Coffee processing is one of the most important and often overlooked, stages in how your coffee ends up tasting in the cup. Before roasting, before brewing, even before export, there’s a critical phase that determines whether a coffee is bright or bold, clean or complex, sweet or structured. That phase is processing.

The way coffee is handled after harvest directly impacts:

• sweetness
• clarity
• acidity
• body
• flavour complexity

At NewGround, this is a big part of how we think about sourcing. We’re not just looking for good coffee – we’re looking for high performance coffee that delivers consistently, across brewing methods, from the first cup to the last.

What Is Coffee Processing?

At its simplest, coffee processing is the method used to remove the fruit (the coffee cherry) from the seed (what we roast as coffee beans).

But in reality, it’s much more than that.

Once coffee cherries are picked, they go through a series of steps:

• Fruit removal – separating the seed from the cherry
• Fermentation – breaking down sugars and mucilage
• Drying – reducing moisture to a stable level
• Stabilisation – preparing the coffee for export

This journey, from cherry to green coffee, is where much of the flavour is shaped.

Different choices at each stage lead to very different outcomes in the cup.

The Main Coffee Processing Methods

There are a few core processing styles you’ll see again and again. Each one brings something different to the cup.

Washed Process

In washed coffees, the fruit is removed early in the process.

After harvesting:

• the outer skin is removed
• the coffee is fermented in tanks
• then washed clean before drying

This results in a coffee where the flavour comes more from the bean itself, rather than the fruit around it.

Typical flavour profile:

• bright and clean
• high clarity
• structured acidity

Washed coffees are often the clearest expression of origin showing terroir, altitude, and variety with precision.

They’re a big part of our range because they perform exceptionally well across brewing methods, from filter to espresso.

Natural Process

Natural coffees take a very different approach.

Instead of removing the fruit early, the coffee is dried inside the whole cherry.

That means:

• longer contact between the seed and fruit
• more sugar absorption
• more fermentation influence

The result is a coffee that’s:

• sweeter
• more fruit-forward
• often more complex

Natural coffees can be big and expressive, sometimes even surprising.

When done well, they’re some of the most exciting coffees to drink.

Honey & Experimental Processes

Between washed and natural sits a growing category: honey and experimental processes.

In honey processing:

• some of the fruit is left on during drying
• creating a balance between clarity and sweetness

This often leads to:

• syrupy body
• rounded sweetness
• balanced flavour profiles

Beyond that, producers are constantly experimenting:

• extended fermentations
• anaerobic processing
• controlled environments

These methods push flavour further, often creating highly distinctive coffees.

This is where careful sourcing really matters. Not all experimental coffees perform well but when they do, they can be exceptional.

How Processing Impacts Flavour and Performance

Processing doesn’t just change how a coffee tastes—it affects how it behaves.

At NewGround, we think a lot about performance in the cup.

That means:

• how easy it is to brew
• how consistent it is
• how it extracts

Washed coffees:

• high clarity
• precise extraction
• great for filter and clean espresso

Natural coffees:

• higher sweetness
• fuller body
• work well in espresso, French press, cold brew

Honey & experimental:

• balance of clarity and texture
• versatile across brewing methods

Different processes suit different preferences—but also different brewing styles.

Although ultimately it’s your experience that matters, and your preference is the one that counts!

That’s why we source coffees that aren’t just interesting, but reliable and repeatable.

Why Processing Matters for Freshness and Quality

Processing also plays a big role in coffee freshness and stability.

Well-processed coffees:

• dry evenly
• store better
• maintain flavour over time

This matters for:

• coffee delivery
• shelf life
• consistency across a bag

Poor processing can lead to:

• uneven drying
• flavour degradation
• shorter freshness window

When we talk about coffee quality, processing is a huge part of that.

It ensures that what leaves origin arrives with integrity and performs just as well weeks later in your kitchen.

How NewGround Sources by Process

We don’t treat processing as an afterthought.

It’s a key part of how we approach coffee sourcing.

We look for:

• producers who are intentional in their processing
• coffees where the process enhances, not masks, flavour
• lots that deliver both taste and performance

We work closely with partners who:

• understand fermentation
• control drying conditions
• prioritise consistency

The goal is simple:

Source coffees with conviction from origin to cup

Not just interesting coffees, but coffees that:

• taste great
• brew well
• stay consistent

Choosing the Right Processing Style for Your Taste

If you’re exploring specialty coffee, processing is one of the easiest ways to find what you like.

If you like bright and clean coffees
// Choose washed

If you enjoy bold, fruity cups
// Go for natural

If you like sweetness and balance
// Try honey or experimental lots

There’s no right answer, it’s about preference.

Trying different processes is one of the best ways to build your palate and discover what you enjoy.

How Subscriptions Make Exploration Easier

One of the easiest ways to explore different processing styles is through a coffee subscription.

Subscriptions allow you to:

• try a range of coffees over time
• experience different processing methods
• stay within the ideal freshness window

They also make coffee delivery simple and consistent.

Instead of choosing one coffee and sticking with it, you can:

• rotate between washed, natural, and experimental
• discover new origins
• find your favourites

It’s a simple way to experience premium coffee without overthinking it.

Final Thoughts

Coffee processing is one of the biggest factors shaping what ends up in your cup.

It influences:

• flavour
• quality
• freshness
• performance

Understanding it helps you:

• choose better coffee
• brew more confidently
• get more out of every cup

At NewGround, it’s a core part of how we source, selecting coffees that are built to perform, from the moment they’re harvested to the moment you brew them.

Explore our latest coffees and see how processing shapes every cup.

FAQs

What is coffee processing?

Coffee processing is the method used to remove the fruit from the coffee seed, involving fermentation and drying, which significantly impacts flavour and quality.

What’s the difference between washed and natural coffee?

Washed coffees are clean and bright, with high clarity. Natural coffees are sweeter and fruitier, with more body and complexity.

Which coffee process tastes the sweetest?

Natural and honey-processed coffees tend to be the sweetest due to longer contact with the fruit during drying.

Does processing affect freshness?

Yes. Well-processed coffees are more stable, maintain flavour longer, and perform better during storage and delivery.

Which process is best for espresso?

All can work, but:

• washed = clean and precise
• natural = expressive and sweet
• honey = balanced and smooth

Can I try different processes through a coffee subscription?

Yes, subscriptions are a great way to explore different processing styles while keeping your coffee fresh and varied.