We’ve all heard it before: "The fresher the coffee, the better the taste!" But is that really true? While freshness is important, there’s a bit more to the story. Let’s break down this common coffee myth.
The truth about freshly roasted coffee
Freshly roasted coffee goes through a process called degassing, where it releases carbon dioxide (CO2). Right after roasting, coffee beans are filled with CO2, which can impact extraction and flavor if brewed too soon.
Why you should wait before brewing
Here’s why letting coffee rest for a little while actually improves the flavor:
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Better Extraction: Too much CO2 can disrupt the brewing process, preventing proper water interaction with the coffee grounds.
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More Balanced Flavors: Coffee needs time to develop its full range of flavors. Freshly roasted beans can taste too sharp or gassy if brewed immediately.
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Ideal Resting Period: Most specialty coffee reaches peak flavor 5-14 days after roasting depending on the roast profile and brewing method.
Want to improve your brewing skills? Check out our guide: Coffee Brewing Tips: Get the Best Out of Your Beans
How brewing method affects freshness
Not all brewing methods react the same way to freshly roasted coffee:
- Espresso: Needs at least 7-14 days of resting time to prevent excessive CO2 from affecting extraction.
- Filter Coffee (Batch Brew, V60, etc.): Can be brewed as early as 3-5 days post-roast, but flavors continue to improve over time.
- Cold Brew: Works well with slightly older coffee (10+ days), as it extracts over a long period.
So, how fresh is too fresh?
If coffee is too fresh, it can taste overly bright, acidic, or even slightly carbonated due to excess CO2. If it’s too old (months past roast date), it can taste stale or flat. The sweet spot? A few days to a few weeks post-roast.
Want to dive into coffee flavors? Read: Nerdy Guide to Coffee Flavors
Final Verdict: freshness matters, but timing is key
Yes, fresh coffee is great—but only when it’s given enough time to rest and develop its full potential. Instead of chasing the "freshest" beans, focus on proper storage and choosing coffee that’s within its peak flavor window.
More sources:
- "Tips for Proper Coffee Storage" Colombian Coffee UK, 2024. Read more.
- "The Importance of Degassing Coffee: Unlocking the Real Flavour Potential of Your Beans" West Berkshire roastery. Read more.
