Discover the density of coffee beans

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The density of coffee beans is one of the important factors for producers, roasters and consumers to evaluate the quality of coffee. Based on it, you can predict the body or lightness of the finished cup of coffee, thereby choosing the type of bean as well as the method of roasting, grinding, and brewing to suit your preferences. So what is particle density? Let’s also discover 43 Factory Coffee Roasters!

What is the density of coffee beans?

Concept

Density or Density is the density of a substance. It is calculated according to the formula: ρ = m/V where: ρ is the density of the substance (in kg/m³) m is the mass of the substance (in kg) V is the volume of the substance (in kg) m³).

According to some experts, the density of coffee beans is an essential measure in the classification and evaluation of coffee quality. High-density coffee beans will produce a stronger, more acidic, aromatic coffee cup than low-density green coffee beans. Therefore, hard, dense particles with high density are often preferred and have a higher price in the market.

Can determine the density of coffee beans with the naked eye

With coffee, you can estimate the density of beans by looking at them. The coffee beans have an almost straight fissure and are only slightly open, which means the beans have a low density. Conversely, if the fissure curves and closes, then the coffee beans may have a high density.

Factors affecting the density of coffee beans

Height

One of the main factors affecting coffee bean density is altitude. At higher altitudes, the maturation and ripening process of coffee cherries will take place more slowly. This means that the Krebs cycle (an important biological process for coffee fruit ripening) is prolonged, the acetate in the fruit has more time to convert to carbon dioxide resulting in more cell production. , coffee beans are denser, more sugary and sweeter. High altitude also helps maintain optimal temperature and humidity (between 18 and 21°C (64 and 69°F)) for plant growth, preventing fruit ripening too quickly from accumulating enough nutrients and reducing seed sweetness.

Nutritional distribution in coffee beans

Peter Gakuo, a green coffee quality control expert in Kenya, said the distribution of nutrients in the coffee plant can also affect the density of the beans. The cherries at the end of the branch are usually less dense than those near the stem because nutrients are distributed centrally through the center of the tree. In addition, some diseases (such as coffee berry disease) and pests can also affect the maturity stage of the coffee plant and can reduce the density of the beans.

Other factors

In addition to altitude, the cultivar is an important factor affecting coffee consistency. You can see this when comparing Bourbon, Gesha beans with others. Most rare coffee varieties will have higher density, richer flavor. However, they are also affected by many other factors such as habitat conditions, farming methods,… If coffee lives in a biodiversity environment, steep slopes, many types of shade trees. providing shade, fertile soil, cool climate, … seeds that can absorb adequate nutrients will have a denser grain density than coffee grown in conventional growing areas.

What effect does grain density have on roasting?

According to some roasters, beans with different densities will behave differently during the roasting process. Beans with low density will take longer to roast because these beans often contain a lot of air, so the heat transfer to the whole bean is slow and uneven. When roasting low-density coffee beans, roasters need to use a lower inlet temperature, heating it more slowly to avoid burning or scorching the beans. In contrast, hard, high-density beans need a higher feed temperature (temperature at the start of roasting) to address the lack of air.

In addition, if roasting beans of different sizes or densities, the finished coffee flavor will not have a pronounced consistency. To have outstanding aromas with distinct characteristics, it is necessary to classify and use the roasting method appropriately.

As can be seen, grain density is a complex but critical parameter for roasters or consumers. Because through it, roasters can calculate and adjust the appropriate roasting profile. If you want to try the level of taste assessment through coffee density, stop by XLIII Coffee.

Don’t forget to follow 43 Factory Coffee Roaster to update useful information about the coffee world!

Source: perfectdailygrind

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