The washed process for Robusta coffee begins with the meticulous handpicking of ripe cherries at their peak ripeness to ensure the highest quality. These cherries are then transported to the processing facility promptly to maintain their freshness. At the facility, the cherries undergo depulping, a process that removes the outer skin and pulp from the beans, leaving them with a layer of mucilage.
Following depulping, the beans are placed in fermentation tanks filled with water. Here, they undergo a controlled fermentation period, typically lasting between 12 to 48 hours, depending on the desired flavor profile. During fermentation, natural enzymes break down the mucilage layer, which enriches the clarity and brightness of the cup.
After fermentation, the beans are thoroughly washed to remove any remaining mucilage residues. This step is crucial for the beans to achieve a clean and bright flavor profile. The washed beans are then spread out to dry in the sun on raised beds, where they are regularly turned to ensure even drying. This careful drying process helps the beans to develop their inherent sweetness and complexity fully.
Once dried, the beans are hulled to remove the parchment layer and then meticulously sorted to ensure only the highest quality beans are selected for export. This detailed and labor-intensive washed process results in a Robusta coffee that features a cleaner and more refined profile, allowing the unique flavors of the bean to shine through.