Weigh & measure correctly

Measuring devices in the coffee value chain: from cultivation to the cup

The coffee journey begins on the plantation and ends in your cup. At every step of this journey, measuring instruments play a crucial role in ensuring quality and achieving the best result.

Let's take a look at the different measuring devices used throughout the coffee value chain - from the grower to the retailer to the roaster to the home barista and ultimately the consumer.

Measuring instruments in coffee cultivation: the basis for quality

On the coffee farm, quality control begins with simple but crucial measurements. Moisture meters are essential here to monitor the moisture content of the soil and the harvested coffee cherries. The right moisture is crucial for the growth of the coffee plants and the quality of the harvested beans. Farmers also use refractometers to measure the sugar content of the coffee cherries, which is an indicator of ripeness. These measurements help to determine the optimum harvest time and lay the foundation for high-quality coffee.

Measuring devices in the coffee trade: ensuring quality along the way

After harvesting, the coffee beans are dried and checked for quality before they are sold. This is where colour meters and moisture meters are used to determine the moisture content of the beans. These devices are crucial to ensure that the beans meet quality standards before they are further processed or exported. Trading companies also use spectrometers to analyse the chemical composition of the beans to ensure they meet buyers' requirements.

Measuring devices in the roastery: precision and consistency

In the roastery, the coffee beans are brought to their final flavour. Temperature sensors and roasting profile software are crucial here to monitor the roasting process and precisely control the temperature curves. Colour meters help to achieve the desired roast level, while spectrometers analyse the chemical composition after roasting to ensure that the flavour profile remains consistent. These devices enable roasters to ensure high consistency and quality, which is crucial for consumer satisfaction.

Measuring devices for the home barista: the key to perfect preparation

As a home barista, you need to get the best out of the beans yourself at home. A precise coffee scale and thermometer are indispensable here. The scale helps you to accurately measure the ratio of coffee to water, which is crucial for the flavour. The thermometer ensures that you maintain the correct brewing temperature, which is particularly important when preparing espresso. For advanced users, a refractometer can be a valuable addition to measure the TDS value (Total Dissolved Solids) and optimise extraction.

• How does a scale work? The scale is your best friend when it comes to precision. You should always use it to accurately determine the amount of coffee grounds and water. The ratio is particularly important for espresso: a ratio of 1:2 is recommended here, for example 18 grams of coffee to 36 millilitres of water. For filter coffee, you can work with a ratio of 1:15 to 1:17. Place your scale under the coffee maker, tare it and then pour the water in small increments to achieve the optimum extraction.
• How does a thermometer work? A thermometer for coffee preparation measures the temperature of water or milk to ensure that the optimum conditions for extraction or frothing are achieved. There are analogue and digital thermometers that measure the temperature either by the expansion of liquid or by electronic sensors. A thermometer helps to keep the temperature in the right range, which is crucial for the quality of espresso, filter coffee and milk foam.
  
• How does a refractometer work? A refractometer is a measuring device that measures the refractive index of light in a liquid to determine the concentration of dissolved substances. In coffee preparation, it is used to determine the TDS value (Total Dissolved Solids), which indicates how much dissolved coffee is contained in the liquid. The measuring process is carried out by applying a small amount of coffee to the prism of the refractometer. The device passes light through the sample and measures how strongly the light is refracted to indicate the concentration. Before use, the refractometer should be calibrated with distilled water to ensure accurate measurements.

Measuring devices for the consumer: The control is in your hands

As a coffee consumer, you can also benefit from measuring devices. Modern coffee machines are often equipped with integrated temperature sensors and brewing time timers to help you brew the perfect coffee. Some coffee machines even offer Bluetooth connections to apps that provide you with detailed information about the brewing parameters and allow you to optimise your results. For enjoyment at home, coffee scales and refractometers ensure that you experience the full flavour of your beans.

Measuring devices as the key to quality

Measuring devices play an indispensable role in the entire coffee value chain. They help to ensure quality from the plant to the cup and enable everyone involved to get the best out of the coffee beans.

Whether on the plantation, in the trade, in the roastery, at home as a home barista or as a consumer - precise measurements are the key to a consistently high-quality coffee experience. By using these tools, you help to ensure that every cup of coffee is a true pleasure.