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Editorial sacred-geometry artwork for Anaerobic Honey; not a documentary photograph
Process

Anaerobic Honey

Quick definition

Anaerobic honey is a processing method where pulped coffee is fermented in a sealed, oxygen-free tank with some mucilage remaining, then dried, creating a balance between the sweetness of honey processing and the complexity of anaerobic fermentation.

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What is an anaerobic honey coffee? It is a processing method that sits between the washed and natural processes, utilizing the controlled environment of anaerobic fermentation. In this method, the coffee cherries are depulped, but a portion of the sticky mucilage is left on the seed. This pulped coffee is then placed in a sealed, airtight tank to ferment in the absence of oxygen.

Because the mucilage is left on the seed, the microbes have a significant amount of sugar to work with during the anaerobic phase. This leads to a rich, complex fermentation that is then 'locked in' as the coffee is dried on raised beds. Unlike a natural process, the skin is removed, which helps keep the cup cleaner, but the remaining mucilage ensures that the coffee retains the heavy body and intense sweetness characteristic of honey-processed coffees.

Why choose this method? Anaerobic honey coffees are prized for their balance. They offer the sweetness and body of a honey process, but with the added complexity and unique aromatic profile of an anaerobic fermentation. You might find notes of caramel, honey, and tropical fruit, all wrapped in a silky, full-bodied texture. It is a method that allows producers to create a very specific, high-impact flavor profile that stands out on the cupping table.

In practice, this method requires careful management of the mucilage layer and the fermentation time. If the mucilage is too thick or the fermentation too long, the coffee can become overly intense or develop off-flavors. However, when done well, it produces a coffee that is both sweet and complex, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a more 'experimental' cup that still feels approachable. It is a beautiful example of how processing can be used to craft a specific sensory experience.

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