Processing describes how the fruit is removed and the seed is dried after harvest. In natural processing the whole cherry dries around the seed; in washed processing the skin, pulp and mucilage are removed before drying; honey processing removes the skin while retaining a controlled amount of mucilage during drying. These labels help explain production choices and potential cup character, but they do not guarantee quality or consistency.
What to request from the supplier
- Exact process and any local variation
- Cherry selection and lot separation method
- Fermentation or demucilaging method and duration
- Drying surface, equipment and approximate duration
- Moisture at milling, loading and sample date
- Sample code tied to the processed lot and crop year
Buyer takeaway
Do not approve a lot from the process name alone. Compare the representative sample with the written process record, moisture, physical defects, cup result, storage history and shipment specification. Put the accepted sample code and measurable tolerances into the contract.