1. Processing Method

• Washed Process (Wet Process):
  • Method: After harvesting, the coffee cherries are pulped to remove the outer fruit layer. The beans are then fermented in water to remove the mucilage before being washed and dried.
  • Goal: This method aims to create a clean flavor profile by emphasizing the coffee’s inherent characteristics.
• Natural Process (Dry Process):
  • Method: The whole cherries are spread out to dry in the sun, allowing the beans to absorb flavors from the fruit as they dry. The fruit is removed after drying.
  • Goal: This method seeks to enhance sweetness and fruitiness, resulting in a more complex flavor profile.

2. Flavor Profile

• Washed Process:
  • Characteristics: Typically has a clean, bright, and crisp flavor. The acidity is often more pronounced, with clear notes of fruit and floral qualities. The flavors can be more straightforward and reflective of the coffee’s origin.
  • Common Notes: Citrus, floral, and tea-like flavors, with a lighter body.
• Natural Process:
  • Characteristics: Usually exhibits a fuller body, with pronounced sweetness and fruitiness. The flavors are often more complex and can include a wider range of fruity and jammy notes.
  • Common Notes: Berries, stone fruits, and sometimes wine-like characteristics, with a heavier, syrupy mouthfeel.

3. Aroma

• Washed Process:
  • Aroma: Often has a clean, crisp aroma with floral and citrus notes that match the flavor profile.
• Natural Process:
  • Aroma: Typically has a richer, fruitier aroma, often with hints of dried fruits and a more pronounced sweetness.

4. Mouthfeel

• Washed Process:
  • Mouthfeel: Generally lighter and more delicate, making it refreshing and easy to drink.
• Natural Process:
  • Mouthfeel: Tends to be fuller and more syrupy, providing a more robust drinking experience.

5. Complexity

Complexity: Usually offers a more layered and complex profile, with a wider range of flavor nuances due to the interaction between the beans and the fruit during drying.

Washed Process:

Complexity: While it can showcase complexity, the flavors are often more defined and straightforward, focusing on clarity.

Natural Process:

Complexity: Usually offers a more layered and complex profile, with a wider range of flavor nuances due to the interaction between the beans and the fruit during drying.