Enjoying natural coffee is a pleasure that is difficult to find these days. Although natural processes have regained popularity across various industries, they remain exclusive because they are more delicate, require more care, and are usually more expensive, regardless of the product we choose to enjoy. But don't get us wrong: in this article, we'll discover what natural coffee is and what it consists of, as well as how this process has influenced the quality of our cups.
What is the natural process in coffee?
This process is where coffee begins. It is the first drying process, and even today it is the method used mainly in Ethiopia and Brazil, where water is not easily accessible. To achieve natural drying, It begins with the drying of the whole coffee cherries, that is, the ripe and completely red fruit, without removing the shell. As we know, the coffee cherry tree is made up of different layers that protect the seed, and we usually put the cherry trees through different processes to reach the bean we normally see.
In the natural process, it's customary to spread all the cherries on a flat surface. Depending on the farm and its productive size, the size of this drying mat is determined by the size of the drying mat. On some farms, we can find them on the roofs themselves, with minor adjustments to protect them from the rain. The drying mats are built slightly elevated from the ground to ensure constant air circulation, all to prevent the formation of fungus, mold, or fruit rot. In these drying spaces, the coffee berries spend several weeks in the sun, without removing their skin or mucilage. They must be constantly turned and raked. When the cherries reach a humidity level below 11%, the outer layer can be removed. Due to exposure to the sun, it has already become dry and brittle. When extracted, the coffee beans are revealed inside.
Its roasting process
As we've discussed previously, the flavor of coffee can vary depending on the different processes applied to it. Therefore, in the case of naturally processed coffee, the roasting process should also be somewhat different to further highlight the specific characteristics of the bean and its processes. Generally, Coffees that go through a natural process tend to be less dense than washed coffees And generally speaking, the roasting process requires more heat to penetrate the bean structure. But be careful, more heat also means greater control over the process. Due to their natural process, these beans are highly susceptible to burning if the heat added is too high or the time is longer than indicated.
But for coffee drinkers, what matters most is ... the profile in our cup. The natural process clearly greatly affects the final profile of the cup, influencing everything from acidity to sweetness to bodyβin other words, it has everything to do with our taste in the cup. The most common thing in these processes is to find a final product with unusual and very interesting flavors, but with characteristics of a high body, while its acidity is low. We can also find exotic and fruity flavors that are awakened by the heat of the sun. Therefore, one of the main problems with this process is the unevenness of flavors in the cup and between drying times, which is why strict testing and tasting are carried out to ensure uniformity. In this natural process, the fruity flavors depend greatly on the region in which the coffee is grown and the variety undergoing the process, but the most common notes usually found are tones of blueberry, strawberry, tropical fruits, and some sweeter ones like honey.
This is also considered a more environmentally friendly process, generating much less waste than other processes and significantly reducing water consumption in its production compared to other techniques such as washing.
This process adds all the naturalness of the sun to our coffee. It is a step that has changed the perception of coffee lovers. What was previously seen as an old and impractical process is now a benchmark for a new experience in our cup, a reflection of the patience and waiting to obtain the best qualities of the beans selected for our coffee. Enjoying a naturally processed coffee is experiencing a specialty cup that will fill our palates with surprises.