Coffee Honey
Coffee Honey – The special processing method for exceptional taste
Coffee Honey – What makes this processing so special?
Honey coffee is a special processing method that lies between washed and natural processing. Part of the sweet parchment of the coffee cherry pulp remains attached to the bean during drying , giving the coffee a natural sweetness and a distinctive flavor .
This method is particularly popular in Costa Rica , as it gives the beans a distinctive aroma. But what exactly is honey processing , and what variations are there? In this article, you'll learn everything about the different types of honey-processed coffee and why they're a true specialty!
Origin and history of Honey Processed Coffee
The honey processing method originated primarily in Costa Rica , where this innovative method was developed to conserve water while simultaneously creating new flavors. This technique is also becoming increasingly popular in other countries in Central and South America, as it represents a sustainable processing method .
Fun Fact: The name “Honey” does not come from real honey , but from the sticky consistency of the beans during drying.
The different types of honey processing
There are several different types of honey processing , which differ in the drying process and the amount of pulp remaining on the bean. The main types are:
White Honey Processed Coffee
In White Honey, only a small portion of the pulp is left on the bean. This variety has a subtle sweetness and a clear, fresh flavor reminiscent of a washed coffee.
Yellow Honey Processed Coffee
A little more pulp remains on the bean, creating a more intense yet balanced flavor. Yellow Honey coffees have a slight sweetness and are ideal for filter coffee .
Red Honey Processed Coffee
Red Honey retains an even greater amount of fruit pulp, resulting in a full-bodied, fruity-sweet coffee with more body and depth.
Black Honey Processed Coffee
The most intense variety is Black Honey , which retains almost all of the pulp on the bean. This creates an extremely sweet, syrupy flavor with deep, complex aromas—perfect for espresso !
Coffee Honey vs. Washed Coffee – The Differences
A classic washed coffee undergoes a fermentation process in which all the pulp is removed before the beans are dried. This gives the coffee a very clean, fruity aroma.
With Honey Processed Coffee, however, some of the fruit remains on the bean, providing a natural sweetness and more body. This makes it a unique alternative to conventional coffee.
✔ Washed coffee = clear, fresh aromas
✔ Honey Coffee = Sweet, full-bodied & complex
Drying Honey Processed Coffee
The drying time is crucial for the flavor of honey-processed coffee . While a washed coffee usually dries in a few days, the honey process can take up to three weeks .
The beans are dried in the sun and turned regularly to ensure even fermentation. Especially with Black Honey, this is a laborious process that requires great care.
Which varieties are suitable for honey processing?
Not every variety is suitable for the honey processing method . High-quality Arabica beans with fruity and sweet notes particularly benefit from this processing.
✔ Typica & Bourbon – Perfect for a balanced taste
✔ Caturra & Catuai – Often used for Costa Rica Honey Coffee
✔ Gesha – A rare variety that becomes even more exotic through honey processing
Coffee Honey as espresso or filter coffee?
Thanks to its sweet and intense notes , Coffee Honey is suitable for both espresso and filter coffee .
Espresso: Black Honey and Red Honey in particular provide a great base for a sweet, full-bodied espresso with little bitterness.
Filter coffee: White Honey and Yellow Honey are ideal for the gentle brewing method and bring a natural sweetness.
Why is Honey Processed Coffee so special?
The honey processing method offers many advantages:
✔ Sustainable treatment method that saves water
✔ Intense, sweet taste without added sugar
✔ Complex aromas ranging from fruity to caramel
✔ Perfect for those who want to enjoy a special coffee
Whether you're looking for a fruity filter coffee or a creamy espresso, Coffee Honey offers a whole new taste experience!
Buy Honey Coffee – Our Recommendation
If you want to try honey-processed coffee , you should pay attention to its quality and origin. Coffees from Costa Rica and Ethiopia , in particular, which are traditionally processed using this method , offer an incomparable taste experience.
Tip: Pay attention to the description of the beans to find the perfect variety for your preparation method!
Coffee Honey – A taste experience for coffee lovers
Honey coffee is an exceptional specialty that impresses with its sweet and intense aroma. The honey processing method allows us to bring out the best in the coffee cherry and develop a unique profile.
Whether White Honey , Red Honey , or Black Honey —each variety brings a unique flavor and makes coffee even more exciting. Discover now and try high-quality honey-processed coffee at Bunabar !
Our premium coffee selection
