Pulped natural and honey processes

This topic explains the pulped natural and honey processing methods—hybrids of washed and natural approaches—highlighting their steps, flavor outcomes, and significance in specialty coffee.

Coffee Basics Nerds
May 23, 2025
2 min read

Article 3 of 12 in Processing Methods Overview/

What are Pulped Natural and Honey Processes?

Hybrid methods between washed (wet) and natural (dry) processing.
Pulped natural: Common in Brazil; skin removed but mucilage left on beans during drying.
Honey process: Similar, but more widely used in Central America; degree of mucilage left determines flavor outcome.

Key Steps

1. Harvesting & Sorting

Ripe cherries hand-picked for quality.
Floats removed to eliminate defects.

2. Pulping

Cherries pulped to remove skin.
Unlike washed process, mucilage is not fully fermented or washed off.

3. Drying

Beans dried with mucilage still attached.
Spread on patios or raised beds, turned regularly to prevent over-fermentation.
Drying time: 2–4 weeks depending on mucilage amount and climate.

4. Honey Process Variations

Yellow honey: Small amount of mucilage left, lighter, cleaner profile.
Red honey: Medium mucilage, sweeter and fruitier.
Black honey: Most mucilage left, intense fruit and heavy body, riskier to manage.

Sensory Outcomes

Pulped natural: Balanced profile—cleaner than naturals, sweeter than washed.
Honey process: Wide range depending on mucilage level:
Yellow: Bright, balanced.
Red: Sweet, fruity, syrupy.
Black: Intense, winey, heavy-bodied.
General traits: Enhanced sweetness, medium acidity, syrupy mouthfeel.

Advantages

Lower water use compared to washed processing.
Distinct cup profiles attractive to specialty buyers.
Allows producers to diversify offerings from the same farm.

Challenges

Requires careful drying management to avoid mold or over-fermentation.
More labor-intensive than fully washed systems.
Quality consistency depends on climate control and farmer expertise.

Regional Use

Brazil: Pulped natural widely practiced at scale.
Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua: Honey processes highly popular in specialty markets.

Lasting Importance

Pulped natural and honey processes represent innovation through adaptation—balancing resource efficiency with flavor diversity. They allow farmers to create unique, marketable profiles while reducing water use, making them a cornerstone of modern specialty coffee.

Coffee Basics Pro