Processing Methods
The Honey Process. A Complete Guide.
What the honey process is, where it comes from, how it differs from washed and natural, and why we chose it for our Tabi and Gesha lots.
The Origin
Where Does the Honey Process Come From?
The honey process was born in Costa Rica in the 1990s as a middle ground between washed and natural. Its name doesn't come from adding honey, but from the sticky, sweet mucilage left on the bean during drying, with a texture similar to honey. It has since spread across Central America and Colombia as a way to add sweetness and body without losing clarity in the cup.
The Comparison
Washed, Honey and Natural.
In the washed process, all the skin and mucilage are removed before drying: a clean, bright cup with pronounced acidity. In the natural process, the whole cherry dries intact, skin and all: a sweet, fruity cup with heavy body. Honey sits in between —the skin is removed but part of the mucilage stays on— which is why it's often classified as yellow, red or black honey, depending on how much mucilage is left and how long it dries.
Our Choice
Why We Choose Honey.
We look for the exact point between cleanliness and sweetness. Our Tabi lot, grown on our own farm in Fresno, Tolima, and our Gesha lot, in partnership with grower Duvan Quisaboni in Huila, are both honey for the same reason: we want the bean's natural sweetness to come through without sacrificing each variety's complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called the "honey process" if it doesn't contain honey?+
The name comes from the mucilage —the sticky, sweet layer around the bean— that stays on the coffee during drying and has a texture similar to honey. No honey is ever added at any point in the process.
What's the difference between yellow, red and black honey?+
The difference is how much mucilage is left on and how long the bean is left to dry in the sun: yellow is the shortest and most subtle, black is the longest and most intense, and red falls in between.
Is the honey process better than washed?+
Neither is better in absolute terms — they're different profiles. Washed prioritizes cleanliness and bright acidity; honey adds body and natural sweetness. The right choice depends on the cup profile you're after.
Which Aural coffees are honey process?+
Both of our current lots, Tabi honey and Gesha honey, are honey process.