This Is the Coffee You’ve Been Missing In Your Life
Updated: Mar. 25, 2019
Honey process coffee is catching on in popularity among roasters. Its mellow flavor and sticky-sweet beans make for unique brew.
When you sip on your morning cuppa, you probably have other things on your mind than how the coffee was made—all the way from tree to cup. (It’s hard enough to brew a perfect cup of coffee!) But it’s not quite as simple as picking, drying and roasting. Turns out there are a few major methods of coffee processing, including washed, natural dry and honey, and they can make some majorly different-tasting coffees.
Did you know that the Taste of Home Test Kitchen hand-selected the coffee for our brand? Try the beans at home!
What Is Honey Process Coffee?
Honey process is a method in which coffee cherries are picked and sorted, have their skins and pulps removed like other types of coffee—but are then dried without washing off the sticky-sweet outer layer of the fruit. Since honey process beans spend less time in water than washed beans do, less fermentation occurs, so not as much of the sugar in the bean is converted to acid.
The process originated in Costa Rica, a nation known for its eco-friendly focus, and uses less water than “natural” or “washed” process coffees. That’s a win!
Nope, there’s no actual honey on these beans, despite their name and sticky appearance.
What Does Honey Process Coffee Taste Like?
Coffee drinkers have noted that the flavor profile of honey process coffee includes notes of chocolate, brown sugar, spice and cedarwood.
It has also been described as if you or your barista added honey and brown sugar to your cup of coffee—even though the name itself derives from the stickiness of the beans during processing. This style of coffee is fruity and complex with a low acidity and intense sweetness.
You’re probably curious… What’s the best time of day to enjoy your joe? Get the inside brew from the experts.
Where Can I Find It?
Though it’s the rarest of beans, there are several coffee brands that sell honey process coffee for you to brew at home. Here are some that we recommend:
- Hala Tree makes a delicious dark roast that tastes like chocolate.
- Pure Coffee Club is a coffee subscription service that delivers fresh beans straight to your door.
- Red Rooster offers tons of varieties, including Costa Rica Black Honey with notes of brown sugar and cherry pie.
What Foods Pair Well With Honey Coffee?
Honey coffee pairs perfectly with sweet breakfast fare such as waffles, buttermilk pancakes and French toast. It also partners well with banana bread, coffee cake, danishes and scones.
In case your honey coffee isn’t enough of a treat, here are some homemade coffee creamers to stir in, too.
Our Favorite Recipes to Serve for Coffee With Friends
Chocolate Banana MuffinsI bake something almost every day—either in the morning before everyone's awake or in the evening. I whip up these tender muffins in no time and serve them with jam for breakfast or ice cream and chocolate syrup for dessert. —Stephanie Kienzle, North Miami Beach, Florida
Ginger Apple-Pear CrispEnjoy autumn aromas—apples, cinnamon and spices—in this delicious recipe. It's even better with a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream! Whipped cream is always an option. —Holly Battiste, Barrington, New Jersey
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal CookiesCrazy about chocolate chips? This chewy, oatmeal chocolate chip cookie has plenty, not to mention lots of heart-healthy oatmeal. The gang’ll come back for seconds so this big batch recipe is perfect. This is the best 'oat choc chip cookies recipe' you'll ever taste! —Diane Neth, Menno, South Dakota
S'mores Monkey Bread MuffinsWhen it comes to mini versions of anything, I'm sold! These muffins are ooey-gooey individual-sized monkey breads made with frozen dinner roll dough, graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. They couldn't be easier to make, and kids just love them. —Tina Butler, Royse City, Texas
Chocolate Caramel ThumbprintsCovered in chopped nuts and drizzled with chocolate, these cookies are delicious and pretty. Everybody looks forward to munching on them during the holidays. —Elizabeth Marino, San Juan Capistrano, California
Lemon Coconut BitesThe tangy lemon flavor of this no-fuss dessert is especially delicious on a warm day. It gives me delightful flashbacks of selling lemonade on the sidewalk as a little girl. —Donna Biddle, Elmira, New York
Chocolate Crunch BrowniesThe first time I took these brownies to work, I knew I'd better start making copies of the recipe—they disappeared fast! My husband and kids gobble them up quickly, too. —Pat Mueller, Mitchell, South Dakota
Sour Cream Chip MuffinsTake one bite and you'll see why I think these rich, tender muffins are the best I've ever tasted. Mint chocolate chips make them a big hit with my family and friends. —Stephanie Moon, Boise, Idaho
Apple Dumpling BakeI received this recipe for baked apple dumplings with Mountain Dew from a friend of mine, then tweaked it to suit my family's tastes. The soda is definitely the secret ingredient in this rich apple dessert. —Chris Shields, Monrovia, Indiana
Kentucky Butter CakeI found this Kentucky butter cake recipe in an old cookbook I bought at a garage sale and couldn’t wait to try it. I knew it had been someone’s favorite because of the well-worn page. —Joan Gertz, Palmetto, Florida
Chocolate Orange RoundsI send these chocolate orange cookies to family and friends in other areas of the country. The two-tone treats deliver a citrusy taste of the Sunshine State. —Geordyth Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida
Originally Published: March 25, 2019
