TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)

TDS is simply a measure of how much actual coffee is present in our finished cup. When we pour hot water over ground beans, we extract flavor and color, while the rest remains in the filter as used grounds. In a typical light brew, water makes up almost ninety-nine percent of the volume, and only about one percent consists of those particles extracted from the bean, which is exactly what this abbreviation stands for. Baristas sometimes use a small device called a refractometer to check this value, helping them assess whether the drink will feel too watery or too thick. In the daily routine of a specialty coffee shop, this measurement serves as an internal tool, allowing the team to maintain the exact same, consistent taste regardless of who is brewing.