Wet‑processed (washed) coffee beans are prized for their clean, bright flavor and consistent quality. In this guide, we’ll explain what makes the washed method special, why it’s preferred by many roasters, and highlight 7 of the best wet‑processed beans today.
What Are Wet-Processed (Washed) Coffee Beans?
Wet‑processed coffee, also known as washed coffee, is one of the most widely used methods in specialty coffee production. It emphasizes clarity, brightness, and consistency in flavor by carefully removing the fruit pulp before drying the beans.
- Flavor Profile: Clean, bright, often fruity or floral
- Processing Method: Uses water to remove pulp and mucilage
- Consistency: Produces reliable taste across harvests
- Regions: Common in Kenya, Ethiopia, Central and South America
- Preferred By: Specialty roasters and coffee drinkers who enjoy lively acidity
This method allows the natural qualities of the bean’s origin—such as soil, altitude, and climate—to shine through. As a result, washed coffees are often considered the benchmark for quality and are prized for their crisp, nuanced flavors.
How the Wet-Processing Method Works
The washed process is a carefully controlled technique that ensures beans develop their signature clarity. It involves several steps from harvest to drying.
- Harvesting – Ripe cherries are picked, usually by hand
- Pulping – The outer skin and pulp are removed using water
- Fermentation – Beans rest in tanks to break down mucilage
- Washing – Clean water rinses away remaining fruit material
- Drying – Beans are dried on patios or raised beds
This process results in beans with bright acidity and a clean taste, making them a favorite among specialty coffee lovers.
Top Wet-Processed Coffee Beans: Our 7 Best Picks
Wet‑processed (washed) beans are celebrated for their clarity, brightness, and consistency. To help you explore the best options, we’ve selected seven standout coffees that showcase the diversity of this processing method.
Clean Coffee Co. Papua New Guinea Blend
Papua New Guinea’s high‑altitude Arabica beans are known for their smooth, balanced flavor. This blend uses the wet‑processing method to highlight clarity and reduce acidity, making it approachable for everyday coffee drinkers.
- Roast Level: Medium‑dark
- Flavor Notes: Milk chocolate, roasted almonds, subtle fruit undertones
- Processing Method: Wet‑processed (washed)
- Best Brewing Methods: Drip, pour‑over, French press
Overall, this blend delivers a clean, nutty sweetness without bitterness, making it a versatile option for those who enjoy a mellow yet flavorful cup.
Natural Force Organic Clean Decaf (Swiss Water Process)
For coffee lovers who want purity without caffeine, Natural Force offers an organic decaf that doesn’t compromise on taste. Using the Swiss Water Process, caffeine is removed naturally while preserving the bean’s flavor integrity.
- Roast Level: Medium
- Flavor Notes: Smooth, mild body with gentle acidity
- Processing Method: Wet‑processed + Swiss Water decaffeination
- Certifications: Organic, mold & mycotoxin tested
This decaf is ideal for evening enjoyment or for those sensitive to caffeine, offering peace of mind with its clean, chemical‑free process and reliable flavor profile.
Volcanica Coffee Kenya AA
Kenya AA is one of the most famous washed coffees in the world, known for its bright acidity and complex flavor profile. Volcanica sources high‑quality beans from Kenya’s central highlands, where volcanic soil and altitude create ideal growing conditions.
- Roast Level: Medium
- Processing Method: Wet‑processed (washed)
- Flavor Notes: Wine‑like acidity, berry sweetness, citrus undertones
- Best Brewing Methods: Pour‑over, Chemex, AeroPress
- Origin: Kenya’s central highlands, grown at high altitude
This coffee is perfect for those who enjoy lively, fruit‑forward cups with a crisp finish. Its clarity and complexity make it a standout choice for specialty coffee drinkers who want a vibrant, memorable brew.
Lifeboost Coffee Medium Roast
Lifeboost’s Medium Roast is crafted from single‑origin, shade‑grown Arabica beans, carefully washed to highlight smoothness and balance. It’s also organic, low‑acid, and tested for purity, making it a health‑conscious option without sacrificing flavor.
- Roast Level: Medium
- Processing Method: Wet‑processed (washed)
- Flavor Notes: Smooth body, mild acidity, hints of caramel and chocolate
- Certifications: Organic, Fair Trade, mycotoxin‑free
- Best Brewing Methods: Drip, French press, espresso
This roast is ideal for everyday drinking, offering a clean, mellow cup that’s gentle on the stomach yet full of character. Lifeboost’s commitment to sustainability and purity makes it a reliable choice for those who value both taste and wellness.
Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass Medium Roast
Smart Ass is one of Kicking Horse’s most popular blends, offering a lively, fruit‑forward profile. Made from wet‑processed Arabica beans, it balances sweetness and acidity, making it a versatile choice for everyday brewing.
- Roast Level: Medium
- Processing Method: Wet‑processed (washed)
- Flavor Notes: Bright fruit, sweet chocolate, hint of hazelnut
- Certifications: Organic, Fair Trade
- Best Brewing Methods: Drip, pour‑over, French press
This blend is ideal for coffee drinkers who enjoy a playful, vibrant cup with a smooth finish. Its balance of fruit and chocolate notes makes it approachable yet distinctive.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters Holler Mountain Blend
Holler Mountain is Stumptown’s signature organic blend, combining washed Arabica beans from Latin America and Africa. It’s designed to deliver balance, clarity, and complexity in every cup.
- Roast Level: Medium
- Processing Method: Wet‑processed (washed)
- Flavor Notes: Citrus brightness, chocolate sweetness, creamy body
- Certifications: Organic
- Best Brewing Methods: Pour‑over, drip, espresso
This blend is perfect for those who want a versatile coffee that works across multiple brew methods. Its balance of citrus and chocolate makes it both refreshing and comforting.
Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend
Major Dickason’s Blend is one of Peet’s most iconic offerings, crafted from wet‑processed beans sourced globally. It’s a dark roast that emphasizes depth and smoothness, appealing to those who prefer bold flavors.
- Roast Level: Dark
- Processing Method: Wet‑processed (washed)
- Flavor Notes: Full‑bodied, smoky, smooth finish
- Certifications: None specific, but sourced from quality Arabica beans
- Best Brewing Methods: Drip, French press, espresso
This blend is a go‑to for coffee lovers who enjoy a rich, hearty cup. Its bold character and smooth finish make it a reliable everyday dark roast.
Benefits of Choosing Wet-Processed Beans
Wet‑processed (washed) beans are highly valued in the specialty coffee world because the method emphasizes clarity and consistency. By carefully removing the fruit pulp before drying, producers can highlight the bean’s natural qualities, resulting in a cup that feels clean and vibrant.
- Flavor Clarity – Washed beans showcase bright, crisp notes such as citrus, berry, or floral tones.
- Consistency – Controlled fermentation reduces defects, ensuring reliable taste across batches.
- Balanced Acidity – Produces lively yet smooth cups that appeal to a wide range of drinkers.
- Versatility – Works well for espresso, pour‑over, drip, and other brewing methods.
- Specialty Preference – Many high‑scoring coffees in competitions are washed, reflecting their premium status.
These benefits make wet‑processed beans a top choice for coffee lovers who want a refined, dependable brew.