The taste and aroma of coffee are influenced by three key stages, starting from the cultivation process on the plantation, known as the enzymatic stage. This is influenced by climate conditions, soil quality, and the meticulousness of the cultivation process. The next crucial phase affecting the sensory profile of coffee is the processing method. Whether it’s wet, dry, or other intermediate variations, each method imparts specific flavor and aromatic profiles to the coffee. Ultimately, the third stage, which is the roasting of the beans, has a decisive impact on the final character of the coffee. Proper roasting, controlled by an experienced roaster, brings out the hidden flavors and aromas in the beans, allowing them to fully bloom in the cup. In today’s article, we will focus on analyzing the impact of coffee freshness on its final aroma and discuss the factors that determine this quality.
Contents:
Freshness
Does Coffee Lose Its Aroma?
The Fresher, the Better?
Grinding Coffee
How Does Coffee Freshness Affect Its Aroma and Flavor Intensity?
Wondering what affects the taste of coffee and whether its freshness matters? It’s important to know that during roasting, coffee is saturated with carbon dioxide, and aromatic compounds are created through non-enzymatic reactions. Therefore, another factor influencing the perceived freshness of coffee is the intensity of its aroma.
After roasting, coffee oxidizes intensely, and the volatile aromatic compounds escape from the beans, meaning the older the coffee, the less intense its aroma. Stale coffee has a flat taste; over time, it develops woody notes, loses acidity and aroma, significantly diminishing its flavor notes, which are a combination of taste and smell. This is why buying freshly roasted coffee and storing it properly is so important. This is exactly what we offer at JAVA Coffee.
How does coffee become stale??
High temperatures can accelerate the staling process of coffee significantly. This might suggest that storing coffee in the fridge makes the most sense. Indeed, it does, provided you have a fridge free from other strong-smelling items like dill, vegetable salad, or onions, as coffee can absorb external odors.
Due to the hygroscopic nature of the beans, a humid storage environment can also negatively affect the taste. Excessive exposure to sunlight accelerates the aging of the beans. Therefore, it is recommended to store coffee in a dry, shaded place at room temperature.
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What Else Affects the Taste of Coffee and Is the “Freshest” Always the “Best”?
When considering what affects the taste of coffee, it’s important to note that it's a common belief that the fresher the coffee, the better. It’s crucial to clarify that filter coffee needs at least 5 days to “open up.” This is because coffee right after roasting is overly saturated with gases, affecting the perception of its full flavor development. It takes about 5-7 days for filter roasts and about 7-10 days for espresso roasts for the coffee to reach its optimal flavor profile. Therefore, while it’s always emphasized to buy the freshest beans possible, it’s also important to be patient and allow the coffee to “rest” after roasting to fully reveal its flavor potential.
Does Grinding Coffee Affect Its Aroma?
Grinding coffee also impacts its perceived aromas. When you grind the beans, you increase their surface area exposed to air, causing the coffee to stale much faster than when it’s whole. Moreover, the structure of the bean acts as a protective layer for the flavors and volatile compounds inside.
The conclusion is clear: order freshly roasted coffee from javacoffee.pl and grind it right before brewing. If you don’t have a grinder, order the coffee ground to match your preferred brewing method and order smaller quantities more frequently.
This article was prepared for you by Michał Żmuda, JAVA University Trainer