Washed processing
German: Nassaufbereitung (gewaschener Kaffee) Also known as: Gewaschener Kaffee, Washed
A processing method in which the fruit pulp is removed and washed off before the beans are dried.
In washed processing the coffee cherries are first pulped, meaning the pulp is mechanically removed. The beans, still coated in mucilage, are usually fermented in water tanks, then washed and dried. What remains is the seed inside its parchment layer.
Washed coffees are often described as clean and clear in taste with pronounced acidity. The method needs a lot of water, so wastewater and water management are important issues.