Discover how Menehune Coffee’s traditional wet processing method creates exceptional 100% Kona coffee. Learn the farm-to-cup process from Hawaii’s slopes.
From the misty highlands of Hawai‘i Island’s Kona region, a remarkable journey begins. At Menehune Coffee Company, that journey starts the moment a bright red coffee cherry is handpicked from the tree and continues through a meticulous wet processing method that brings out the true essence of 100% Kona coffee.
In this article, we take you behind the scenes of our farm to explore how our wet method enhances flavor, preserves quality, and upholds the USDA standards that define world-class Hawaiian coffee.
What Is Wet Processing in Coffee?
Also known as the washed method, wet processing is a post-harvest technique where the outer fruit (or mucilage) is removed from the coffee cherry using water, followed by fermentation and drying.
Unlike the dry or natural method—where cherries are dried whole—wet processing creates a cleaner, brighter flavor profile and allows the true terroir of the coffee to shine through.
In the case of Kona coffee wet processing, the technique is further refined to match the high standards expected of one of the world’s most exclusive coffee-growing regions.
How Kona Coffee Is Made at Menehune Coffee Company
At Menehune Coffee, every bean passes through a process built on tradition, precision, and deep respect for the land.
1. Handpicking Only the Ripe Cherries
Caption: Ripe Kona coffee cherries are carefully handpicked to ensure perfect maturity.
Our trained pickers return to each tree multiple times during harvest season—only selecting cherries at peak ripeness. This ensures uniformity in sugar content and flavor development.
2. Same-Day Wet Processing at Our Kona Facility
Caption: Freshly harvested cherries enter the pulper for same-day wet processing.
Step-by-step:
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Pulping: Cherries are placed into a pulping machine that gently removes the outer skin and mucilage.
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Fermentation: Beans are soaked in water tanks for 12 hours, dissolving residual mucilage.
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Washing: Post-fermentation, beans are rinsed with clean water to complete the process.
3. Mechanical Drying: Precision for USDA-Quality Beans
Mechanical dryers ensure controlled, even drying to 10–11.5% moisture.
We dry the beans slowly and evenly to preserve flavor and prevent mold or cracking. This step is critical in producing export-ready green coffee.
4. Sorting and Grading: Excellence in Every Pound
We offer grades from Kona Extra Fancy to Kona Prime, all meeting USDA green coffee standards. Every bag reflects our commitment to premium Kona coffee.
Why Wet Processing Produces Better Kona Coffee
What makes wet processing superior?
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Cleaner cup: Mucilage removal prevents over-fermentation
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Brighter acidity: Maintains citrus, floral, and fruit notes
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Flavor clarity: Terroir shines without “fruit skin” interference
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Better for roasters: More consistent bean size and moisture
Wet processing is ideal for coffee grown in Hawai‘i, where attention to quality and small-batch production are paramount.
Coffee Wet Method in Hawaii: Preserving a Legacy
Hawai‘i is the only U.S. state that grows coffee commercially—and the Kona region is globally respected. At Menehune Coffee, we honor our heritage with a wet processing method that’s as rooted in Hawaiian values as it is in quality control.
Caption: Our high-elevation Kona farm where every bean’s journey begins.
Taste the Difference in Every Cup
From hand-harvesting to USDA-quality green beans, our wet processing method is the heartbeat of what makes Menehune Coffee’s 100% Kona Coffee exceptional.
Explore our roasted and green coffee selection →
FAQs
Q: What is Kona coffee wet processing?
A: It’s a method where ripe coffee cherries are pulped, fermented for 12 hours, washed, and then dried—used by Menehune Coffee to produce clean, high-quality beans.
Q: How does wet processing affect coffee flavor?
A: Wet processing enhances clarity and acidity while preserving origin-specific flavors.
Q: Why is Kona coffee considered premium?
A: Grown in rich volcanic soil at high elevation, Kona coffee is handpicked and wet-processed for exceptional quality and flavor.