Coffee FAQs

How long does my coffee last?

Coffee in its dried form has a remarkably long shelf life when stored appropriately, potentially lasting for months or even years. The following table provides a breakdown of the estimated shelf life of coffee:

 

How to tell if coffee is bad?

Here are some signs to look out for to tell if your coffee is bad:

  1. Stale or flat aroma: If your coffee smells stale or flat, it may be past its prime. Fresh coffee should have a strong, pleasant aroma.
  2. Dull or sour taste: If your coffee tastes dull or sour, it may have gone stale or been exposed to moisture. Fresh coffee should have a bright, flavorful taste.
  3. Mold or mildew: If you see any mold or mildew on the coffee beans or grounds, do not consume it. This can cause health problems and indicates that the coffee has been contaminated.
  4. Oily or rancid beans: If your coffee beans look oily or have a rancid smell, it may have gone bad. Fresh coffee beans should have a dry, matte appearance and a pleasant aroma.
  5. Expiration date: Check the expiration date on the package or bag of coffee. If it has expired, it's likely that the coffee has gone bad and should not be consumed.

How to store coffee beans to extend its shelf life?

Coffee does degrade over time and it degrades faster depending on the surface area - which means that the whole beans will keep longer than ground coffee. Storing coffee beans properly can help extend their shelf life and preserve their flavor. Here are some tips on how to store coffee beans:

  1. Keep the coffee beans in a cool, dry place: Coffee beans should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Exposure to heat and moisture can cause the coffee beans to lose flavor and aroma.
  2. Store in an airtight container: Oxygen is one of the biggest enemies of coffee beans, as it can cause the beans to oxidize and lose flavor. Therefore, it's important to store the beans in an airtight container that can prevent air from entering.
  3. Use opaque containers: Clear containers might look attractive, but they can allow light to enter and degrade the coffee beans. Therefore, it's better to use opaque containers that block out light.
  4. Avoid storing in the fridge or freezer: Contrary to popular belief, storing coffee beans in the fridge or freezer is not recommended. The moisture and odors in the fridge or freezer can cause the coffee beans to absorb unwanted flavors.
  5. Use fresh beans: It's always best to use fresh coffee beans, as the flavor and aroma can deteriorate over time. Try to use the beans within 2-4 weeks of their roast date, and grind them just before brewing for the best flavor.

How to store ground coffee to extend its shelf life?

Same advice as above and also try to use the ground coffee within 1-2 weeks of opening the package, and grind only the amount you need for each brewing session.