Whether sun-dried or washed, coffee processing originally existed simply to dry the beans so they could be stored conveniently. But once people discovered that different processing methods give coffee different flavor variations, more and more processing methods emerged to serve flavor. For example, now [more…]

The processing method of coffee beans directly affects the flavor in the cup. From natural, washed, to honey processing, each traditional craft has its own unique expression. However, in the past decade, many processing methods claiming to be "special" have emerged in the coffee world. How exactly are they defined in relation to traditional methods? This article sorts out the characteristics and differences of common processing methods, explores the role of fermentation in tradition and innovation, and introduces the Red Plum processing method from Finca Paraiso in Colombia. Front Street Coffee is always happy to share coffee knowledge, hoping to let more people understand the logic behind processing methods and drink the best coffee at the lowest price. [more…]

In recent years, an increasing number of specialty green coffee beans processed with special processing methods have appeared on the specialty coffee market. Is this really something to be happy about? Front Street Coffee believes that special processing methods were originally intended to give the flavor of coffee beans from a certain producing region more distinctiveness. However, as their use has continued to expand, some processing methods today seem to be more about masking the defects of the coffee beans themselves and then selling them at a high price. In fact, all special processing methods have evolved around the three traditional methods: washed, natural, and honey. This article will systematically sort out the most common types of special processing methods on the market, including anaerobic fermentation, barrel fermentation, and red wine processing, and, combined with Front Street Coffee's cupping experience and specific products, analyze their processing procedures and flavor characteristics. [more…]

Coffee bean processing methods are becoming increasingly diverse, and among them the Semeon Abay processing method has attracted the attention of many enthusiasts with its unique fermentation logic and personal character. From the perspective of Front Street Coffee, this article systematically sorts out the origin story and operational process of this special processing method, while also comparing the advantages, disadvantages, and flavor differences of the three traditional methods—washed, natural, and honey—to help readers more clearly understand the impact of different processing methods on coffee taste and provide a reference basis for everyday purchasing decisions. [more…]

In recent years, the processing method descriptions on coffee bean labels have become increasingly long, with various special processing methods, primarily anaerobic, emerging one after another. When many consumers drink anaerobically processed coffee with unique flavors, they wonder whether flavorings were added during roasting. This article sorts out the differences between anaerobic natural and anaerobic washed, explains why special processing methods are mostly led by well-funded estates, and cites the views of world champion Sasa to clarify the essential differences between flavored coffee and the addition of enzymes or yeast fermentation. It also answers questions such as whether anaerobic coffee is equivalent to flavored beans and whether it harms health, helping coffee lovers understand more transparently where the flavors in their cup come from. [more…]

In recent years, traditional coffee processing methods have become increasingly rare, and even premium producing regions such as Ethiopia and Panama Geisha have begun to embrace special processing methods. From the emergence of anaerobic honey processing in 2014 to five of the top six finishers at the 2018 WBC using anaerobic fermented beans, special processing methods rapidly swept the market. Among them, "anaerobic enzyme processing" has sparked the most discussion—what exactly are enzymes? Are they the same thing as flavored beans? Starting from the nature of enzymes and the background of the rise of special processing methods, and incorporating the views of WBC champion Sasa, this article clarifies the boundary between flavored coffee and fermented flavors, helping coffee enthusiasts view this new wave of processing methods rationally. [more…]

Traders of the special processing method coffee should reduce the export of coffee with traditional processing methods. From February 6th to 10th, the 20th African Fine Coffee Conference and Exhibition was held in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia [more…]

The processing method of coffee has always been the key link in the refined processing of green coffee beans. With the development of market demand and the exploration of the industry, on the basis of the mainstream "three major processing methods", [more…]

In the Yunnan coffee market, the Catimor variety accounts for the vast majority. To mask some of Catimor's inherent flaws, many producers turn to special processing methods to reshape the flavor, but Front Street Coffee has always held that relying on processing methods to alter coffee's performance is not a sustainable strategy—consumers mostly approach special processing methods with a curiosity for novelty, while traditional processing methods are what they are truly willing to accept long-term. If traditional processing methods are applied to Catimor, it can also present a pleasantly enjoyable cup after brewing. So how can the public be left with a good impression when drinking traditionally processed Yunnan coffee? The answer is to start from the source—the variety. At its Baoshan estate in Yunnan, Front Street primarily cultivates Typica, precisely in the hope of leading by example and driving a transformation in the image of Yunnan coffee. This article will compare the actual differences between the two varieties, Typica and Catimor, from multiple angles including cultivation yield, estate environment, and brewing flavor. [more…]

Colombia, with its exceptional geographical conditions, demonstrates strong capabilities in the specialty coffee sector. Similar to Front Street Coffee's Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, Colombian specialty beans are mostly washed processed and primarily sourced from small to medium-sized independent farms. Compared to Brazil's large-scale plantations, the smallholder model often delivers superior cupping performance. The specialty program promoted by the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation ensures export quality through strict quality control. In recent years, innovative processing methods such as rum barrel infusion and anaerobic fermentation have also emerged from Colombia, continuously injecting new ideas into the specialty coffee world. A recent new pour-over release from Front Street Coffee once again let me experience the captivating floral aromatics and potential of Colombian specialty coffee. [more…]

Special processing methods have been steadily gaining popularity in the coffee world. These processing methods give coffee beans a distinctive flavor signature and rich aroma, forming a strong contrast with traditional processing methods. This article uses Front Street Coffee's Colombia Rose Valley coffee beans as a sample to deeply analyze the principles and characteristics of the double anaerobic enzyme washed processing method. Starting from the basic concept of anaerobic fermentation, it gradually breaks down the specific process of double fermentation, and combines the growing background of Big Tree Estate and the characteristics of the Caturra variety to present the complete picture of this bean. At the same time, it also includes Front Street's recommended V60 brewing parameters and operating steps to help coffee lovers reproduce Rose Valley's peach, cranberry, and liqueur chocolate flavors at home. [more…]

In the specialty coffee world, processing methods have a huge impact on flavor. The Simon special processing method, also known as bag fermentation, is an innovative processing approach that has attracted much attention in recent years. By placing coffee cherries into sealed bags for anaerobic fermentation, it gives coffee beans unique fruity notes and spicy aromas. This article will introduce in detail the principles and specific operational process of the Simon special processing method, and use a Ethiopia Guji Simon-processed heirloom variety recommended by Front Street Coffee as an example to analyze its flavor performance. Whether you are a coffee enthusiast or a industry professional, you can gain a complete understanding of this processing method from it. [more…]

In recent years, the coffee consumer market has continued to expand, and various novel green bean processing methods have emerged one after another. The industry habitually refers to them collectively as special processing methods. These techniques give coffee a more diverse and distinctly individual flavor expression, and also bring richer layers of mouthfeel, thus winning the favor of a large number of enthusiasts. At present, the more mainstream special processing methods include anaerobic washed or natural, enzyme washed, lactic acid fermentation, and barrel-aged processing, among others. Among them, anaerobic fermentation has especially high exposure. This trend can be traced back to 2015, when the WBC World Barista Championship winner that year, Sasa Sestic from Australia, brought anaerobic fermentation processing into the public eye, and discussions around the fermented feel of coffee have not ceased to this day. This article will sort out the development of anaerobic processing, analyze the specific process of anaerobic natural, and introduce anaerobic-processed coffee beans such as Santa Vini currently sold by Front Street. [more…]

Colombian coffee occupies an important place in the global specialty coffee landscape. Its washed beans are known for their rich, balanced character, while in recent years special processing methods such as anaerobic fermentation have injected entirely new flavors into this producing region. From the perspective of Front Street Coffee, this article sorts out the varietal characteristics of Colombian coffee, the geographical advantages of the Huila region, and the flavor differences brought by two processing methods: washed and anaerobic natural. It also introduces the selection logic behind Front Street Coffee's everyday beans series, and includes specific pour-over parameters and brewing steps for Huila everyday beans, helping coffee enthusiasts fully understand the diversity of Colombian coffee. [more…]

In the Yunnan coffee market, Catimor dominates, but special processing methods are not a long-term solution—Catimor under traditional processing is what is truly worth savoring. Front Street Coffee chose to plant Typica at its Baoshan estate, improving Yunnan coffee's image from the root. This article compares two washed-process Baoshan Catimor and Typica beans, shares a segmented brewing recipe for the Kono dripper along with the flavor results, and discusses the real gaps between the two varieties in yield and growing conditions, as well as Front Street estate's planting layout and future plans. [more…]

In recent years, specialty-process coffee beans have attracted considerable attention in the specialty coffee world. This article focuses on two star products from Colombia—Rose Valley and Flower Moon Night, both selected by Front Street Coffee. Both use the Caturra variety, but they come respectively from the Santander Finca El Diviso and the Huila Finca Astorga, and their processing methods use double anaerobic enzyme wash and anaerobic natural, respectively. The article will break down in detail their origin backgrounds, variety characteristics, and processing differences, helping coffee lovers understand how these factors shape the strikingly different flavor expressions in the cup. [more…]

Coffee enthusiasts' taste demands are becoming increasingly refined. The original terroir flavors produced by traditional washed and natural processing methods can no longer satisfy diverse expectations, and various specialty processing methods have emerged as a result. From the perspective of Front Street, this article systematically reviews the principles and classifications of anaerobic fermentation processing, compares the differences between natural fermentation and temperature-controlled fermentation, and provides an in-depth analysis of three processing workflows: anaerobic natural, anaerobic washed, and anaerobic enzyme-washed. At the same time, using Front Street Huayueye coffee beans from the Huila region of Colombia and Rose Valley coffee beans from Big Tree Estate as examples, it presents a complete approach from green bean processing to roasting curve selection, and then to pour-over parameter development, helping readers understand how specialty processing methods shape the flavors in the cup. [more…]

90+ (Ninety Plus) is a highly regarded green coffee brand in the specialty coffee world, and its unique flavor symbols and Level grading system often leave enthusiasts confused. This article will start with the L195 grade, systematically sorting out 90+'s grading logic, the meanings of its flavor symbols, its exclusive processing methods (Red, Ruby, Solkiln), and the Profile Processing production system. At the same time, it will explain in detail the representative 90+ coffees recommended by Front Street Coffee, including the flavor characteristics of beans such as Perci, Straight Talk, and Lotus, and their corresponding grades, helping readers fully understand this legendary brand's green coffee philosophy. [more…]

Anaerobic fermentation has garnered significant attention in the specialty coffee world in recent years, and double anaerobic fermentation has become a popular choice thanks to its clean finish and distinctive flavor profile. Starting with the anaerobic processing methods introduced by Front Street Coffee, this article takes a deep dive into the origin background of the Colombian Rose Valley beans, the cultivation and processing details at Big Tree Estate, and how anaerobic double enzyme washed processing imparts better sweetness and balance to the coffee. If you are interested in the principles and flavor expression of special processing methods, this article will take you on a journey of discovery. [more…]

Anaerobically processed coffee beans have always been a hot topic among enthusiasts—some are captivated by them, while others find the flavors too unconventional. Compared with traditional methods like natural and washed, the anaerobic fermentation process still feels unfamiliar to many, which makes it prone to misunderstanding and controversy. Today Front Street Coffee will talk about what anaerobic processing is, how it differs from natural and washed, and what characteristics anaerobically fermented coffee beans display. [more…]