What is the difference between dry and wet processed coffee?

Coffee processing is the bridge between the farm and the roastery, and it is arguably the most influential factor in a coffee's final flavor profile. The goal of processing is to remove the layers of the coffee cherry—the skin, the pulp, and the mucilage—to reach the green seed inside. The method chosen by the farmer depends on water availability, climate, and the desired flavor outcome.

The wet process, or 'washed' coffee, is the standard for many high-quality specialty coffees. After harvesting, the cherries are put through a depulper to remove the skin and pulp. The remaining seeds, still covered in a sticky layer of mucilage, are placed in fermentation tanks. During this time, natural enzymes break down the mucilage, which is then washed away with water. Because the bean is stripped of its fruit before drying, the resulting cup is clean, bright, and highlights the specific characteristics of the coffee variety and the soil in which it was grown.

In contrast, the dry process, or 'natural' coffee, is the oldest and most traditional method. The entire cherry is left intact and spread out on raised beds or patios to dry in the sun. As the cherry dries, the sugars and fruit flavors from the pulp are absorbed into the bean. This process requires careful management to prevent fermentation defects, but when done correctly, it produces a coffee with a heavy, syrupy body and intense, often berry-like sweetness. It is a 'wilder' flavor profile that is highly prized by many coffee lovers.

There is also a middle ground known as the honey process, where the skin is removed but some or all of the mucilage is left on the bean during drying. This creates a profile that sits between the washed and natural methods, offering a balance of sweetness and acidity. In practice, the choice between these methods is a deliberate decision by the producer to showcase the best qualities of their harvest. When you are choosing coffee, look for these processing labels to understand whether you are in for a clean, crisp experience or a bold, fruit-forward adventure.