How to Measure Green Bean Density (Roasting Coffee at Home)

[@tesfayekenea8533]

As I'm in the process of setting up a cafe in the town of Jimma (Ethiopia), I just hit this channel. Tks for referencing my Ethiopia & such a useful show.

[@bacca71]

Very clear explanation of that. Thanks!

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Thank you

[@michaelconstance1518]

Hi Luke, Thank You, I am new to roasting and appreciate your well presented videos. You have classed this example as a high density. What would say a low density would start at. cheers

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Thank you. About 100-150g lower.

[@michaelconstance1518]

@@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters Thank You, cheers

[@joepangean6770]

Measuring moisture content is a whole different beast for the home roaster. If you are "well to do" you can get a grain moisture meter about US $250. They are typically used by farmers to measure the harvest moisture before heading to the grain storage facility. And the meters go up in price depending on quality. The home roaster is stuck with measuring environmental storage humidity and allowing the green coffee some time to a similar level. The moisture is not really that critical but is very useful when considering with density for selecting a charge temperature. Coffee brokers should include density with their grading but moisture is a function of shipping, harvest and storage so it is too fluid (oops, pun).

[@mb18558]

Thanks for the measuring density tip. How about tips for measuring the green bean moisture for home roasting?

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Great idea!

[@shanewilson2152]

Did put 1 kg of beans in the container or was the container a l lt capacity. I really didn't understand.

[@MarFor0]

No. He filled a 1 liter container with beans to the brim and measured the weight of the beans.

[@shanewilson2152]

@@MarFor0 thank you

[@locheyhopkinson9321]

Is denser coffee better? Are you aiming for a particular density? Or does it not really matter and it's just a way to get data to understand and roast better coffee

[@BaggySu]

I don't think it's about which one's better. I think it's just to measure how the beans behave in the roasting machine

[@MarFor0]

A coffee grown at a high elevation, and thus a cooler environment, will grow slower and that results in a higher density. Coffees from a higher elevation will often taste more acidic and flavourful. If it is better is up to you :-)

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

It’s a better way to understand how to increase the energy needed at the parts of the roast. High altitude and low altitude coffees have different flavours and characters that you can say are better or worse. That’s a personal taste.

[@andreww5574]

Yeah those beans are dense but a moisture reading of 14.3% lol... that coffee wasn't dried properly or wasn't stored properly and picked up a whole lot of moisture on its way to your or at your warehouse

[@joepangean6770]

Easier method: get a 100 ml Nalgene graduated cylinder. Put the cylinder on scales and tare. Now fill up to 100 mark on cylinder with green coffee beans (tap to compact). Weigh again , then multiply weight by 10 and you have an approximate g/L density.

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Great tip!

[@danknoize]

A graduated cylinder is a much better container to use for density reading as the smaller top gives a more consistent fill volume than the extremely large top of the container you are using/suggesting. just sayin 🙃 and personally I don‘t find the volume amount nearly as important, ie 500g is as good as 1L

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Yes for sure. You can do 500ml container and change the maths. We made this a few years ago. You can use a 1lt water jug if you like

[@drinksunbear]

@@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters what is the math for say 500g? I am confused what determines the density. Is there an equation?

[@Nezann]

Arquimided would do it better