How long does coffee really last?
Coffee does not lose its quality from one day to the next. What does happen is that it gradually loses freshness, and that is different from going off.
After roasting it releases gases and its aromas evolve. So it is worth separating the shelf life of the product from its best moment for flavour and aroma, which are not the same thing.
What affects freshness
Oxygen, humidity, light and heat speed up the loss of aroma. So does how long the package stays open: a bag opened every day ages faster than one opened once a week.
Whole bean or ground?
Whole bean tends to hold its character better because it has less surface exposed to air. Once ground, aroma is lost considerably faster.
The practical rule: if you buy ground, buy less and more often. If you buy whole bean, you can afford a larger bag.
How to store it
Keep the package well sealed, in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and sources of heat. Ideally, buy an amount that matches what the household or business actually drinks.
The main point
Rather than thinking only about a printed date, look at freshness, aroma and how the coffee has been stored. A well-kept bag at two months can be better than a badly kept one at two weeks.
New article, straight to your inbox
Growing, roasting and brewing, written by the people who do it on the farm. No offers, no noise.
