What the Hell is the Difference?

If you’ve hung around the specialty coffee world long enough, you’ve heard people throw around “natural” and “washed” like they’re talking about craft beer styles. But what does it actually mean? Is one better than the other? And why should you care? Grab a mug... but don't worry, we won't be here for a while.

 Here's a Rootless 101 on Natural Process vs. Washed Coffee

What the “Process” Even Means

Before your coffee hits your grinder, it starts as a cherry on a tree. The “process” is how farmers remove the fruit from the seed (aka the coffee you brew) and get it ready to roast. The two most common ways: natural and washed.

Think of it as the coffee’s origin story. Same plant, different treatment, wildly different results in the cup.

Natural Process (Fruit Party Mode)

In the natural process, the whole coffee cherry is left to dry with the fruit still on the seed. This happens on raised beds or patios, sometimes turning by hand so things dry evenly.

The result? The bean absorbs flavors from the fruit as it dries, often giving you juicier, fruitier, sometimes funky flavors. Think blueberry bursts, strawberry sweetness, or tropical candy vibes.

• Flavor Profile: Fruity, jammy, big sweetness, heavier body.

• Why It’s Cool: More adventurous. You’ll get wild, unique cups.

• Potential Downsides: If done poorly, it can taste overripe or boozy.

Washed Process (Clean, Crisp, Classic)

The washed process is more like the coffee going through a spa treatment. The fruit is removed with water before drying. The beans are fermented in water tanks, washed clean, then dried.

Because there’s no fruit clinging to the seed during drying, the flavor is more about the bean itself and the terroir.

• Flavor Profile: Clean, crisp, bright acidity, lighter body.

• Why It’s Cool: You taste the origin, the growing conditions, and the variety more clearly.

• Potential Downsides: Sometimes less funky or bold compared to naturals.

Which One Should You Choose?

This isn’t Coke vs Pepsi. It’s more like red wine vs white wine. Both have their place, and your preference depends on mood, brew method, and taste.

• Want something lively and adventurous? Grab a natural.

• Want something clean, crisp, and structured? Go washed.

Why It Matters

Knowing the difference isn’t just coffee nerd trivia. It helps you pick the right coffee for your taste buds and brewing style. French press and pour overs can highlight natural’s sweetness. Washed coffees often shine as espresso or lighter filter brews.

Bottom line: both are awesome, both deserve love, and the only wrong choice is thinking you have to choose one forever.

Pro Tip: Next time you shop Rootless, try one of each. Grab our natural process Berry Kiss and our washed Costa Rica. You’ll see exactly how the process shapes the flavor—no coffee degree required.