed. Sieves are typically used for this initial sorting process.

Drying Process

Coffee cherries are placed to dry in the sun, usually on concrete patios or raised mats. The drying process takes approximately 3-4 weeks. During this period, the cherries are raked several times to ensure even heating and prevent the pulp from molding. At night, they must be covered to reduce moisture from morning dew. When the cherries reach a moisture content of 12.5%, they are collected and placed in storage bins. Before export, the cherries pass through a hulling machine that removes the dried husk, pulp, parchment, and silver skin in one operation. Finally, the coffee beans are sorted and packaged either manually or by machine.

Quality Considerations

Over-dried coffee cherries can cause the beans to become more brittle, resulting in too many defective beans. Meanwhile, under-dried coffee cherries with excessive moisture content are more susceptible to spoilage and pest infestation.

Characteristics and Applications

The natural processing method is widely used in coffee exporting countries such as Brazil, Africa, and Asia. Naturally processed coffee beans tend to produce a sweeter and fuller-bodied cup. The color of naturally processed coffee beans ranges from light green to light brown. Coffee processed using the natural method is characterized by its rich and smooth mouthfeel, with sweet fruity notes.

Recommended Naturally Processed Coffees

FrontStreet Coffee recommends: FrontStreet Coffee Brazil Queen Estate Yellow Bourbon, FrontStreet Coffee Panama Emerald Estate Natural Red Label, FrontStreet Coffee Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Natural Red Cherry, FrontStreet Coffee Yunnan Natural Typica, and others.

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