The Sweet Story Behind Honey-Processed Coffee
Let's dive into the fascinating world of honey-processed coffee, a journey that adds a unique twist to our beloved coffee beans after they've been harvested from the coffee trees.
The Sweet Saga of Honey Processing
So, first things first – we strip off the outer skin and pulp from the cherries, revealing the gooey mucilage. This sweet, sticky stuff is the magic ingredient that gives honey-processed coffee its one-of-a-kind character. Now, unlike the washed process where water takes center stage, here, we let the beans rest with their honeyed mucilage as they dry. It's like they're marinating in their own deliciousness, wrapped up in a protective layer that's like nature's version of gift wrap.
A Rainbow of Flavours
Now, honey-process coffee isn't a one-size-fits-all deal; it comes in three flavours: yellow, red, and black. The colour tells you how long the fermentation party went on, which, in turn, decides how bold and flavorful your coffee is going to be.
Let's break it down a bit more.
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Yellow Honey Process
Keeps the mucilage on the seed and gets a sunbath on large mats. It's got a light sweetness, a fruity vibe, and a clean profile – kind of like the wet process, but with an extra fruity kick.
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Red Honey Process
Takes a slightly different route. There's a bit of fermentation for the mucilage-covered seeds, stacked up for a while and then spread out to dry. The result? A sweet and fruity symphony in your cup.
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Black Honey Process
Goes through the longest fermentation with those mucilage-covered seeds stacked and fermenting even longer than the red ones. What you get is a bold, winey, slightly boozy flavour, with a side of ripe fruit notes.