The leaves, in order to dry, are spread in thin layers about three inches deep usually upon slate. They are carefully watched during the process of drying so that they can be protected from any rain, which would work great injury upon the partially dried leaves. If the sun be bright, the drying may be concluded inside of a day, and the quickly dried leaves, called day leaves, obtain the highest prices. When a coca leaf is properly dried it has a greenish tint, is easily bent, is free of dirt, is not rough to the touch, and it has a slightly glossy appearance. When very old or when they are dried too much the leaves take on a brownish tint, and do not bring so high prices in the market.

The dried leaves are brought together and undergo the usual sweating or fermentation as practised with coffee, tea and tobacco. After the sweating is over the leaves are spread out again for a short time in the sun, and are then ready for packing and shipment.