The most passionate of coffee lovers are always on the lookout for the finest brews. They scour coffee shops, try new blends and explore different brewing methods just to get that perfect cup of coffee.
Coffee lovers may have different tastes in coffee, but when buying coffee beans online, they agree that freshness is the key. Let’s explore why freshness matters when buying coffee beans and how to ensure you get the freshest beans possible.
What is freshness in coffee beans?
Before we dive into why freshness matters, it’s important to understand what freshness means in the context of coffee beans. Freshness refers to the length of time that has passed since the beans were roasted.
Once roasted, the coffee beans begin to lose their flavour and aroma due to oxidation. As to the rate at which this happens, here are some factors:
- Type of bean
- Roast level
- Storage conditions
So, why does freshness matter?
Freshness matters because it directly affects the taste and quality of your coffee. Stale coffee beans produce dull, flat-tasting coffee with little aroma. On the other hand, fresh coffee beans produce a complex, flavourful cup of coffee with a rich aroma. The difference in taste is noticeable, and once you’ve tasted fresh coffee, it’s hard to go back to stale coffee.
When you buy coffee beans online, you don’t have the luxury of smelling or tasting the beans before you buy them—which makes it even more important to pay attention to the freshness of the beans. But how do you know you’re getting the freshest beans?
How to ensure you get fresh coffee beans online
- Buy from a specialty roaster – Specialty roasters roast their beans in small batches to ensure maximum freshness. They typically have a commitment to quality and freshness that you won’t find in mass-produced coffee brands.
- Look for roast dates – When buying coffee beans online, look for the roast date on the package. This will give you an idea of how fresh or not the beans are. Beans that have been roasted over the last two weeks should be ideal.
- Opt for whole beans – When you buy whole bean coffee, you can grind it just before brewing. This ensures maximum freshness and flavour. Pre-ground coffee, on the other hand, can go stale quickly.
- Consider the packaging – The packaging of coffee beans can also affect their freshness. Look for bags with a one-way valve that allows carbon dioxide to escape without letting oxygen in. Note that oxygen can cause coffee beans to go stale quickly.
- Store properly – Once you receive your coffee beans, store them properly. You’d want to keep them in an airtight container and make sure it’s away from heat, light and moisture. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator or freezer, as this can cause moisture to build up and affect the flavour of the beans.
Conclusion
There’s no denying that freshness matters when buying coffee beans because it directly affects the taste and quality of your coffee. When you buy from a specialty roaster online, look for roast dates, opt for whole beans, consider the packaging and store the beans properly to ensure maximum freshness and flavour. Why would you settle for stale coffee when you can enjoy the rich aroma and complex flavours of fresh coffee beans?
