Color measurement of coffee and tea
For an objective, reproducible and communicable evaluation of roasting degrees, producers and coffee roasters need clear and reliable numerical values.
Does the color of ground coffee tend more towards blue or gray or rather brown?
Or is the coffee bean still bluish or already grayish during the roasting process?
Judging this is an almost impossible task for the human eye. Hue, intensity and brightness make the identification of color complex and extremely difficult.
HunterLab colorimeters analyze color values precisely, reliably and independently of human and external factors (lighting conditions), both of coffee and loose tea.
The color of freshly ground coffee is an important quality indicator that is closely monitored during production, as the degree of roasting of the coffee directly influences both the taste and appearance of the freshly brewed beverage.
Instrumental color measurement with HunterLab measuring devices is easy to perform and guarantees reliable testing to meet the highest standards.
Recommended indices for measuring the color of coffee
There are three special indices for coffee products in the industry, which can be set both in the firmware and in the software:
SCAA/G
– The Agtron number for the Gourmet Coffee Scale, introduced by the Specialty Coffee Association of America www.scaa.org. This scale is based on a series of visual color standards from the SCAA that are used to classify the color of coffee powder.
SCAA/C
– The Agtron number for the commercial coffee scale, introduced by the Specialty Coffee Association of America, based on the SCAA/G scale.
HCCI – The Hunter Coffee Color Index, based on the reflectance at 640 nm; a common measurement method used by many roasting plants.
This can also be individually adjusted to other previously used indices.
Our solutions for coffee powder/beans:
ColorFlex L2 Coffee
Compact colorimetric station
-
Many different Port Plates
Many Port Plates (13 mm, 19 mm, 25.4 mm, 31.8 mm) for many types of samples.
-
Compact dimensions
With a weight of 2.75 kg and dimensions of 16 cm (height), 21 cm (width) and 24 cm (depth), the CFL2 is the ideal partner in the laboratory and production.
-
Integrated Essentials 2.0 QC software
Colour location visualization, spectral curves, spectral data and PASS/FAIL with individual tolerances.
-
45°/0° geometry
The CFL2 measures colour as the human eye sees it.
Every day.
Reliable and precise. -
In many versions
The ColorFlex L2 is also available in Tomato and Coffee versions.
-
Easy to use and precise
Support from Help Wizard.
Reduces training time, optimizes the workflow and increases your productivity.
Aeros Coffee
Laboratory device for measuring color and degree of browning
-
Non-contact measurement
The sensor detects the sample without contact and without having to measure through plastic or glass.
-
Large surface area
The rotating sample plate captures 177.25 cm2 of the sample in 35 measurements in 5 seconds.
-
Integrated QC software
The EasyMatch QC Essentials quality control software is integrated into the device and provides all the necessary color indices and metrics.
-
Intelligent height adjustment
The distance sensor automatically compensates for height differences in irregular samples. -
Smart user interface
Your measurement results can be easily transferred to existing LIMS or SPC systems. -
Easy to use and precise
Simple "one touch" measurement reduces training time, optimizes the workflow and increases your productivity.
Do you measure the color of loose tea or tea or coffee in liquid form?
Talk to us, we have a solution for these applications too!
Discover how you can define a color profile for your coffee.
We offer customized solutions for these special requirements!
Further information for you on this topic:
-
Brochure "Color measurement of coffee, cocoa and tea"
Your local partner:
-
STOTTO
-
3 Meer End - Interchange Business Park
Birstall Leicester
Leicestershire LE4 3EH
UNITED KINGDOM -
+ 44 (0) 116 269 1240
HunterLab worldwide:
-
Europe / Middle East / Africa
HunterLab Europe GmbH
-
Dr.-August-Einsele-Ring 15
82418 Murnau
-
+49 8841 9464
-
Headquarters, North / South America
Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc.
-
11491 Sunset Hills Road
Reston, VA 20190-5280
-
+1 571 470 6028
-
Asia-Pacific
HunterLab Asia Limited
-
Flat E, 13F Leahander Centre,
28 Wang Wo Tsai Street,
Tsuen Wan,
New Territories,
Hong Kong -
+852 2406 1723
Ask us your question here...
Would you like to talk directly about your application/sample? Give us a call at
We will show you the colour measurement solution for your product.
Or simply fill out the form below.
Our colorimetry experts will be happy to help you!
The HunterLab Europe blog
All about colour measurement
Potato potato chips and all types of vegetable potato chips in all their varieties impress with...
The colour of spice always provides information about its quality. A rich, intense colour...