SmartRef News

With the new GPS feature in the Wine Meister app, SmartRef becomes your mobile vineyard tracker. Every °Brix/°Oechsle/°KMW or potential alcohol reading is automatically saved with exact coordinates. Visualize ripeness by block and microclimate, spot faster- or slower-ripening zones, and prioritize harvest with confidence. Compare the exact same spots year over year to reveal long-term trends. Team sampling gets easier, too—no notebooks, no row numbers, just clean, location-linked data. Try it now to bring more structure and speed to harvest decisions.

Checking if the moisture in honey is at the right level is important for quality assurance in beekeeping. Using a refractometer is the easiest way to measure the water content in the honey.

We are pleased to introduce two new measurement functions for SmartRef and the Lab Meister app. By expanding the methods of our SmartRef Digital Refractometer, users can now accurately measure sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl₂) solutions - this opens up a variety of new applications in different industries. Advanced measurement functions for sodium and calcium chloride With these latest developments, our SmartRef offers the highest accuracy for salt concentration measurements: Salt solution Measuring range  Accuracy CaCl₂ 0-39 %w/w ±0.1 w/w NaCl 0-26 %w/w ±0.2 %w/w NaCl 0-316 g/L ±2.5 g/l All measurements are fully temperature compensated between 10 and 40 °C and provide accurate and reproducible values regardless of the ambient conditions. Advanced features for various industries These new features open up a wide range of practical applications, including: De-icing solutions: Precise control of salt concentrations during winter road maintenance Food preservation and fermentation: Accurate NaCl measurements for curing meat, brining or fermenting foods such as sauerkraut Cheese production: Optimized CaCl₂ concentration for cheese production Brewing and beverage industry: Precise CaCl₂ measurements for adjusting water hardness and balancing mineral content during brewing Additional feature - Integrated freezing point calculator To further improve the user experience, we have integrated a freezing point calculator for NaCl solutions, providing instant and precise insights into the freezing behavior of brine solutions. These new measurement features bring even more flexibility and precision to your workflow and make SmartRef the perfect tool for fast, accurate, and reliable refractive index-based analysis. Whether you work in the food industry, brewing, or traffic safety management, SmartRef and Lab Meister make precision measurements easier than ever.  

We are excited to announce the launch of our new Pet Care Meister app, an intelligent new app that works seamlessly with the SmartRef Digital Refractometer. Using this tool, pet owners, veterinarians, and pet care professionals can now accurately measure urine specific gravity (USG 20/20) for large mammals, dogs, and cats. Why are these measurements important? Monitoring urine specific gravity (USG 20/20) is an effective way to maintain the health and well-being of pets and large mammals. This reading provides important insights into fluid balance and kidney function, allowing for early disease detection.With the SmartRef Digital Refractometer and Pet Care Meister app, measuring and tracking USG has never been easier. Regular monitoring is one step to ensure your beloved pets stay healthy and happy. What are the benefits of the Pet Care Meister App? • Fast and accurate measurements – Get reliable results in seconds with the highest precision• Easy monitoring – Track your pet’s hydration status and kidney health over time and view the values graphically for a better overview• User-friendly interface – The intuitive design of the app makes it easy to use by both pet owners and professionals• Seamless integration – Works effortlessly via Bluetooth with the SmartRef Digital Refractometer• Better health insights – the app helps you identify early signs of disease so that veterinary intervention can be carried out in time Download the Pet Care Meister today to always have an overview of the health of your beloved pet!

From roasting the bean to the final coffee cup, countless parameters influence its taste and quality. To not only test these factors by sensory but also make them measurable, I brought our SmartRef to a coffee tasting at a well-known roastery in our city. This provided interesting insights into the measurement of TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) and coffee extraction. It all started with an invitation to a coffee-tasting evening When I found out that a well-known roastery in our city was offering a coffee tasting, I was immediately thrilled. This was THE opportunity to present our SmartRef Digital Refractometer along with our new Coffee Meister app and to test it for different types of coffee preparation. Excited and full of anticipation, I signed up for this tasting. The baristas at the roastery were curious and excited when they heard that I would be measuring the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS*) and extraction yield of the different coffee preparations. Sensory tasting of coffee is essential, but an actual measurement that confirms that the coffee is well prepared adds a layer of validation. This gives us not only a subjective opinion but also an objective measurement to verify whether the coffee is strong or weak and how well the coffee extraction worked. Behind the beans at the roastery The roastery currently roasts around 200-250 kg of coffee per day from Monday to Friday in a ratio of around 80% Arabica and 20% Robusta. They bottle various types of coffee and also sell exquisite coffee grinders and machines. In addition, you can buy and drink their coffee specialties in the coffee shop attached to the roastery. Mastering TDS measurements with SmartRef and Coffee Meister app During the tasting, we evaluated different coffee preparations such as cupping, filter coffee, and different espresso strengths as well as different types of coffee. The TDS values we measured were in line with our expectations: very low TDS for cupping, medium TDS for filter coffee, and high for espresso. This validated what we experienced through our taste buds—now supported by measurable data. In addition, we were able to determine the corresponding extraction rate using the extraction calculator integrated into the app. The baristas were delighted and were eager to spend the rest of the evening making and measuring coffee. Typical measured TDS values:  Coffee preparation TDS [%] Extraction [%] Cupping 0.75 Filter coffee 1.14 18.24 Espresso weak 6.86 19.35 Espresso strong 8.73 20.15 Why is the TDS measurement important? The TDS value indicates how many dissolved solids are present in the coffee and significantly impacts the taste. A TDS value that is too low can indicate under-extraction, resulting in a thin and sour taste. Conversely, a value that is too high can indicate over-extraction, resulting in a bitter and unpleasant taste. The ideal balance varies depending on the brewing method. Precise control of this value is crucial for maintaining the consistency and quality of the final product. The NEW Coffee Meister app - precision for your perfect coffee enjoyment For true coffee lovers, measuring and understanding the total dissolved solids (TDS) content in a brew is an important step in assessing coffee quality and refining the brewing process. The new Coffee Meister app makes this process very simple, precise, and insightful more than ever before. Using the Coffee Meister app in addition to SmartRef, it is not only possible to determine the TDS content with a remarkable precision of ± 0.03 %TDS and a resolution of 0.01 %TDS, but also have access to additional features such as the integrated extraction calculator. Three different calculators, adapted to the respective coffee preparation method, help users to fine-tune their extraction process. This depth of insight into coffee preparation empowers baristas, roasters, and home brewers to optimize their brews, ensuring consistency and a perfectly balanced flavor in every cup. As a result, the Coffee Meister app becomes an indispensable tool for those who not only enjoy coffee but also seek to truly understand it. Conclusion The visit to the roastery demonstrated the value of using the SmartRef digital refractometer in combination with the Coffee Meister app. Both the roastery owners and the workshop participants were impressed by the ease of use, speed, and accuracy. By regularly measuring the total dissolved solids (TDS) content, roasters can ensure consistent and high-quality coffees for their customers. The ability to measure the extract content of the coffee allows baristas to optimize their recipes based on precise data, which helps maintain flavor consistency across different batches and brewing methods. Integrating digital TDS measurement into the daily workflow makes quality control easier, more efficient, and more reliable – ensuring that every cup of coffee meets the highest standards. With SmartRef we were able to objectively measure the quality and consistency of the coffee and provide initial insights into the analytical control of the brewing process. I am already looking forward to the next tasting - I will certainly be there again...and my SmartRef with the Coffee Meister app, too 😊

Whether you are fermenting sauerkraut or vegetables for personal enjoyment or scaling up for commercial production, achieving consistent quality of your products is essential. One of the most critical elements during the fermentation process is the salt concentration of the brine. Discover how the SmartRef Digital Refractometer can take your fermentation to the next level, ensuring precision in every batch and helping you consistently achieve top-quality results. The Importance of Brine in Fermentation  Brine is more than just a salty solution – it plays a crucial role during the fermentation process. A properly balanced brine not only enhances the flavor but also ensures the right environment for lactic acid bacteria to thrive. These bacteria are essential for successful fermentation, helping to convert sugars into lactic acid while inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. The correct salt concentration controls the flavor, and safety of your fermented vegetables. Too little salt can lead to spoilage due to unwanted microbial activity, while too much salt can hinder fermentation, resulting in a delayed process or off-flavors. Therefore, to consistently achieve the right salt concentration, precise measurement is crucial. The SmartRef Digital Refractometer provides an accurate way to measure the salt concentration, helping you avoid these issues and ensuring that each batch of fermented vegetables meets your standards. Why Use SmartRef Digital Refractometer for Brining  The SmartRef Refractometer is a modern tool designed to remove the guesswork from brining. It offers multiple advantages for both home and professional fermenters: Accuracy: The SmartRef provides exact NaCl concentration measurements in your brine, ensuring optimal conditions for the fermentation process. By maintaining the proper salt concentration, you prevent unwanted microbial growth and achieve a consistent, high-quality final product. Ease of use: Simply place some drops of brine on the SmartRef prism and get an immediate reading. The simplicity of this tool makes it perfect for both small batches and larger production runs. Quality control: For those producing fermented vegetables for sale, consistency is crucial to retaining customers. The SmartRef ensures that each batch has the necessary salt concentration, providing your customers with a reliable product every time. Brining Other Vegetables for Fermentation  While sauerkraut is one of the most popular fermented vegetables, the SmartRef Refractometer is versatile and can be used to ensure the correct salt concentration when fermenting a variety of vegetables. Different vegetables may require different brine concentrations, depending on their texture and water content. Here some examples:2 % salt concentration: Ideal for softer vegetables like cucumbers and zucchini, where a lighter brine ensures they retain their crispness without becoming overly salty.2.5 % salt concentration: Works well for a broad range of vegetables, including carrots, cauliflower, and peppers. This concentration creates a balanced environment for fermentation.3.5 % salt concentration: Best for firmer vegetables like beets or other root vegetables, as a higher salt concentration helps maintain texture during fermentation.By using the SmartRef to measure the salt concentration of your brine, you can experiment confidently with different vegetables, knowing that your fermentations will be successful and safe. Accurate Salt Solution Made Easy with SmartRef Digital Refractometer and the Lab Meister App  The SmartRef with the Lab Meister mobile app makes it easy to obtain precise readings of your brine solution. Here’s a quick guide to ensure accurate results: • Prepare the SmartRef: Always ensure the device is properly adjusted and clean before use. Adjust the refractometer using distilled water, and ensure the prism surface is free from residues.• Prepare the brine sample: Stir your brine thoroughly to ensure a uniform salt concentration, and allow it to reach ambient temperature for the most accurate results.• Measure the concentration with the Lab Meister mobile app: Place a few drops of the brine onto the SmartRef prism, and the concentration will be displayed within seconds, either as %w/w or g/L, depending on your preference. Whether you’re making a classic sauerkraut or experimenting with fermented carrots and pickles, using the SmartRef Digital Refractometer to measure your salt brine ensures that each batch meets the high standards your customers expect. By maintaining precise control over the salt concentration, you ensure a safe and delicious product, every time.

Summer brings an abundance of delicious fruits, from juicy watermelons to sweet strawberries. Whether you're a farmer, a vendor, or simply a fruit enthusiast, ensuring your fruits are at their peak ripeness is crucial for maximum flavor and quality. One of the most reliable methods to determine the ripeness of fruits is by measuring their sugar content in °Brix. The SmartRef makes this process easier and more accurate than ever. What is Brix measurement? Brix measurement is a method used to determine the sugar content in an aqueous solution, in this case, the juice of the fruits. A higher Brix value indicates that the fruit contains more sugar and, therefore, more sweetness. The measurement is given in degrees Brix (°Bx). One degree Brix is corresponding to one gram of sucrose in 100 grams of solution. Brix measurement - Unlocking the sweet secrets of your fruit The sugar content of a fruit is a critical indicator of its ripeness and flavor. Brix measurement ensures your fruits have reached optimal ripeness before you harvest or process them. Produce with high Brix levels typically has a superior taste, a longer shelf life, and increased resistance to pests. Conversely, low Brix values can signal nutrient deficiencies, resulting in poor taste and quicker spoilage. Regularly measuring Brix values provides valuable insights into growth patterns, helping you track crop quality over time and identify the ideal harvest time for optimal results. This information is invaluable for farmers, vendors, and consumers alike. Farmers can determine the best time to harvest and vendors can ensure they sell only the highest quality produce. Consumers have the possibility to select the best fruits and vegetables for superior taste and nutritional intake. Master the Brix levels with SmartRef Digital Refractometer and Lab Meister mobile app SmartRef is a state-of-the-art digital refractometer that delivers precise Brix measurements with an outstanding accuracy of ± 0.2. Here's how you can use the digital refractometer SmartRef with the Lab Meister mobile app to measure the Brix levels of your summer fruits: Prepare the fruit sample: Start by selecting a small sample of the fruit you wish to test and extract 0.4 mL of its juice for your measurement. Ensure that the juice is free from pulp or seeds to avoid negative effects on the accuracy of your reading. Perform a quick SmartRef adjustment: Before taking a measurement, it's essential to adjust your SmartRef device with distilled water. Pipette distilled water into the sample well and start the adjustment via the Lab Meister app. Measure the Brix value: Place a few drops of the extracted juice into the sample well of the SmartRef and start your Brix (°Bx) measurement with the Lab Meister app. The result is displayed within seconds. Perform an acid correction to the Brix value: In citrus fruits, for instance, a high amount of acids can influence the measured Brix value. For the correction, simply open the Brix acid calculator in the Lab Meister app. Determine the titratable acid in %w/w of your sample. Enter the measured Brix value and titratable acid value in the calculator, which immediately gives you the corrected value. Save and interpret the results: Store your measurements in your logs and compare the measured Brix value with the optimal values for the specific fruit you are testing to determine the degree of ripeness. Clean the SmartRef: Easily clean your SmartRef by rinsing it thoroughly with water and wipe it dry with a clean towel.   Ideal Brix levels for different summer fruits To help you better understand what Brix levels to look for, here are examples of Brix levels for some popular summer fruits. Brix levels can vary by fruit and even by section of the same fruit. When trying to understand Brix, think of the number as a guide and consider it a way to evaluate flavor rather than a single taste measurement. Fruit °Brix Apples 11 - 16 Strawberries 7 - 12 Cherries 17 - 25 Peaches 11 - 14 Melons* 10 - 15 Blueberries 10 - 15 *for watermelons, measure the juice from the flesh near the center, as this area is the sweetest Discover the SmartRef advantages over traditional refractometers Accuracy: SmartRef provides highly accurate Brix measurements with an accuracy of ±0.2. Ease of use: With its intuitive design and user-friendly app, even those new to Brix measurement can quickly learn to use SmartRef. Portability: Compact and lightweight, SmartRef is easy to carry around, making it perfect for use in the field or at markets. Efficiency: SmartRef delivers results in seconds and is very easy to clean, allowing you to test multiple samples quickly and efficiently. Brix acid correction: SmartRef includes a calculator for the correction of the Brix value when a high amount of dissolved acids is present. Easy data storage: Store your readings with SmartRef and the Lab Meister app effortlessly. Utilize features like cloud storage and data export to access your data anytime and anywhere. Try it out and experience the difference!

Animals like cats, dogs, and large mammals usually do not show obvious signs of illness, making it crucial for pet owners and veterinarians to monitor their health regularly. One effective and simple method of doing this is by tracking urine specific gravity (USG). USG indicates an animal's hydration status and provides valuable insights into kidney function. This makes USG an important factor for diagnosing and managing various health conditions. Understanding urine specific gravity Urine specific gravity measures the density of urine compared to the density of water. USG therefore provides information about the concentration of a urine sample.The normal range for USG values can vary across species, but generally falls within these ranges: Animal USG Range Cat 1.035 – 1.060 Dog 1.015 – 1.045 Large mammal (e.g., horse, cow) 1.020 – 1.050   It is important to note that while general limits exist, the normal range can vary for each individual animal. Your vet can help you to find the normal range for your pet. The importance of tracking urine specific gravity (USG) Hydration status:USG provides vital information about an animal's hydration status. Low USG values can suggest overhydration, while high USG values indicate concentrated urine, often due to dehydration, shock, or inadequate water intake. By monitoring USG, you can effectively assess and manage your animal's hydration levels. Urine osmolality: Urine osmolality is a crucial measurement parameter for evaluating how well the kidneys can concentrate urine. It measures the number of dissolved particles in urine (Osm/kg). This value can be quickly and easily estimated using USG measurements.  By multiplying the last two digits of your measured USG value with 36 you receive the osmolality of urine. Calculating urine osmolality via USG helps to save time and reduce costs. Kidney function:Kidney disease is common in older animals but can also occur at a younger age. Measuring USG through refractometry allows veterinarians to detect early signs of kidney disease, enabling timely intervention and treatment before the condition worsens. Example: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats is a progressive loss of kidney function over time and is one of the most frequently diagnosed failures. Most cats with CKD have isosthenurie urine (USG ≤ 1.035). Early detection of renal failure through regular USG measurements can help to improve the quality of life for affected cats. How to measure USG with the SmartRef Digital Refractometer The SmartRef Digital Refractometer has revolutionized USG measurement for you. Our refractometer provides accurate readings in seconds with just 0.4 mL of a urine sample. This enables frequent and reliable monitoring of your animal's health. The Lab Meister mobile app enhances this process by storing data and tracking USG values over time graphically in a plot, allowing easy sharing of information with veterinarians or clients. In addition to each measurement result, other values like the pH value or osmolality can be stored. This way you have all necessary measurement data at one glance which you can immediately share with your vet. SmartRef tips How to collect a reproducable and reliable urine sample of your pet To measure your pet's urine specific gravity (USG) accurately, follow these steps: Collect the sample of a first morning urine, this represents the most concentrated USG for your animal throughout the day. Collect a mid-stream urine sample from your pet in a clean container. Perform the measurement as soon as possible to avoid changes in the sample. SmartRef has automatic temperature compensation to 20 °C and live measurement to ensure consistency to your results. Measure your pet's urine at the same time each day, such as in the morning, to account for hydration effects. Alternatively, take multiple samples throughout the day for a more representative result. (It is best to ask your vet when and how often you should measure the urine) Benefits of regular USG monitoring Early disease detection:Regular USG monitoring helps detect diseases early, improving treatment outcomes. Effective treatment management:Understanding an animal's hydration and kidney function allows veterinarians to tailor treatment plans more effectively. Cost-effective care:Regular USG checks at home with the SmartRef Digital Refractometer can reduce veterinary costs by identifying issues early. Convenience:The SmartRef and Lab Meister app make regular health monitoring convenient for pet owners and veterinarians. Tracking urine specific gravity is a powerful tool for maintaining the health and well-being of pets and large mammals. It provides essential insights into hydration status and kidney function, enabling early disease detection and effective management. With the SmartRef Digital Refractometer and Lab Meister mobile app, measuring and tracking USG has never been easier. Regular monitoring is a proactive step towards ensuring that your beloved animals remain healthy and vibrant. Invest in your pet’s health care with SmartRef - because their well-being matters!

Enhance your athletic performance by accurately monitoring hydration levels with urine specific gravity measurements using the SmartRef in combination with the Lab Meister mobile app. To achieve top performance in sports or athletics, the smallest details often set you apart from the average. One such detail that is gaining increasing attention among sports scientists and coaches is the measurement of specific gravity in urine during training and events. This metric can offer profound insights into an athlete's hydration status and overall health, both of which are critical for performance and safety. What is urine specific gravity? Urine specific gravity (USG) measures the concentration of solutes in urine by comparing the density of urine to that of water at 20 °C. This measurement helps determine how well the kidneys are diluting the urine, reflecting the body’s hydration status. The USG value of a healthy adult typically ranges from 1.000 to 1.030. An increased urine specific gravity can indicate dehydration, drug use, or renal arterial stenosis. Conversely, renal failure and diabetes are often associated with a decreased urine specific gravity. However, USG values are unique to each individual and should be regularly tested in consultation with a doctor for accurate health insights. Why is it important to track the specific gravity in your urine during events and training? Personalized hydration plans: By frequently measuring your USG, you can develop a personalized hydration plan tailored to your unique physiology, sport, environmental conditions, and training intensity. Enhance performance: Adequate hydration is linked to improved cardiovascular function, better thermoregulation, and enhanced muscle function. Staying hydrated helps you perform better, recover faster, and reduces your risk of injury. Health maintenance: Hydration is crucial for your performance and health. Dehydration can impair performance, reduce endurance, and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. Regular USG monitoring helps you maintain optimal hydration levels, which is especially important during intense training periods and competitions. Drug use detection: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) uses USG measurements to ensure urine samples are concentrated enough for accurate testing. This helps detect drug use and ensures fair competition. How can you measure the specific gravity in urine with SmartRef Digital Refractometer? With the SmartRef, you can easily take USG readings and save your measurement data using the Lab Meister mobile app. 5 Simple steps to get to your results: Perform a zero adjustment with distilled water. Put ~0.4 mL of your urine sample in the sample well of SmartRef. Start measurement. Get instant results - already temperature compensated. Save and share the measurement for later reference. USG measurement is a simple yet powerful tool in sports science. By providing real-time data on an athlete’s hydration status, it enables coaches and medical professionals to make informed decisions that enhance performance, prevent injuries, and safeguard health. As the field of sports science continues to evolve, integrating USG monitoring into regular training and competition routines will likely become standard practice, benefiting athletes across all levels and disciplines. The effortless measurement capabilities of SmartRef in combination with the smart data management of the Lab Meister mobile app, make them ideal for regular USG measurements in sports settings. With SmartRef, precision meets performance, giving athletes the edge that they need to excel.

The world of beekeeping is a fascinating one, full of buzzing bees and of course the golden reward of honey. But what does it really take to produce honey? When our application specialist was invited to spend a day at the apiary of a friend, she was thrilled: “I was always fascinated by bees but have never seen up close what it really takes to produce honey – so I took the chance to find it out.” The bee house: where it all begins It all started in the apiary, the area where the rows of wooden beehives are placed. Before we entered, I was handed a beekeeper suit. Nervously I zipped up the veil hoping that no bee will get into my clothes. The air was filled with a buzz as hundreds of bees went about their business. To be able to work safely with bees, we lit a smoker. The smoke helps calm the bees by masking their alarm pheromones, reducing the risk of aggressive behavior. However, each hive has its own personality – some are calm and cooperative, while others can be a bit more energetic and lively. We began to inspect the honey frames to see if they were full and ready for extraction. We carefully opened each hive and checked for signs of health and activity. I was a little bit excited to see how many bees were flying around me, and we avoided sudden movements that could potentially disturb the bees. Harvesting honey: from the honeycomb to the jar Once the inspection was complete and the honey frames were deemed ready, we took them to the honey extraction area. This is where the real magic happens. The extraction area was equipped with various tools and machines, including honey extractors, filters and jars. The process began with the honeycomb being opened to reveal the honey underneath. The frames were then placed into the extractor, a centrifugal machine that spins the honey out of the honeycomb. As the extractor worked, the honey flowed into a large container. The rich, golden liquid was then filtered to remove wax and residue before being poured into glasses. Quality assurance: Measure water and sugar content with the SmartRef Digital Refractometer and Lab Meister app Before the honey was sealed and labeled, we needed to test its water and sugar content to ensure quality and stability. This is where our modern technology came into play! With our digital refractometer SmartRef in combination with the Lab Meister app, we were able to measure these values quickly and with high precision. Only a few drops of honey were needed for SmartRef and the results were displayed within seconds with an accuracy of +/- 0.2%. This level of accuracy is critical to ensuring honey longevity and preventing spoilage. See also our Blog post “Determination of water in honey with SmartRef Digital Refractometer” for further information. The sweet rewards With the honey safely jarred and labeled, we sat down to relax and enjoyed the fruits of our labor. It was a rewarding experience, and I gained a new respect for beekeepers and their bees. Beekeeping is both an art and a science, requiring patience, skill, and a deep respect for bees. I left with a jar of fresh honey and a profound appreciation for the journey it took to get there — from hive to honey.

We are happy to share the very insightful and detailed blog post of our friend Tobi from Malzknecht.de. In his article he goes into detail about the EasyDens, SmartRef and the combined measurement to determine alcohol content in finished beer. Check it out here: https://malzknecht.de/ausruestung/testbericht/easydens-smartref-alkoholgehalt-messen/

A little coffee story … about the SmartRef coffee refractometer and TDS coffee measurement Almost everyone knows it, many love it, some just can't live without it - coffee For many people, drinking and enjoying coffee is part of their daily routine. Some like it very strong, others prefer it weak and mild. But what does strong or weak coffee mean? Usually, it can be said that espresso tastes stronger than filter coffee. But taste is rather subjective and varies from person to person. To rule out subjective opinions and to be able to describe the strength of coffee objectively, the scientific aspect has gained influence in recent years. Let's talk about total dissolved solids (TDS) in coffee - or the strength of your coffee Only 30 % of the coffee bean is soluble, the other 70 % consists of insoluble fiber and carbohydrates, which are responsible for the structure of the bean. With a TDS coffee refractometer, you are able to measure the strength of the coffee, the TDS value. The TDS value describes the amount of the total dissolved solids in a sample in percent. Simply put, it describes how much of the coffee bean has been dissolved into your coffee and how concentrated (strong) or watery (weak) the coffee is. A stronger-tasting coffee, e.g. espresso, will have a higher TDS, while a weaker coffee, e.g. filter coffee, will have a low TDS. This makes it possible not only to speak subjectively about the strength of the coffee, but also to make the taste measurable. Typical TDS values for different coffees Ristretto: > 12 % TDS Espresso: 8 – 12 % TDS Lungo: 2 – 8 % TDS French press: 1.4 – 1.7 % TDS Filter coffee: 1.2 – 1.5 % TDS TDS can give roasters, baristas, and coffee lovers a valuable insight into the solubility of a roast, e.g. the darker the roast, the more solubles in the bean are present, and the lighter the roast, the less solubles are present. With this in mind, you might do shorter extractions with a finer grind for a dark roast and longer extractions with a medium-coarse grind for a lighter roast.Additionally, TDS can help to determine the equipment setup and ensure consistent brew extraction throughout the day. From coffee TDS to coffee extraction In the world of coffee making, there are two very important numbers: Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Extraction Percentage. Once you know the TDS, you can use a simple equation to determine coffee extraction: Extraction percentage: how much of the dry coffee is dissolved in the water you used to brew your coffee in percent Brewed coffee: how much liquid you have in your cup after brewing Ground coffee: the amount of dry coffee you weighed in Why do we need the extraction value? Some flavors, such as the sour and fruity notes, are extracted first because they can quickly dissolve in water. The oils and sugars follow as they take a little longer to come out. Bitterness takes the longest to extract. Lower extraction results in "lighter" flavors like citrus, tea or flowers, higher extraction results in "deeper" flavors like caramel or chocolate, depending on the coffee. Basically, one can say that the optimal extraction yield is between 18-22 %. Values below 18 % are considered under-extracted, resulting in a sour taste, values above 22 % are considered over-extracted, resulting in bitter coffee. However, the optimum extraction range depends on the country of origin of the coffee, the roast, the grinder or the brewing method and can vary with different types of coffee. How can I change the TDS value for my perfect coffee? If you make your own coffee at home, the strength of your coffee may vary from brew to brew. In order to have a coffee that always tastes the same, it is necessary to consider that several factors can change the strength of your coffee: Change the water/coffee ratio: the more coffee you use with the same amount of water, the stronger the coffee will be Change the grind of your coffee: the finer the coffee is ground, the larger the surface area; more coffee gets extracted resulting in a stronger coffee Change the temperature of your brewing water: the hotter the water, the more efficient the extraction Change brewing time, brewing type or roasting type Stir your coffee when making filter coffee to homogenize your brew Experiment by adjusting one factor at a time. Measure the TDS value during the changeover and check which settings and changes bring you the best coffee! By understanding extraction and other influencing factors, you can make better coffee. How do we measure TDS with SmartRef Digital Refractometer? Clean your SmartRef before use. Adjust SmartRef with distilled water (not required before each measurement). Stir your coffee sample thoroughly (as the coffee settles very quickly). Pipette the hot coffee with a syringe and allow it to cool to room temperature in the syringe before pouring the coffee onto the refractometer. SmartRef tip: To minimize evaporation during the cool down period, cap the syringe with a tip cap. When the coffee has cooled, shake your syringe before measurement to ensure homogeneity. Pipette coffee into the sample well until the marked height. Start your measurement (% TDS) with the Lab Meister App, the result will be displayed within seconds. After measurement, clean your SmartRef by rinsing it with water and wipe it dry with a clean towel. As you can see, there are many factors to consider to brew the perfect coffee. Don't give up and find out which mixture and preparation suits you best. SmartRef is your perfect companion that will reliably support you in your brewing experiments.