FRESH!

Let’s talk fresh for a moment...

What does it mean when we say coffee is fresh? If you are roasting your own coffee, or you are getting specialty coffee, take a look at the roasting date. From the time the coffee is roasted, time is ticking away at the freshness of your coffee. 

Coffee is considered “fresh” up to 21 days after the roasting date. From that point on the freshness and taste begin to differ. Your coffee will still be delightful and taste good for 45 days. Heck even 90 days is ok. 

The main issue is coffee loses the subtlety in aroma and taste after the first three weeks. Now, the the average coffee drinker, that probably doesn’t mean much. I can think of a few friends that just don’t care(no names). 

For those who really value fresh coffee, here are some tips to keep that coffee fresh and good.

1. Leave your coffee in a bag, or a dark container that is airtight. You want to keep oxygen away from your coffee.
2. Leaving it in an airtight bag/container also keep moisture from hitting the coffee. 
3. Don’t put your coffee in the freezer. My folks did this, because they thought it preserved the coffee. Sorry that only works with the meats, veggies and ice cream. Coffee will become stale faster if moistures gets in and condenses onto the beans. 

Now what about the coffee you see at the store. Anyone who knows me, knows where I am headed on this. The coffee in those bags has been ground(in most cases), and has been in a warehouse or on the shelves for a while. There is also a “best used by date” on it. That is not fresh....nor should you think it is. 

If you want fresh coffee, make sure it has been recently roasted, and follow the tips I gave.

Charlie