Freshness & Storage

Freshness & Storage
Coffee Freshness & Storage Guide | Keeping Indonesian Coffee Delicious
WHAT DOES "FRESH" REALLY MEAN?
Fresh coffee means freshly roasted beans that have been allowed to rest for a while to prepare for brewing, and protected from air, heat, light, and humidity. After roasting, the beans release CO₂ gas (a process called degassing). If the gas content is too high, the brew can be too acidic or uneven. Conversely, if the gas content is too low, the aroma fades and the coffee tastes flat.

TIPS FOR FRESHNESS & HOW TO STORAGE COFFEE
- Pour-over / Filter: days 3–14 (best usually days 5–10)
- Espresso: days 7–21 (many cafes opt for days 10–18)
- French press / Immersion: days 3–21
- Cold brew: days 7–28
General guideline: coffee is best enjoyed within 4–6 weeks of roasting if stored properly. Flavor will diminish gradually, rather than disappear suddenly.
- Whole seeds stay fresh much longer.
- Ready-to-brew powder is best enjoyed 1–2 weeks after roasting. It's best to buy in small quantities to ensure it stays fresh.
Tip: Grind your beans right before brewing. Using a burr grinder with a consistent grind will make a big difference in flavor quality.
- Use a bag with a one-way valve or an airtight, opaque container.
- Store in a cool, dark, dry place—a kitchen cupboard is better than an open counter.
- Keep away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Close tightly again after use, try to remove excess air before closing.
- For a stock of more than 3–4 weeks, divide the beans into weekly portions or single brews.
- Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag that has been squeezed out of air (or vacuumed if available).
- Put it in the freezer and freeze.
- When ready to use, remove one portion and allow it to reach room temperature before opening.
- Do not refreeze opened coffee.
- Roast date must be clear: vendors must include the roast/packaging date.
- Product expiration date: coffee listings with old stock are automatically suspended until updated.
- Real-time stock synchronization: what appears on the website is the latest stock.
- Fast shipping: roasters are recommended to ship within 24–72 hours after the order is received.
- Mandatory packaging: coffee is shipped in bags with valves, while coffee supplies are in factory-sealed packaging.
- Sour, grassy, or too gassy? The coffee may be too fresh. Let it rest for another 2–3 days, or grind it finer.
- Bitter, bland, or papery? The coffee may be too old or over-extracted. Try grinding it coarser and ensure proper storage.
- Espresso with thin crema or channeling? This is usually because the coffee is too fresh (excessive gas). Let it steep longer and adjust the grind slightly finer.
FAQ
No. The refrigerator actually adds moisture and can affect the taste.
- For whole seeds: best used within 3–4 weeks.
- For powder: consume within 1–2 weeks for optimal flavor.
Yes, as long as you divide it into small, airtight portions and freeze it. However, the flavor will fade more quickly than whole beans. It's best to consume them within a few weeks of thawing.
Many vendors offer custom grind options. However, for maximum freshness, whole beans are still the best choice. Only choose the grind option if you don't already have a grinder.