How long do roasted coffee beans last?

Is there anything better than a hot cup of fresh coffee first thing in the morning? There's no denying that the peak of the day for many people is a cup of flavorsome joe, brewed with freshly roasted beans. Although it's easier to brew instant coffee, you'll have a higher quality cup of coffee if you grind your own beans.

Many things can affect the taste of coffee. The flavor, roasting and brewing methods, and grinder that you use can all influence the outcome. Yet nothing is more important than the freshness of the ground beans themselves, and many people wonder how long do coffee beans last for, and what can be done to retain their fresh taste?

If you're a roasted coffee bean lover, then it's especially important to know a little bit about how to use them and keep their rich flavor. A great place to start is to learn how to properly store them, and how long they last for before you get stuck into the art of coffee making. So, without further ado, let's explore the world of coffee beans, and how you can make the best coffee out there.

Why are roasted coffee beans so popular?

The two most popular types of coffee are instant and ground coffee. Both of these have different advantages, with many people choosing to drink instant coffee over ground coffee since is easier to brew, and there is no need to ever use a grinder. It's definitely a much simpler process than making coffee from roasted beans. Although you don't need to roast the beans yourself, if you buy them in their raw form then you'll need to grind them before brewing the coffee.

However, there is a big difference in the flavors of these two types of coffee. Although there are many great-tasting instant coffees, that have a roast bean aroma, nothing comes close to freshly-brewed ground coffee. Roasted beans have an intense taste, that will put a smile on the faces of even the biggest coffee hater.

Ground coffee has an unbelievable taste because the bean grinding process allows aromatic oils from the coffee to be released. These oils let out extra flavors that were enhanced by the long roasting process. Drinking ground coffee takes us back to basics and allows us to have an authentic coffee-drinking experience.

What is the best way to store coffee beans?

When you buy roasted coffee beans, you need to make sure that you store them correctly so that they retain their fresh flavor. You should keep them in an airtight container since too much exposure over time to moisture, air, and oxygen can severely affect their quality and may make your coffee taste strange. What's more, storing your roasted beans in this way can actually extend their shelf life!

If you buy coffee beans that come in a resealable bag, then you can store them here. However, it's not a great long-term option. The best way to keep your beans fresh is to put them in a sealed container. Try to avoid leaving them in exposed areas in transparent containers, since light can cause changes to the beans' flavor.

You should put your coffee beans in a cool, dark place in your home, like a cupboard. The further away from heat sources such as ovens, the better, as there is less risk of your beans getting damaged and they'll have longer-lasting freshness.

Storing your beans in a closed container will ensure they stay fresh-tasting for at least one month. However, even home storage containers can still let in small amounts of air, so it's better to use up these coffee beans quickly, and not leave them sitting around for too long!

Is it possible for coffee beans to go bad?

We've all had a cup of coffee that hasn't tasted or smelled good, and this can be down to a number of reasons, like flavor, roasting procedure, and even the expiration date. More often than not, its thanks to the bean quality. If you look after your coffee beans properly, then there is no reason why they should go bad. However, failing to store coffee beans correctly, can result in their freshness being drastically affected.

Some telltale signs of stale coffee beans are if they look bad, or smell different. If they start to develop a bit of a moldy or putrid scent, then it's best to throw them in the trash and get yourself a new bag. When coffee beans are roasted, gases, like carbon dioxide form inside of them, and then start to leave the beans a few days after the roasting process is finished. When carbon dioxide leaves beans too quickly, this may affect their taste, and make them stale.

If instead of a really foul smell, your coffee simply has a dull aroma, then it's a good idea to avoid using them. The smell and taste of coffee are interlinked, and if your beans have lost that enticing aroma, then it's safe to say that they may have passed their peak.

If you accidentally drink some coffee that you think might have been made with expired beans, don't panic! Although the flavor will be a little disappointing, you won't get sick from drinking coffee made with out-of-date beans.

Can you freeze coffee beans?

The best way to enjoy that freshly roasted coffee bean flavor is to make sure you store your beans in an efficient way that helps preserve their rich flavor. Most people prefer to put them in airtight packaging like a container. Yet, many coffee drinkers choose to try different storage options. One way is by freezing coffee beans in sealable bags.

Freezing your coffee beans is a good way to extend their shelf life by several months. This is because it reduces the amount of oxygen that they are exposed to. Putting your whole beans in small, airtight freezer bags will ensure that they last and don't go stale. If you store them in the freezer then, you need to ensure that they aren't exposed to air or light for too long when taken out of storage.

It's important to know that you should only remove a small number of beans every few days, and keep the rest in the freezer, to avoid any moisture forming on them. Frozen coffee beans will make it possible for you to ignore expiration dates as they'll stay in date for longer. However, this may cause some changes to the beans' flavors since their freshness will be reduced.

If you want to enjoy a fresh coffee that tastes as good as an Italian espresso, then it's best to not freeze your roasted coffee beans, since this depletes the flavor. However, if you care more about extending your coffee beans' expiration date by several months, then you should definitely store them in airtight freezer bags.

How long do coffee beans stay fresh for?

When deciding whether to buy instant coffee or raw coffee beans, many people choose instant varieties. This is because they have a longer shelf life, and won't go out of date as quickly as roasted coffee. If you use coffee beans, you will have to keep them in a cool and dry storage area, to ensure they stay fresh.

On average, coffee beans will keep fresh for around a week or two, if not placed in an airtight container which conserves their freshness and flavor. This is why it's a good idea to buy coffee beans that have a recent roast date, from a week or two ago. Remember to put your beans in a seal proof bag immediately after buying them. Without this, over time they will become stale.

When kept in a closed container, your coffee beans will stay fresh for a couple of months. It's important to check the expiration date and any storage guidelines on your coffee beans' packaging since this might give you more of an idea of the length of time they'll last for.

Our roasted coffee products

If you want to get your hands on a bag of delicious roasted ground coffee, then check out our website. You can get a bag of our Chamberlain Coffee medium roast blend coffee bags, made from the finest quality beans.

Make sure to check out the rest of our site for cool products and tips, like Emma's personal coffee brewing process, so that you can perfect your coffee brew. With all of this and so much more, you'll be making coffee like a pro in no time!

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