Final answer:
Natural coffee processing and wet hull processing differ in terms of moisture content, decaffeination methods, processing time, and the quality of the final product.
Step-by-step explanation:
Compare and contrast natural coffee processing to wet hull processing:
a) Differentiation in moisture content:
Natural coffee processing involves drying the coffee cherries in the sun until the moisture content reaches around 11%, while wet hull processing involves removing the outer skin of the coffee cherries and drying them until the moisture content is around 50-60%.
b) Methods of decaffeination:
In natural coffee processing, the caffeine is retained, while in wet hull processing, the coffee beans are decaffeinated through various methods such as solvent-based, water-based, or supercritical carbon dioxide extraction.
c) Processing time:
Natural coffee processing takes longer as the cherries need to dry naturally, while wet hull processing is quicker as the outer skin is removed before drying.
d) Quality of final product:
The quality of the final product can vary depending on factors such as the variety of coffee, the processing method used, and the skill of the processors.