Coffee cherries are dried in the sun by first sorting and cleaning them, and then spreading them in thin layers on patios or raised beds to allow them to dry evenly over several weeks. This process, known as the natural sundried process, requires careful monitoring to prevent spoilage.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Cherry Selection and Preparation:
- Harvesting: The process begins with harvesting ripe coffee cherries.
- Sorting: After harvesting, the cherries are typically floated in water. This allows for the removal of unripe, overripe, or damaged cherries, as these will float to the top. Only the dense, ripe cherries are used for the natural process.
2. Spreading the Cherries:
- Patios or Raised Beds: The sorted cherries are then spread out in thin layers. The location chosen is important for promoting even drying.
- Patios: Traditional patios are large, flat surfaces made of concrete or brick.
- Raised Beds: Raised beds, also known as African beds, are elevated mesh tables. These are preferred because they allow for better airflow around the cherries, resulting in more even drying and reducing the risk of mold.
3. The Drying Process:
- Sun Exposure: The cherries are exposed to direct sunlight.
- Regular Turning: The cherries must be turned regularly – several times a day – to ensure even drying and prevent mold growth. This is a labor-intensive process.
- Monitoring Moisture Levels: Experienced coffee farmers carefully monitor the moisture content of the cherries. The ideal moisture level is typically around 11-12%.
- Drying Time: The entire drying process can take several weeks, depending on the weather conditions (sunlight, temperature, humidity) and the thickness of the cherry layer.
4. Covering (If Needed):
- If rain is expected, or if the sun becomes too intense, the cherries may be covered with tarpaulins to prevent them from reabsorbing moisture or scorching.
5. Post-Drying:
- Once the cherries have reached the desired moisture level, they are stored until they are ready for milling.
- During milling, the dried husk, or "parchment," is removed, revealing the green coffee beans inside.
The natural sun-drying method imparts unique flavors to the coffee beans, often resulting in a fuller body and fruity or berry-like notes. The careful monitoring and manual labor involved in this process contribute to the distinctive characteristics of naturally processed coffees.
