Natural Mix Coffee: A Sun-Dried Delight

Natural mix processing, also known as the natural or dry process, is a method of coffee bean processing that differs from the washed or semi-washed methods. In this process, coffee cherries are dried with the fruit still intact, resulting in a unique flavor profile.

The Natural Mix Process

Harvest: Ripe coffee cherries are harvested from the trees.
Drying: The cherries are spread out on drying beds or patios and left to dry in the sun for several weeks. During this time, the fruit and pulp dry along with the bean.
Hulling: Once the cherries are fully dried, the outer skin and pulp are removed to reveal the clean bean.
Flavor Profile of Natural Mix Coffee

Fruity Notes: The prolonged contact between the bean and the fruit during drying results in pronounced fruity flavors, such as berries, apples, or citrus.
Sweetness: Natural process coffees often exhibit a sweetness that can range from honey and caramel to chocolate.
Body and Richness: These coffees tend to have a full body and a syrupy texture, making them feel more substantial on the palate.
Acidity: While natural coffees are often associated with sweetness, they can also have a bright and clean acidity, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Complexity: Natural mix coffees, especially those that combine beans from different origins or varieties, can have incredibly complex and layered flavor profiles.
Wine-like Qualities: Some natural process coffees develop wine-like characteristics, with notes of fermentation and complex aromatics.

Why Choose Natural Mix?

Natural processing allows the coffee bean to develop its unique flavors and aromas. The result is a cup of coffee that is often described as more complex, fruity, and sweet compared to washed or semi-washed coffees.

In essence, natural mix coffee offers a taste of the coffee bean in its purest form. By preserving the fruit during the drying process, producers can create coffees with a wide range of flavors, from bright and fruity to rich and complex.