Differences between Natural, Washed and Honey coffee

When we talk about specialty coffee, we often focus on the country, the variety or the tasting notes. But there is one detail that can change the final result dramatically: the process.

The process refers to the way the coffee cherry is handled after harvest in order to separate and dry the bean. Although it may sound technical, it has a direct influence on flavour, body, acidity and the overall feeling in the cup.

Among the best-known processes, there are three main styles: natural, washed and honey.

Natural coffee

In the natural process, the coffee cherry is dried whole, with the fruit still surrounding the bean. During drying, the bean absorbs part of the sugars and aromatic compounds from the fruit.

The result is usually a coffee with more body, more sweetness and more intense notes.

In the cup, a natural coffee can remind you of:

• ripe fruit
• red berries
• chocolate
• liqueur-like notes
• soft fermentation
• intense sweetness

This process is especially interesting for those who enjoy expressive, rounded and characterful coffees.

Washed coffee

In the washed process, the fruit pulp is removed before drying. The coffee then goes through a controlled fermentation and washing stage to remove the remaining mucilage.

This process usually produces coffees that are cleaner, more defined and more elegant.

In the cup, a washed coffee often stands out for:

• greater clarity
• brighter acidity
• a cleaner profile
• floral or citrus notes
• a lighter and more precise mouthfeel

Washed coffees are often appreciated by those who look for a balanced, clear and easy-to-read cup.

Honey coffee

The honey process sits somewhere between natural and washed. In this case, the outer skin of the coffee cherry is removed, but part of the mucilage remains attached to the bean during drying.

That mucilage adds sweetness and texture, without usually reaching the same intensity as a natural process.

In the cup, a honey coffee can offer:

• pleasant sweetness
• medium body
• balanced acidity
• notes of honey, fruit or caramel
• a round and smooth feeling

Honey coffees are very appealing for those who want balance, but with an extra touch of sweetness and complexity.

So, which one should you choose

There is no process that is objectively better than another. It all depends on personal taste and the kind of experience you are looking for.

If you prefer intense, sweet and very expressive coffees, you will probably enjoy a natural.

If you are looking for a clean, clear and balanced cup, a washed coffee can be a great choice.

If you want something in between, sweet and rounded, the honey process is often a very interesting option.

How the process affects brewing

The process can also influence which brewing method works best.

Natural coffees often work very well as espresso when you are looking for body, sweetness and a more intense cup. They can also be very interesting in filter methods if you want a fruitier and more expressive drink.

Washed coffees often shine in methods such as V60, Chemex or filter, where their clarity and definition can be appreciated more easily.

Honey coffees are very versatile. They can work well both as espresso and in manual brewing methods, especially when the profile has a good balance between sweetness, acidity and body.

A simple way to understand it

We could summarise it like this:

• Natural: sweeter, more intense and fruitier
• Washed: cleaner, clearer and more elegant
• Honey: more balanced, rounded and smooth

This is not an absolute rule, but it is a useful guide to start choosing coffee with more confidence.

Our recommendation

If you are discovering specialty coffee, it is worth trying all three processes calmly. Comparing a natural, a washed and a honey coffee can completely change the way you understand coffee.

At 98% Monkey, we select coffees with their own identity, making sure each process makes sense in the cup and expresses the best of its origin.

Discover our selection

Discover our coffees at www.coffee98monkey.com and find the process that best suits you.