How long will the coffee beans last? The natural expiration date of coffee? Direct light of heat and water accelerates coffee deterioration

How long will the coffee beans last? -have they gone bad?

Although we don't want to admit, yes, the coffee has gone bad. The type of beans you buy and the way you store them will determine how quickly this happens.

Whole beans and pre-ground coffee powder have different shelf life, and environmental factors will also affect the life expectancy of coffee. Read on to learn when the coffee goes bad and the external effects of speeding up the process.

What is the natural shelf life of coffee?

After the roasting process, the whole bean coffee begins to lose its freshness. Once oxygen is introduced into legumes, they begin to lose their flavor.

Oxidation affects the concentration of oil naturally produced during coffee roasting. This is why most coffees, whether whole beans or pre-ground coffee powder, are packaged with valves. They have a specially designed hole or valve that emits carbon dioxide without letting air in.

Whole bean coffee reaches its best freshness within a few days of roasting. It is recommended to use within one month after baking. Because ground coffee is affected by oxidation faster than whole beans. This is because there are more surface areas and smaller particles exposed to oxygen. For the same reason, it takes much faster to become obsolete. It loses its freshness only 1-2 weeks after grinding, depending on the individual's taste.

Here is a brief talk with you about three things that will make your coffee go bad.

Heat quantity

After baking, the coffee bean should stay away from the high temperature until you want to start brewing it. Heating loses the flavor of coffee because it accelerates the degradation of coffee beans. To avoid heating, put the coffee in a cabinet away from the heating appliance or window. Room temperature or slightly cooler is the best choice for storage temperature.

2. Moisture

Water is one of the ultimate enemies of coffee. It can spoil the coffee you just bought in a few days. Keep the coffee in a dry environment to prevent moisture from entering the beans. Ground coffee is more affected by moisture because it causes it to agglomerate and lose its freshness. Putting coffee in the refrigerator is one of the easiest ways to get water into the beans. Rapid temperature changes produce condensation on the outside of the coffee beans and affect the moisture inside. Don't put it in the fridge!

3. Direct light

Direct light, especially sunlight, triggers a process called photodegradation, which essentially destroys organic matter. Coffee is an organic product. Light also accelerates the oxidation process and breaks down the oil on the beans to give them a good flavor. For these reasons, it is wise to put coffee in a dark place, such as a cupboard or pantry. Another option is to put it in a dark container and away from the window.

In combination, here are a few small tips:

Whole bean coffee can be preserved for up to a month.

Ground coffee lasts 1-2 weeks

Airtight containers prevent oxygen from damaging your coffee

Store coffee in a dry, dark, cool place