What is the purpose of measuring the Specific Gravity of coffee?

Measuring the Specific Gravity of coffee serves to evaluate the density and quality of coffee beans. Specific Gravity is a measurement that compares the density of a substance to the density of water. In the context of coffee, it can help identify the presence of defects in the beans, as higher quality beans typically have a different density compared to lower quality ones. This measurement can also provide insights into the processing methods used and even influence how various beans interact during brewing.

In contrast, while flavor profiles are influenced by various factors, specific gravity itself does not directly measure flavor components. Caffeine content, while important, is not determined through specific gravity, as this requires chemical analysis. The roasting time is more closely related to temperature and duration of exposure to heat rather than density measurements. Therefore, assessing density and quality through specific gravity remains a fundamental aspect of understanding coffee beans.