Unlock the Secret to the Best Coffee: Freshness Tips for At-Home Brewing

For coffee enthusiasts, nothing compares to the satisfaction of brewing the perfect cup at home. The secret? Fresh beans. By understanding when to brew, how to store your beans, and the ideal freshness window, you can unlock coffee’s fullest flavours. Based on research conducted by other organisations, we’ve compiled this guide to help you elevate your coffee experience.

When to Start Brewing

While it might seem counterintuitive, coffee beans can actually be too fresh. Studies suggest that brewing coffee immediately after roasting can result in sour, unbalanced flavours. This is due to freshly roasted beans releasing carbon dioxide through a process called degassing.

To achieve the best flavour, especially with espresso, it’s recommended to wait at least seven days after the roast date. This resting period allows the beans to settle, ensuring a smoother extraction and a richer taste profile.

Shipping and Freshness

We take pride in delivering coffee at its peak freshness. Our 250g resealable bags are shipped just one to two days after roasting, ensuring you receive beans that are ready to begin their optimal resting period. These small, resealable packs are perfect for sampling a variety of flavours while keeping the unused portion sealed for freshness.

For those who prefer larger quantities, our 1kg bags are packaged with nitrogen flushing—a process that removes oxygen from the bag. This keeps the coffee fresh for much longer. In our testing, coffee stored in these sealed 1kg bags maintained its peak flavour for up to eight weeks after roasting.

The Optimal Brewing Window

Once your coffee has rested for a week, it enters its optimal brewing window, which lasts from two to six weeks after roasting. During this period, the flavours of the beans mature and develop, delivering the most balanced and vibrant taste.

However, the moment you open a coffee bag, oxygen begins to affect the beans. Proper storage is crucial to preserve their quality and extend their freshness.

Storing Your Coffee

The way you store your coffee has a significant impact on its flavour. Here are two of the best methods to keep your coffee fresh:

1. Coffee Canisters

After opening a coffee bag, transferring the beans to an airtight coffee canister is one of the most effective ways to preserve freshness. These containers protect against light, air, and moisture. For added protection, look for canisters with CO2 valves, which allow gases to escape without letting air in.

Tips for Storing in Coffee Canisters:

• Cool and Dark: Store the canister in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and heat.
• Minimise Exposure: Open the canister only when necessary to reduce air contact.

2. Freezer Storage

If you can’t finish your coffee within a week or two of opening, storing it in the freezer is a great option. Research has shown that freezing coffee preserves its flavour better than storing it at room temperature or in the fridge.

How to Freeze Your Coffee:

• Transfer the beans to an airtight container to prevent exposure to moisture.
• Remove only the portions you need while keeping the rest sealed in the freezer.

Brew Better, Brew Smarter

Freshness is the foundation of a great cup of coffee. By waiting a week after roasting and consuming your beans within two to six weeks, you can enjoy their peak flavour. Whether you use a quality coffee canister or freezer storage, proper care ensures your beans stay fresh until your next brew.

We’re passionate about helping you make the most of your coffee experience. If you have any questions about freshness, storage, or brewing techniques, feel free to reach out to us. We’re always here to chat, answer your questions, and share tips to help you brew the perfect cup every time.

Happy brewing!