What is honey processed coffee?

Honey processing is a clever middle ground between the washed and natural methods. In a washed process, all the fruit and mucilage are removed before drying. In a natural process, the entire fruit is left on. Honey processing takes a different approach: the skin is removed, but the sticky, honey-like layer of mucilage—which is packed with natural sugars—is left to dry on the bean. The name 'honey' comes from the sticky, honey-like appearance of the beans during the drying phase, not because honey is added to the coffee.

Producers can control the intensity of the honey process by deciding how much mucilage to leave on the bean. This is often categorized by color: 'White Honey' has very little mucilage left, 'Yellow Honey' has a moderate amount, and 'Black Honey' has the most. The more mucilage left on the bean, the more sugar is available to be absorbed during the drying process, which typically results in a cup with more body, higher perceived sweetness, and a more complex, syrupy mouthfeel.

This method is particularly popular in Central American countries like Costa Rica, where it was refined to save water while still producing high-quality, distinct coffees. Because the mucilage is so sticky, it requires careful management during drying. The beans must be turned frequently to ensure they dry evenly and to prevent fermentation from going too far, which could lead to unpleasant, vinegary flavors. It is a labor-intensive process that requires a high level of skill and attention to detail.

In practice, honey processed coffees are a fantastic choice if you enjoy a balance of sweetness and acidity. They often have a cleaner finish than naturals but more body and sweetness than washed coffees. If you see a bag labeled with a 'honey' process, you can expect a cup that is approachable, sweet, and often features notes of caramel, stone fruit, or honey. It is a testament to the ingenuity of coffee producers who are constantly finding new ways to manipulate the processing stage to highlight the best qualities of their harvest.