Which of the following is NOT a common processing method for coffee?

The correct answer reflects the distinction between processing methods and stages in the coffee production journey. Coffee processing methods, such as washed, semi-washed, and natural (sun-dried), refer specifically to the ways in which coffee cherries are treated after being harvested. These methods influence the flavor profile and quality of the coffee by managing how the fruit is separated from the bean and how the beans are fermented and dried.

In contrast, roasting is a different stage entirely that occurs after coffee beans have been processed. Roasting involves heating the green coffee beans to develop their flavors and aromas, transforming them into the brown beans that are ground and brewed into coffee. This stage is essential for preparing coffee for consumption but does not classify as a processing method since it occurs after the beans have already been processed from the cherry.

Understanding this difference clarifies why roasting is not included among common processing methods for coffee.