How do I know if the coffee I buy is fresh?

by Matty
(Cowichan Bay, BC)

Grind your coffee just before brewing

QUESTION:

Hi. I guess I’m a bit of a newbie when it comes to making my own coffee.

One thing I have picked up is that I should use fresh coffee beans. Makes sense. But how can I tell if the coffee I buy is fresh?

And once I have it at home, how do I keep it fresh?


ANSWER:

Great question!

One way to know if your coffee is fresh is to pay attention to the roast date.

Many coffee companies will include the roast date on the packaging, and it's best to brew coffee within two weeks of that date.

You can also look for signs of staleness such as a flat or dull taste, lack of aroma, or a bitter aftertaste. Another indicator of staleness is if your coffee has a "cardboard" or "musty" smell.

The best way to ensure the freshness of your coffee beans is to buy whole bean coffee and grind it at home just before brewing. This is because coffee beans begin to lose flavor as soon as they are ground, so pre-ground coffee can be less flavorful than freshly ground beans.

Also, try to buy coffee beans in small quantities, so you can finish them before they start to stale.

Additionally, storing your coffee beans correctly is important to maintain its freshness. Coffee beans should be stored in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place, away from light, moisture and heat.

Which reminds me… don’t store your beans in the fridge or freezer, this is because the beans will absorb moisture and odors.

In summary, to ensure that your coffee is fresh, pay attention to the roast date, buy whole bean coffee and grind it just before brewing, buy small quantities of beans, store them in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place, away from light, moisture, and heat.

Out of all these tips, the most important is to buy whole beans and grind them at home. It’s almost as if the freshness is sealed in until you grind the beans.

Personally, I ALWAYS grind whole beans just before brewing.

I hope this answers your question.

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