Let's delve into the captivating world of natural process coffee and discover the interesting flavors it imparts. Unlike its counterparts, the natural process doesn't involve pulping the coffee cherries immediately after harvest. Instead, it allows the coffee beans to linger within their cherries, undergoing a sun-soaked drying period. This patient approach imparts a unique set of flavors to the beans, creating a symphony of tastes that sets natural process coffee apart.
When the cherries are picked they are spread out in thin layers to dry in the sun, the stations can vary depending on the farms. Drying beds range from raised beds with nets or mesh to allow air flow, to brick patios. The cherries are turned regularly to ensure they dry evenly, avoiding mold, rot and unwanted fermentation from happening. Once the coffee is properly dried, it’s sent to be milled, removing the dried fruit from the bean.
Natural process coffee is more common in regions where water can be harder to come by. You will see a lot of natural process coffee in Ethiopia, and other drier countries.
Natural process imparts the flavors from the coffee cherry, adding flavor to the coffee that may not have been there if the cherry was washed off. Typical flavor notes you may find in natural process coffee are blueberry, strawberry, and other bright tropical fruit notes. The cherry can also impart notes of fermentation, and red wine.
For those seeking to broaden their coffee experience, natural process coffee provides a gateway to the unexpected. It will give you a window into how different coffee can taste. Cheers to all the amazing flavors of our morning cup.