Processing

Raised Beds

Elevated drying structures that allow air circulation around coffee during drying. Also called African beds. The Ethiopian standard for quality drying--and the reason Ethiopian coffee dries so well.

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Definition

What raised beds are

Raised beds are elevated drying structures--typically wooden frames covered with mesh or woven bamboo--that hold coffee 1-3 feet off the ground. Air circulates both above and below the coffee, creating even drying conditions.

This method originated in Africa and is the standard in Ethiopia. Compared to patio drying (concrete slabs), raised beds provide better airflow, more even moisture reduction, and less risk of re-wetting from ground moisture.

Raised beds at a glance

Also called African beds, drying tables
Height 1-3 feet off ground
Material Mesh, bamboo, sisal
Primary regions Ethiopia, East Africa
Key benefit Even airflow

Why Roasters Care

What raised beds affect

Even drying

Air circulation from all sides means more uniform moisture reduction. Fewer over-dried edges, fewer under-dried centers.

Cleaner cups

No ground contact means less contamination and mold risk. Cleaner starting point for quality coffee.

Better for naturals

Natural process coffees need controlled drying more than washed. Raised beds make the difference.

Labor intensive

Coffee on raised beds needs regular turning for even drying. More labor, better results.

Ethiopian standard

Virtually all Ethiopian specialty coffee dries on raised beds. It's expected infrastructure.

Quality indicator

Stations with well-maintained raised beds signal quality focus. Infrastructure reflects commitment.

Our Approach

How we evaluate drying infrastructure

Source from bed-dried stations

All our Ethiopian coffee comes from stations using raised beds. It's the baseline for quality.

Visit and verify

Sam visits partner stations regularly. We see the beds, the turning frequency, the maintenance.

Cup for drying defects

Poor drying shows up in the cup--mustiness, flatness, ferment notes. We reject lots with drying problems.

Moisture verification

Good bed drying produces consistent moisture and water activity. We verify the specs.

Current Inventory

Ethiopian coffees (raised bed dried)

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