If you're serious about getting the most out of your coffee, understanding how freshness impacts flavour is essential. While many people focus on grinding coffee fresh before brewing, roast date is just as important—if not more.
At our roastery, we believe that coffee should be enjoyed at its peak, and that means using it within 2 to 4 weeks of roasting. Here’s why this window matters and how it can transform your daily cup.
The Life Cycle of Roasted Coffee
When coffee beans are roasted, they undergo dramatic chemical changes that unlock their distinctive aromas and flavours. During roasting:
- Sugars caramelize
- Acids develop
- Aromatic oils are released
These compounds are what give coffee its rich, complex flavour. However, they’re volatile—meaning they start to break down soon after roasting. The clock starts ticking the moment coffee leaves the roaster.
Why 2–4 Weeks is the Sweet Spot
1. Degassing and Flavour Development
Freshly roasted coffee releases carbon dioxide (CO₂), a process known as degassing. Too much CO₂ in the first few days can interfere with proper brewing, especially in espresso.
- Optimal flavour develops about 3 to 7 days after roasting as CO₂ levels begin to stabilise.
- After that, coffee is in its prime flavour window for about 2 to 4 weeks.
During this time, the coffee is aromatic, balanced, and vibrant—exactly how we intend it to taste.
2. After 4 Weeks: Diminished Returns
Beyond the 4-week mark, the oils and aromatic compounds in coffee begin to oxidise, leading to stale, flat flavours.
- You may notice a loss of sweetness, muted acidity, or a dull finish.
- Pre-ground coffee degrades even faster, which is why we recommend grinding fresh just before brewing.
How to Keep Coffee Fresh Longer
While it’s best to use coffee within 2–4 weeks, you can preserve freshness by storing it correctly:
- Use an airtight container
- Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight
- Avoid the fridge or freezer (unless vacuum-sealed)
Why We Roast to Order
To ensure our customers experience coffee at its best, we roast to order. This means your coffee isn’t sitting on a shelf for weeks before reaching you. Instead, you receive it fresh from the roaster, ready to be enjoyed in that perfect flavour window.
Final Thoughts
Coffee is a fresh product, and just like bread or produce, it’s best consumed while fresh. Using your beans within 2 to 4 weeks of roasting ensures you enjoy the full depth, balance, and character of each origin and roast profile.
Ready to experience coffee at its freshest? Order today and taste the difference.