What Washed, Natural, or Wet Hulled Says About You
Your personal coffee process guru
If you're the kind of person who knows—or wants to know—the difference between washed, natural, and honey-processed coffees…you’re our kinda people.
Long before green, unroasted coffee beans arrive at our roastery, they start their lives as coffee cherries on farms in Indonesia, Colombia, Ethiopia, and many other regions.
How any individual farm converts a freshly picked cherry into a dried coffee bean ready to be roasted is called the process. The Process has a big impact on the quality and the flavors the coffee, and one of our core principals in roasting is to bring out the flavors that each of the beans and processes offers.
Coffee Cherries
And whether you go for bright and balanced or funky and bold, your favorite process might say a little something about your taste in coffee…perhaps in life.
Let’s get into it.
El Salvador - Natural Process
Natural Process
You’re the free spirit. You like your coffee a little wild, probably like your playlists.
What it is:
Natural-processed coffees are dried with the cherry still intact. Sun-dried fruit slowly breaks down, letting all those sugars soak into the bean before the husk is cracked open and removed. It’s a more traditional, lower-tech method that depends on time, weather, and precision.
How it tastes:
Sweet, fruity, and full of character. Expect notes of berries, tropical fruit, or even wine. Some naturals are funky and unfiltered; others are clean and juicy. Acidity ranges from low to bright depending on the origin.
We recommend: Bali Kintamani, El Salvador Natural
Ethiopian Sidamo - Washed Process
Washed Process
You’re a fan of the classics. Clean lines, sharp flavor, no distractions.
What it is:
Washed coffees go through a pulping machine to remove the fruit, then ferment in water tanks to break down remaining mucilage. After that, they're dried on patios or raised beds. This method lets the true bean flavor shine—no fruit residue, no guesswork.
How it tastes:
Bright, clean, and structured. High acidity with floral or citrus notes. Washed coffees tend to be more consistent and highlight origin characteristics clearly. Great if you like clarity in your cup.
We recommend: Colombian, Ethiopian Sidamo Washed
Honey Process
You’re the balance seeker. Not too wild, not too clean—just right.
What it is:
After pulping, some of the fruit’s sticky mucilage is left on the bean as it dries. Depending on how much is left, the honey process is labeled white, yellow, red, or black. More mucilage = more fruit flavor and fermentation potential.
How it tastes:
Smooth, sweet, and layered. Honey-processed coffees land between natural and washed in terms of fruit and clarity. Expect caramel, stone fruit, and a rounded body.
We recommend: Honduras Honey (in-store only, subject to availability)
Bali Blue Moon - Wet Hulled Process
Wet-Hulled Process
You’re the earthy type. Grounded, bold, and unapologetically strong.
What it is:
Common in Indonesia, wet-hulled coffees are pulped and hulled while still wet, then fermented and dried. This unique method speeds up drying in humid climates and produces a signature boldness.
How it tastes:
Big-bodied, low-acid, and earthy. You’ll get deep cocoa, spice, and forest floor notes. If you like your coffee thick and rich, this one’s for you.
We recommend: Bali Blue Moon
Swiss Water Process (Decaf)
You’re thoughtful, intentional, and probably still up past midnight.
What it is:
Swiss Water decaf is made without chemicals. Instead, caffeine is gently removed using water, temperature, and time. It preserves as much original flavor as possible, with no harsh aftertaste, and no synthetic processing.
How it tastes:
Smooth, rich, and surprisingly flavorful. You’ll still get origin notes and body, minus the buzz. Great for after-dinner sipping or anyone who just loves coffee for the taste.
We recommend: Swiss Water Process Decaf (varies by origin)
And that’s your primer for understanding coffee bean processes.
We appreciate you geeking out with us over the details of how coffee gets from cherry to cup. Whether you're a fan of clean and crisp washed coffees, bold wet-hulled brews, or funky, fruit-forward naturals—there’s a process (and a personality) for everyone.
Explore our full selection of beans to taste the difference for yourself. And as always...
Drink better coffee.
Dave