Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world and the second highest traded commodity after oil. It's consumed by millions of people every day and there are many different varieties available. However, there are only two common types of coffee processing.
1. sun-dried
2. water-processed.
Let's explore the differences between sun-dried coffee and water-processed coffee.
Sun-Dried Coffee
Sun-dried coffee is also known as natural coffee or more over, sun dried is naturally processed using the sun's heat and humidity to dry the coffee cherries. This process involves harvesting the coffee cherries, laying them out on a large flat surface, and letting them dry under the sun. As the coffee cherries dry, they're turned regularly to ensure that they dry evenly. It is a labor intensive process and provides employed work for local villagers.
No water is permitted to touch the drying cherries throughout the process as it removes certain volatile acids and oils, changing the 'natural coffee' flavour. The sun-drying process can take several weeks to complete depending upon climate conditions. During this time, the coffee cherries are exposed to sunlight and the surrounding air. This exposure can affect the coffee's flavor profile, giving it a unique taste that's often described as fruity and full-bodied. Sun-dried coffee also tends to have a higher natural acidity level than water-processed coffee; these essential acids are not removed during sun curing.
Capulin Cherries are sourced from the finest selection of local shade grown, tropical mountain Arabica coffee trees. The cherries are dried on our patio at high altitude in the hot Mexican sun, being turned frequently and covered at night to protect them from moisture. No essential acids or oils are removed during our hand crafted processing. We pay the highest price for the best cherries and employ the local villagers to process them at a fair rate of pay... win/win. You get the best coffee in the world and the farmers and their families get a living wage.
Please review our video again, please take note in the quality of the cherries we receive from our local farmers... drying on the Capulin mountain top patio
Water-Processed Coffee
Water-processed coffee is also known as washed coffee. This method involves removing the outer layer of the coffee cherry using water. The cherries are first harvested and then run through a machine that removes the outer layer of the cherry. The coffee beans are then soaked in water to remove any remaining fruit, along with many of the natural acids and oils but leaving only the beans.
The washed coffee beans are then dried in the sun or more often using a mechanical dryer. The drying process takes much less time than sun-dried coffee, typically only a few days. Water-processed coffee tends to have a more mellow flavor profile than sun-dried coffee, with less acidity and a smoother finish.
Differences Between Sun-Dried and Water-Processed Coffee
One of the biggest differences between sun-dried and water-processed coffee is the flavor profile. Sun-dried coffee tends to have a more complex flavor, with fruity and floral notes. Water-processed coffee, on the other hand, has a more mellow flavor with less acidity.
Another difference between the two methods is the time it takes to process the coffee. Sun-drying can take several weeks, is labor intensive and time consuming, while water processing only takes a few days. This means that sun-dried coffee tends to be more expensive because of the additional time and effort required to produce it and the natural format in which it is cured, retaining 'all the naturals'.
Finally, sun-dried coffee tends to be more environmentally friendly than water-processed coffee. This is because the sun-drying method doesn't require any additional water or energy to produce, making it a more sustainable option.
Now watch this water processed video noting the quality of the beans... Fast Forward to 2 mins to view this without watching. You will see immedidately why our coffee is superior
Conclusion
It is said that the best cup of coffee is the one you like the taste of the most. Both sun-dried and water-processed coffee have their own unique characteristics and flavor profiles. Sun-dried coffee tends to be more complex and fruity, and is often viewed as a medicine in local culture, while water-processed coffee is more mellow and has less acidity this due some of the medicinal flavinoids, acids and oils being removed during the processing. The processing method used can also affect the environmental impact of producing coffee, with sun-drying being more sustainable and employs local farmers. Ultimately, the choice between sun-dried and water-processed coffee comes down to personal preference and preferred taste however, often unknowingly, your choice is also a matter of ethics...