The aroma that spreads the moment you open a bag of coffee. The aroma that intensifies when you grind the beans.
Being able to enjoy this aroma is a major appeal of coffee. However, coffee does not remain in the same state after roasting.
Freshness is important. However, it is not always true that "coffee is most delicious immediately after roasting, regardless of the beans."
This time, we will introduce the changes that occur after roasting and how to find your ideal drinking period.
Beans continue to change even after roasting is complete.
During roasting, gas is produced, much of which is carbon dioxide. Some of it escapes during roasting, but some remains inside the beans and is slowly released during storage. This phenomenon is called "degassing."
Research has shown that the way gas is released varies depending on whether the coffee is whole bean or ground, the roast level, and roasting conditions. Gas is not only related to packaging, but also to extraction and espresso crema. [Smrke et al., 2018]
In other words, not all beans will be in the same state even if the same number of days have passed since the roasting date.
"Freshness" and "optimal drinking period" are slightly different.
When considering freshness, it is important to preserve the aroma as much as possible. On the other hand, the optimal drinking period is the time when the coffee tastes delicious when actually brewed.
If you taste coffee immediately after roasting and find that the aroma is strong but the flavors are not well-integrated, try it again a few days later. Which you prefer will vary depending on the beans, brewing method, and the person drinking it.
There is no need to decide to "wait a certain number of days" here. It is difficult to apply a uniform waiting period to all products, as the rate of gas release differs.
When discussing the optimal drinking period at a store, it helps to state whether you will be "brewing with a drip method" or "using it for espresso," as this will make it easier to have a conversation tailored to your needs.
Resting the coffee and leaving the bag open are not the same thing.
The flavor does not continue to improve indefinitely just by letting it sit.
Research on post-opening storage has shown that storage methods that minimize contact with air help maintain aroma. Even while waiting for the gas to change, care must be taken to preserve the aroma. [Smrke et al., 2022]
Rather than leaving the bag open "to release gas," it is better to close it properly after use and handle it according to the product's storage instructions.
What 0566 would like to suggest is to review the amount you purchase before adding special equipment. Rather than buying a lot and making it last a long time, choose an amount that suits your drinking pace. This makes daily management easier to maintain.
Buy whole beans or ground?
When coffee is ground, the way gas is released changes compared to whole beans. [Smrke et al., 2018]
If you have a grinder at home, you can enjoy grinding the necessary amount right before you drink it. The rising aroma also becomes part of the time it takes to brew a cup.
On the other hand, if you don't have a grinder, it's perfectly fine to buy pre-ground coffee. The important thing is not to make acquiring equipment a burden. By starting with a small amount and remembering the date you opened the bag, you can find the purchasing method that suits you best.
Try drinking the same beans on different days.
You don't need a complicated evaluation chart to know the optimal drinking period.
For example, try drinking the same beans on the first day after purchase, three days later, and one week later. These dates are not quality deadlines, but examples for observing changes.
When comparing, keep the amount of beans, water, and grind size as consistent as possible. Focusing on the following three points is sufficient:
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What is the impression of the aroma?
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How is the balance of acidity, sweetness, and bitterness?
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After drinking, do you feel like having another sip?
"I like the first day," or "It's easier to drink after a few days." Both are important discoveries for learning your preferences.
How 0566 values handling freshness.
At 0566 Coffee Roasters, we consider what kind of acidity, sweetness, and aftertaste we want to deliver through roasting.
When enjoying that cup at home, please pay attention to the taste in front of you, along with the roasting date.
Choosing new beans. Buying an easy-to-handle amount. And enjoying the daily changes. Understanding freshness is not about rushing to consume deliciousness, but rather a clue to finding your favorite cup.
