Beans & Processing

Natural process

Natural process is one of the oldest methods of coffee processing, where whole coffee cherries are dried in the sun for several weeks before the fruit skin and pulp are removed. During this drying period, the sugars from the fruit pulp naturally ferment and soak into the seed, which we call the coffee bean. This transfer of flavors rewards you with a cup that has distinct fruity tasting notes, a wine-like character, and a heavier body (meaning the texture and weight you feel on your tongue). It requires great care from the farmers, who must constantly rake the cherries to ensure they dry evenly without spoiling. Interestingly, because it requires almost no water, this traditional method is now recognized as the most eco-friendly way to process coffee.

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Edu Corner in the Specialty Atlas app has the whole glossary, with terms linked to the coffees and brewing methods you actually use.

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