What is the Fully Washed Coffee Bean Process?

If you’re a true coffee enthusiast, you know the world of coffee is as diverse as it is delicious. From bean to brew, each step shapes the final flavor profile, and one of the most influential stages is the processing method. Among the array of options, the fully washed process stands out as a favourite for its ability to create clean, vibrant coffee flavors. Just like our Colombia Popayan beans.

In this blog, we’ll dive into what makes the washed coffee bean process so special, how it works, and why it’s beloved by coffee lovers around the world.

What Is Washed Coffee?

The washed process, also known as wet processing, is a method that involves meticulously cleaning the coffee beans to strip away all fruit residues before they are dried. Unlike natural (dry) processing, where the coffee cherries dry whole, washed coffee undergoes a controlled series of steps to remove impurities and enhance the purity of flavor. The result? A cup that truly allows the origin and variety of the beans to shine.

Step-by-Step: The Fully Washed Coffee Process

1. Sorting: Finding the Best Cherries

The journey begins right after the cherries are picked. Farmers immerse them in floating water tanks to separate the ripe, high-quality cherries from the unripe or defective ones. Ripe cherries sink to the bottom, while the less desirable ones float to the top. This step ensures only the best beans proceed to the next stage, setting the tone for an exceptional cup of coffee.

2. Pulping: Removing the Fruit

Next, the cherries are sent through a depulping machine, which strips away the skin and most of the fruity outer layers. What remains are the seeds—what we know as coffee beans—still covered in a sticky mucilage.

3. Fermentation: Breaking Down the Mucilage

The beans are then transferred to fermentation tanks, where they soak in water for 18–24 hours. During this time, natural microorganisms break down the mucilage layer surrounding the beans. This step is crucial for unlocking the coffee’s nuanced flavors, as it removes the sticky residue while preserving the bean’s delicate essence. 

4. Washing and Drying: The Final Clean-Up

Once fermentation is complete, the beans are thoroughly washed to remove any remaining residue. They are then dried to reduce moisture content to around 10–12%. Drying can happen under the sun on raised beds, which adds a touch of traditional charm, or in mechanical dryers for faster, large-scale operations. Some farms use a combination of both methods to achieve optimal results. 

What Does Fully Washed Coffee Taste Like? 

Coffee processed through the fully washed method is renowned for its clarity and brightness. By removing the fruit before drying, this process minimizes fermentation-induced flavors, allowing the beans’ inherent characteristics to take center stage. The result is a clean, vibrant cup where you can savor the distinct notes of the coffee’s origin—be it floral, citrusy, chocolaty, or nutty.

For example, our Guatemala Huehuetenango offers bright citrus notes with a touch of green apple sweetness, perfectly highlighting the benefits of the washed process. 

If you’re someone who loves exploring the intricate terroir of coffee, washed coffee is a delightful experience. It’s like a spotlight for the beans, bringing out their unique story without interference from fruity or earthy overtones that often accompany other processing methods.

Why Choose Washed Coffee?

1. Consistency: The washed process offers uniformity in flavor, making it a favorite among specialty coffee roasters.

2. Sustainability: Many small farms leverage sun drying, which is environmentally friendly and supports traditional farming methods.

3. Taste Purity: By removing impurities early, washed coffee allows you to experience the bean’s full flavor potential.

Washed vs. Natural Coffee: What’s the Difference? 

While natural coffee retains more fruity and earthy flavors due to being dried with the cherry intact, washed coffee offers a cleaner and brighter profile. The choice between the two often depends on personal preference: do you crave the bold complexity of natural coffee or the crisp clarity of washed coffee?

Final Thoughts 

The fully washed coffee process is a testament to the care and craftsmanship that goes into every cup of coffee. From sorting to drying, every step is designed to highlight the bean’s unique qualities, delivering a brew that’s as pure as it is delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee connoisseur or a casual drinker, exploring washed coffee can be a journey of discovering the rich diversity of flavors that coffee has to offer.

So next time you pick up a bag of our coffee beans, take a moment to check if it’s washed. You’re not just choosing a coffee, you’re choosing an experience shaped by tradition, precision, and passion.