Washed coffee processing is the most common method of processing coffee. Processing coffee through this method is simple and efficient, which is why most coffee is processed this way.
In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know about washed coffee processing, from start to finish.
History
The washed processing method was first developed in Ethiopia in the 1500s. It's been said that this method was created out of necessity, as the country didn't have access to the machinery needed for dry processing.
In the early days of washed processing, coffee cherries were simply soaked in water for a period of time. This was done to remove any impurities from the coffee beans.
Eventually, the coffee industry evolved and new methods were developed to process coffee more efficiently. The washed processing method we know today was developed in the early 1900s.
This new method quickly spread to other coffee-producing countries, and today, the majority of coffee is processed using the washed method.
Fermentation
In the washed process, fermentation is used to remove the mucilage from the coffee beans, which at this stage are really just the seeds of the coffee fruit.
Coffee seeds are surrounded by a sticky layer of mucilage. This mucilage is made up of sugars, proteins, and other organic compounds. It forms a part of the skin of the coffee fruit and protects the seed inside.
Removing the mucilage is important because it can affect the flavor of the coffee.
Fermentation is done by soaking the coffee cherries in water for 12-48 hours. This allows the mucilage to break down and be removed from the coffee beans.
After fermentation, the coffee cherries are then washed with clean water. This removes any remaining mucilage from the beans.
The coffee beans are then left to dry.
The Cherry
The washed method can only be used on coffee cherries that are ripe. If the coffee cherries are not ripe, they will not ferment properly and the mucilage will not be removed from the beans.
Coffee cherries typically ripen between August and December. The ripening process takes anywhere from 6-8 weeks.
Once the coffee cherries are ripe, they are then picked and sorted.
The Wet Mill
The first step in the washed process is to remove the coffee cherry from the bean. This is done using a machine known as a wet mill.
A wet mill is works by grinding the coffee cherries and separating the beans from the fruit.
The coffee beans are then transferred to a fermentation tank where they will be soaked in water.
The De-Pulper
A de-pulper is a machine that removes the coffee cherry from the bean. It does this by breaking open the coffee cherry and separating the beans from the fruit.
The coffee beans are then sent to a fermentation tank.
The Fermentation Tank
The coffee beans are left to ferment in the fermentation tank for 12-48 hours. This allows the mucilage to break down and be removed from the beans.
The fermentation tank works by allowing oxygen to enter the tank. This oxygen helps to break down the mucilage.
The Wash
After fermentation, the coffee beans are then washed with clean water. This removes any remaining mucilage from the beans. The water is typically filtered before it is used to wash the beans.
The coffee beans are then sent to a drying area.
The Drying Area
After fermentation, the coffee beans are then dried. Drying coffee beans is a crucial step in the washed process, as it removes any remaining moisture from the beans. This prevents mold or bacteria from growing on the beans.
The drying area can be either a raised bed or a mechanical drying chamber.
When using a raised bed the coffee beans are dried in the sunlight, which can take up to two weeks. Sunlight helps to draw out any remaining moisture from the beans. Sun drying also has the advantage of being a natural drying method.
When using a mechanical drying chamber, the coffee beans are dried using hot air. This can take anywhere from 12-24 hours.
Once the coffee beans are dry, they are then sorted and graded.
Sorting and Grading
After the coffee beans have been dried, they are then sorted and graded. This is done to remove any impurities from the beans.
The coffee beans are first sorted by size. The beans are then graded based on their color. The coffee beans are then sorted again by weight.
The coffee beans that meet the criteria for grade are then packaged and shipped to the roaster.
The coffee beans that do not meet the criteria for grade are sold as lower-quality coffee.
Benefits
The washed process is the most common method of processing coffee. This is because it produces a higher quality coffee bean.
The washed process removes the mucilage from the coffee bean. This results in a coffee bean that is clean and free of impurities.
The washed process also produces a coffee bean that is uniform in size and color. This results in a more consistent cup of coffee.
The washed process is also less labor-intensive than other processing methods. This makes it more cost-effective for coffee growers.
Drawbacks
The biggest drawback of the washed process is that it is more expensive than other processing methods. This is because it requires more equipment and labor.
The washed process is also more time-consuming than other processing methods. This is because the coffee beans must be fermented for 12-48 hours.
Washed coffee beans can also be more susceptible to defects. This is because the beans are stripped of their protective outer layer.
Roasting
Washed process beans are typically roasted to a light or medium roast. This is because they have a higher quality bean.
Light roasts have a higher acidity and a lighter body. Medium roasts have a balanced acidity and a medium body.
Washed process beans can also be roasted to a dark roast. This will result in a coffee with a lower acidity and a heavier body.
When roasting washed process beans, it is important to roast them evenly. This will result in a more consistent cup of coffee.
Impact on Flavor
The washed process produces a coffee bean that is clean and free of impurities. This results in a cup of coffee that is less bitter and has more nuances of flavor.
Washed coffees will often taste like fruits, flowers, or chocolate. They often taste like strawberries or raspberries.
Washed coffees will also have a higher acidity than other coffees. This makes them more refreshing and lively.
Washed coffees will also have a more uniform flavor. This is because the coffee beans are uniform in size and color.
Washed vs Fully Washed
The difference between washed and fully washed coffee is that washed coffee is only fermented for 12-48 hours. Fully washed coffee is fermented for 24-72 hours.
Fully washed coffee will have a higher acidity than washed coffee. This is because the coffee beans are in contact with water for a longer period of time.
Fully washed coffee will also have a more complex flavor than washed coffee. This is because the coffee beans are in contact with water for a longer period of time.
Where is the Washed Process Most Used?
The washed process is most commonly used in Central and South America. This is because the climate is well-suited for drying coffee beans.
It's very common to used the washed process when growing Arabica coffee. This is because the coffee beans are less dense and have a higher acidity.
The washed process is also commonly used in East Africa. This is because the coffee beans grown in this region are also less dense and have a higher acidity.
How to Prepare Washed Processed Coffee
Washed processed coffee should be brewed using filtered water. The water should be at a temperature of 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The coffee beans should be ground to a medium-fine grind.
- The coffee should be brewed using a 1:16 ratio of coffee to water.
- Washed processed coffee should be brewed for 3-4 minutes.
- The coffee should be served black or with milk and sugar.
Washed processed coffee can also be brewed using a French press.
- The coffee beans should be ground to a coarse grind.
- The coffee should be brewed using a 1:12 ratio of coffee to water.
- Washed processed coffee should be brewed for 4 minutes.
FAQ
What is the washed process?
The washed process is a method of processing coffee beans. The coffee beans are first soaked in water. This removes the mucilage from the beans. The coffee beans are then dried. Drying coffee beans is a crucial step in the coffee-making process. This is because it prevents mold or bacteria from growing on the beans. The coffee beans are then sorted and graded. The coffee beans that meet the criteria for grade are then packaged and shipped to the roaster.
What is the difference between the washed process and the dry process?
The main difference between the washed process and the dry process is that the coffee beans are soaked in water during the washing process. This removes the mucilage from the coffee bean. The dry process does not involve soaking the coffee beans in water. Dry processed coffees tend to have a more intense flavor because of this. They also tend to be less consistent in quality since there is no uniformity in size or color.
How should I store my coffee beans if I use the washed process?
You should store your coffee beans in an airtight container. You should also keep them in a cool, dry place. Coffee beans that are stored properly will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
What is the best way to brew coffee that has been processed using the washed process?
The best way to brew coffee that has been processed using the washed process is to use a drip coffee maker. This will ensure that your coffee is evenly brewed and tastes its best. You should also use filtered water when brewing your coffee. This will remove any impurities from the water and make your coffee taste even better.
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