What Is the Best Way to Measure the Color of Coffee?

Using a spectrophotometer is the best way to measure the color of coffee and meet industry standards. You may often encounter situations where you've gotten the roasting time just right, resulting in the perfect brew. However, coffee batch types and roasting machines can change, so you may have to upgrade how you measure your coffee color.

Changing Roasting Time to Yield Different Coffee Colors

The aroma and taste of your finished product depend on how long you roast your beans. Lighter roasts result in a caramel-gold color and a fruitier taste. Beans that have roasted for longer tend to be darker and more bitter. Whichever roast your customers prefer, always try to be consistent with the roasting time.

Physically Measuring the Color of Coffee Beans

When you physically examine your coffee beans, you can visually determine if the roast is light or dark in color. You may also smell your coffee to determine a burnish, strong scent or a more delicate, fruity scent. Measuring your coffee beans' color with your eyes can be suitable if you only examine one or two roasts. For measurements on a larger scale, it may prove more problematic.

Using a Spectrophotometer for Measuring the Color of Coffee Beans

Measuring your coffee color using a spectrophotometer is the best way to get accurate results. These sophisticated instruments eliminate human error and can give a more precise indication of coffee quality and color. Spectrophotometers can help you achieve brand consistency in the color of your roasts by allowing you to determine the exact duration of time your coffee beans should be roasted.

You can do this by calibrating your spectrophotometer and matching your bean color with the roasting time needed to produce the best-quality roast. This process is vital for consistent results. Your brew type and color can affect your bottom line if they differ from what your clientele wants.

HunterLab's Coffee Spectrophotometers: The Best Way to Measure the Color of Coffee

At HunterLab, our 70-plus years of experience in color science ensures you get the best spectrophotometers in the industry. With our mission to provide reliable, trusted ways of exceeding human eyes' capabilities and fulfilling accurate color measurements, our spectrophotometers are easy to use and accurate.

We help you measure coffee color so you can have the highest-quality coffee — trust HunterLab's solutions to bring you exact results. Have a look at our product range for coffee-measuring solutions, and contact us online today. Alternatively, give us a call to speak with one of our professional team members.