Welcome to our May Café Session! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the temperature is finally climbing—it's officially warm weather season! Park days and outdoor adventures beckon, inviting us to soak up the splendor of nature. But before we head out, let's take a moment to reflect on Denver’s beloved sports teams. Sadly, both the Nuggets and the Avs have bowed out of the playoffs, leaving us without a championship run to rally behind. I'd say at least the Rockies are still in it, but let's be real—they're giving new meaning to the term "it’s a rebuilding year." That said, there's still plenty of joy to be found in a day at Coors Field with a cold beer in hand—because even though the Rockies are undeniably terrible, they at least offer us a great excuse to get outside and enjoy a cold one with friends!
Now, let's shift our focus from the field to our favorite brews. This month, I'm thrilled to dive into your top two submitted questions. So grab your favorite mug, settle into your reading spot, and let's embark on another caffeinated adventure. Cheers to coffee, camaraderie, and the sunny days ahead!
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NATURAL, WASHED, AND HONEY-PROCESSED COFFEE BEANS, AND HOW DOES EACH METHOD IMPACT THE TASTE?
You may have seen these words on a bag of coffee from your local coffee shop before: "naturally processed", "washed and sundried" or “honey processed.” These do not mean the beans were found in nature and are organic. Instead, these speak to the process in which the beans are treated before entering the roasting process.
Washed Process: The Clean Freaks Imagine your coffee beans getting a spa day. In the washed process, coffee cherries are dunked in water, where the ripe cherries sink and the unripe ones float to the top and are discarded. The ripe cherries then go through a fermentation bath for 18-24 hours to break down the mucilage (that sticky fruit layer). After their relaxing soak, they get a good rinse, washing off the fruity flesh completely. This leaves just the beans, which are then dried. This meticulous process greatly reduces the chances of defects in each bean and results in a cleaner, more predictable flavor with a bright acidity.
Natural Process: The Sunbathers Now, picture coffee cherries sunbathing. In the natural process, cherries are picked and stored by hand. The ripe coffee cherries are then spread out to dry with the fruit still attached. While in the process of drying Farmers keep a close eye on them, giving them a gentle stir or rake now and then to prevent over-fermentation or rotting. From here the cherries are taken to a mill where they are again sorted to remove less dense beans and other plant materials, allowing for only the highest quality ripened beans to make it through. This method, while labor-intensive, infuses the beans with a heavier body and a fruity, vibrant flavor that can make your taste buds do a happy dance.
The main difference between this method and the washed method is the water use. With how hot coffee growing countries can become - given their proximity to the Equator - many prefer to see the natural process used to save water. (To learn more about sustainable coffee habits, check out our blog “Everyday Sustainable Coffee Habits”.)
Honey Process: The Best of Both Worlds Then there's the honey process, a delightful middle ground. After removing the skin, the cherries dry with some of their sticky mucilage still on. This partial removal results in beans that balance the clean flavors of washed coffee with the fruity notes of natural coffee. Think of it as the hybrid coffee method, giving you a taste experience that's both complex and smooth.
So, what does all this mean for your morning brew? Washed beans often have a crisp, clear flavor profile, perfect for those who love a bright and clean cup of coffee. Natural processed beans, on the other hand, bring a fuller body and fruity sweetness, ideal for adventurous palates. Honey-processed beans offer a harmonious blend of both, making them a versatile favorite.
CAN YOU RECOMMEND SOME COFFEE-RELATED BOOKS OR DOCUMENTARIES FOR SOMEONE LOOKING TO DIVE DEEPER INTO THE WORLD OF COFFEE?
Good question. These are the top books and documentaries that come to mind for me. Keep in mind there are TONS of other options out there, but I’m a particular fan of the following.
Books:
Everything But Espresso - This is the first book that pops into my head when asked this question. A customer gifted me this coffee table book, and at first, I wondered if they were subtly hinting that I should up my brewing prowess by giving the book a read. Afterall, this book does detail every brewing method imaginable (except espresso, obviously). Spoiler, it did actually help me fine tune my brewing methods! Who knew that that analyzing the end results of how the beans settle in the filter of a pour over plays a big role in determining whether or not the coffee was brewed properly?
The World Atlas of Coffee - If you're a fan of maps and coffee, this one's for you. It's a fantastic coffee table book that explores everything from coffee farms around the globe to intricate brewing methods. It's a visual and informational delight, perfect for flipping through while enjoying your morning brew.
Pour Your Heart Into It - by Howard Schultz - Written by the former CEO of Starbucks, this book is a fascinating read about the principles that shaped the Starbucks phenomenon. Schultz's insights offer a behind-the-scenes look at how Starbucks helped create a coffee culture in the United States, making coffee not just a drink but an experience.
Documentaries:
Barista - This documentary follows the journey of baristas as they prepare for the National Barista Championship. It's a deep dive into the skills, dedication, and passion that go into making the perfect cup of coffee. You’ll never look at your local barista the same way again!
A Film About Coffee - This beautifully shot documentary takes you on a global journey from farms to coffee shops, exploring the art and culture of coffee. It's a visual treat and a heartfelt tribute to everyone involved in bringing coffee from the bean to your cup.
Coffee Culture USA - This series explores the diverse coffee cultures across the United States. From small-town cafes to big city coffeehouses, it showcases the unique ways Americans enjoy their coffee.
So, whether you're flipping through a book or watching a documentary, these recommendations are sure to deepen your appreciation for the beloved coffee bean. Enjoy your journey into the aromatic world of coffee!
