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WEEKLY EXPRESSO: #3

Fresh Coffee Beans: Why Fresh is Always Best (And How To Get It Right)

  • By Bobby Pinto

Published: September 17th, 2024

When it comes to coffee, there’s one thing you’ll hear over and over from aficionados: fresh is always best. It’s not just a catchy phrase; there’s a world of flavour to unlock in your cup when you’re brewing with fresh coffee beans. But what exactly does ‘fresh’ mean, and why should you care about it when you’re searching for fresh roasted coffee beans near me or even stocking up on fresh coffee beans UK?

 

Grab your favourite mug, and let’s dive into everything you need to know about fresh coffee beans—from why fresh really is best to how long that freshness lasts, and how to store those beans like a pro.

SHOP fresh coffee beans

Why Fresh Coffee Beans are Best

So, why all the fuss about fresh coffee beans? Well, it's simple: freshness equals flavour. When coffee beans are freshly roasted, they’re at their peak in terms of aroma, oils, and flavours. Imagine biting into a ripe peach right off the tree compared to one that’s been sitting in your fruit bowl for a month—no contest, right? Coffee is the same.

 

Fresh coffee beans have a complex range of flavours that fade as time goes on. When coffee is roasted, a whole lot happens inside those little beans. Gases are released, oils come to the surface, and the true character of the coffee is unlocked. But, this starts to dissipate as the days go by, and those incredible flavours start to mute.

The Benefits of Fresh Coffee on Brewing and Flavour

Brewing coffee with fresh beans is like upgrading your entire coffee experience from "meh" to "wow". Whether you’re using an espresso machine, a pour-over, or your trusty cafetière, fresh coffee beans are going to deliver a brew that’s rich, vibrant, and layered with subtle notes.

 

For espresso lovers, fresh coffee beans are essential to get that perfect shot with the right crema and balance of flavours. If you're working with beans that have gone stale, your espresso shot will turn bitter or sour—basically, the opposite of what you're aiming for.

 

Pour-over and filter coffee drinkers also benefit from fresh beans. With freshly roasted coffee, you’ll notice a complexity of flavours that you just won’t get from older beans. Think fruity, floral, nutty, or even chocolatey notes all dancing around in your cup.

But wait—how fresh is too fresh?

How Fresh is Too Fresh? Why Coffee Beans Need to Rest

Here's where it gets a bit more technical, but don’t worry, it’s not rocket science. When coffee is freshly roasted, it actually needs a bit of time to "rest". That’s right, you don’t want to brew your coffee the same day it’s roasted—unless you fancy a flat, fizzy brew.

 

When coffee beans are roasted, they release carbon dioxide (CO2) in a process called degassing. If you brew your coffee too soon after roasting, those CO2 gases will still be escaping, which can mess with your extraction and result in uneven, underwhelming flavours.

The Ideal Resting Period for Coffee Beans

Generally, coffee needs to rest for around 3 to 7 days after roasting to reach its peak flavour. The exact timing depends on the bean and roast level. Espresso beans, for example, might need closer to 7 days of rest, while filter coffee is usually good to go after about 3 days. During this time, the gases settle, and the flavours really start to shine.

The Downside of Stale Coffee: How it Affects Espresso Extraction

Now, let’s talk about the flipside—what happens when coffee goes stale. Once the beans have passed their prime, everything that makes coffee great starts to deteriorate.

Stale Coffee = Bad Espresso

If you’ve ever pulled a shot of espresso and thought, “Why does this taste like an ashtray?” there’s a good chance your beans were stale. Espresso is particularly sensitive to freshness, and stale coffee beans will give you a shot that’s flat, bitter, and lacking the rich crema you’re after.

 

When beans go stale, the oils in the coffee oxidise (basically, they get exposed to air and break down), and that leads to rancid flavours. In espresso, stale beans mess with the extraction process, so you’ll either over-extract (too much bitterness) or under-extract (too sour). Neither is a good time.

How Long Do Fresh Coffee Beans Last? (And How to Store Them)

Here’s the burning question: how long do fresh coffee beans actually last?

The Shelf Life of Fresh Coffee Beans

Once roasted, coffee beans are at their best within the first two to three weeks. After that, they start to lose their aroma, oils, and, most importantly, their flavour. While technically, you can brew coffee months after it’s been roasted, you're going to notice a serious decline in quality. Think of it like trying to enjoy a glass of flat soda—it’s just not the same.

 

But the real trick to keeping your beans fresh isn’t just in buying fresh; it’s in storing them properly.

The Best Way to Store Fresh Coffee Beans

Coffee beans are like little sponges—they’ll absorb moisture, odours, and even light if you’re not careful. The best way to store your beans is in an airtight container, away from light, heat, and moisture.

 

Here’s the shortlist of do’s and don’ts:

  • Do: Store beans in an airtight, opaque container.
  • Don’t: Leave them in the bag they came in unless it has a proper seal. (Naughty Bean bags are perfect for storing your coffee in)
  • Do: Keep them in a cool, dark place.
  • Don’t: Freeze or refrigerate your coffee beans—this can actually cause condensation, which will mess with the flavours.

Naughty Bean Fresh Roasted Coffee vs. Supermarket Coffee

Now, I’d be remiss if I didn’t plug Naughty Bean, but seriously, here’s the deal when it comes to fresh roasted coffee from your favourite local roaster (hint: us) vs. supermarket coffee.

 

Supermarket coffee is often roasted in huge batches, and while it might be labelled ‘fresh’, by the time it reaches the shelf, it’s already weeks (if not months) old. Coffee in supermarkets is also often pre-ground, which is a huge no-no when it comes to freshness. Ground coffee starts to lose its flavour within minutes, which means by the time you buy it, you’re brewing a stale cup before you’ve even started. For filter coffee this isn't so bad but for espresso we really reallly encourage you to buy whole bean.

 

At Naughty Bean, we roast our coffee beans in small batches to order. That means your beans are roasted, rested, and shipped while still within their flavour peak. There’s no compromise on quality, and you can actually taste the difference in every cup.

The Final Word on Fresh Coffee Beans

If you want the best coffee experience possible, fresh is where it’s at. Fresh roasted coffee beans give you the full spectrum of flavours that old, stale beans just can’t compete with. Whether you’re brewing espresso, filter coffee, or anything in between, starting with fresh roasted coffee beans UK or hunting down fresh roasted coffee beans near me is your first step toward coffee nirvana.

 

So, ditch the supermarket stuff, embrace the rest period, and invest in proper storage—your taste buds will thank you.

SHOP fresh coffee beans
STRAIGHT TALKER BLEND - Naughty Bean coffee beans
STRAIGHT TALKER BLEND - Naughty Bean coffee beans
STRAIGHT TALKER BLEND - Naughty Bean coffee beans
STRAIGHT TALKER BLEND - Naughty Bean coffee beans

STRAIGHT TALKER BLEND

£8.75

👅 Taste notes: Milk chocolate, Marzipan, Caramel & Nuts

🍒 Grown in: Brazil & Peru

☕ Best brewed for: Espresso + Filter

Roast: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

 

Introducing the Straight Talker Blend—your perfect espresso blend, designed with home baristas and coffee lovers in mind. This special edition pairs two incredible coffees to bring you a balanced, flavourful brew that’s as versatile as it is delicious.

 

First, we’ve selected a Brazilian Natural from the Carapao region, known for its sweet, nutty tones that add a rich depth to your cup. Then, we’ve blended it with a Peruvian washed processed coffee from La Flor, which brings a smooth, milk chocolate finish. The result? A blend that’s ideal for your morning espresso but also shines in milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

 

The Straight Talker Blend is a favourite not just among home baristas but also in cafés that serve it up daily. It’s easy to brew, whether you’re pulling a shot on your espresso machine or experimenting with different brew methods at home. And when you add milk? The flavours meld together beautifully, creating a creamy, velvety texture that’s perfect for those who love a smooth, satisfying cup.

 

But that’s not all—this blend is also fantastic for filter brewing. If you prefer a rich, full-bodied filter coffee, the Straight Talker Blend delivers just that. Its deep, complex flavours come through beautifully in a filter brew, making it a versatile option for any coffee lover.

 

Whether you’re enjoying it on your own or sharing with friends, this blend is all about making great coffee accessible and enjoyable. So, why not bring a taste of the café into your own kitchen? With the Straight Talker Blend, you’re just a few steps away from a top-quality coffee that’s sure to impress—every time.
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