How Long Can Coffee Beans Maintain Their Flavor Does the Optimal Flavor Period for Coffee Beans Last Only One Month

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FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Coffee Flavor Period

"Roast Date"

The roast date of coffee beans represents freshness. Typically, beans roasted within 2-3 days can be considered fresh coffee beans. However, buying immediately after roasting is actually not when the beans taste their best, as they still contain roasting smoke smells and the beans' own odors.

Freshly roasted beans have what's commonly known as "dryness sensation," mainly表现为酸味较为尖锐，不够圆润，甜感还没达到较好的状态，些微涩感在口腔盘旋。The roasting process is a complex chemical and physical reaction process, with variables we don't yet understand. However, the dryness sensation is a real taste experience.

Every kilogram of coffee beans, in a non-saturated environment, will release approximately 6 to 10 liters of carbon dioxide, equivalent to 1% to 1.2% of the total bean weight. 35% of this is released within the first 3 days after roasting. As the carbon dioxide escapes, an equal amount of volatile aromatics are also lost. Coffee beans continue to release nitrogen dioxide (degassing) for about 48 hours after roasting, therefore brewing immediately after roasting results in poor flavor.

"Best Flavor Period" (Note: not expiration date)

When buying coffee, do you still look at the expiration date on the package? We want to tell you something important: the best flavor period of coffee is not equal to the expiration date. You should pay attention to the roast time instead.

Freshly roasted coffee beans will change in flavor over the next 1-2 weeks, offering an additional journey where you witness the rise and fall of coffee like flowers blooming and withering. Usually, we taste the best flavor around 1 week.

Is the flavor period of coffee beans 15 days?

From a roaster's experience, the flavor period of coffee beans is about 15 days (depending on the roast degree), which means after the resting period, within 7-20 days from the roast date is considered the flavor period, also known as the best flavor period.

"Resting Period"

The process of waiting for the best flavor period is what's known as resting beans (usually 3-4 days for single-origin beans, 7-10 days for espresso beans). This is similar to how red wine needs moderate oxidation after opening to become smooth and layered; but if left too long, the wine will turn sour. Freshly roasted coffee beans sometimes have greenness (grassy, peasy), which disappears after a night. On the other hand, new beans have a fresh-out-of-the-oven bread aroma that those who insist on resting beans might never taste.

Knowledge Extension:

Properly stored coffee past its expiration date won't cause any problems when consumed. Flavorless coffee can become a delicious coffee drink by adding sugar and milk.

In Summary:

FrontStreet Coffee is a coffee research center, happy to share coffee knowledge with everyone. Our unreserved sharing is only to help more friends fall in love with coffee. Additionally, we have three low-discount coffee activities every month because FrontStreet Coffee wants to let more friends drink the best coffee at the lowest price. This has been FrontStreet Coffee's mission for the past 6 years!

Important Notice :

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