From Bean to Cup: The Story of Coffee Production

Wet, or washed, processing is popular in many Latin American countries, and can either be done by hand or using a machine. First, beans are sorted in water based on density; bad or unripe fruit will float, while quality cherries will sink. Then, four layers — the outer skin, pulp, parchment (or tough skin), and silver skin — are hulled and removed. The process helps to create a coffee that's clean and bright.