When to use freshly roasted beans?

[ahxiongko]

Hi guys.

I once bought freshly roasted beans from coffee snobs at the food fest down at fed square, and the guy there advised me that it was best to keep the beans for about 5 days till I started using it.

Is this correct or have I misunderstood something? Is using freshly roasted beans on the day it was roasted wrong?

thanks in advance!

[lindsayra]

Re: When to use freshly roasted beans?

Hi axk,

Usually coffee peaks about 5-20 days after roasting as the gaseous products of the roast escape and the flavour compounds develop and improve (with good storage).
I dont know about wrong, as Im an any port in a storm man, but I do get annoyed with mysellf when the flavour from the last few beans from a batch have far superior flavour to the bulk of the roast that I have alredy consumed, tasted good at the time but later I find out that was still improving, but I hopped in too damn early for optimal flavour in the cup.

If one was well organised they would manage the supply side to ensure that coffee consumed was at its peak in every cup.

Kind Regards
Lindsay

[greenman]

Re: When to use freshly roasted beans?

Hi ahxiongko as Lindsay says different beans are at their peak at varying times. I usually start sampling my roasts after 4-5 days and take note of the changes each day after that. When roasting Monsoon Malabar I wait 14 days before I start consuming it.
Enjoy!!

[Coffee2Di4]

Re: When to use freshly roasted beans?

I think its definitely very subjective and open to personal tastes.  Im drinking some Ugandan Busamaga at the moment that I roasted on Wednesday night but, because I was busy at the Aroma Fest last weekend and didnt get a chance to roast myself any, started drinking the next day.  They are really nice straight off the block (drinking a cup right now).

I have done this with other beans though (yep, my organisational ability is severely lacking when it comes to roasting!) and the beans have tasted washed out and flavourless immediately after roast and havent really started developing a good flavour until about day three or four.

I think what it all boils down to is how patient you are - if you can manage to wait 5 days, excellent; if you have to dip your toe in the water earlier, do so but be prepared for the possibility that you may not get the full flavour straight up.

Cheers
Di

[muppet_man67]

Re: When to use freshly roasted beans?

It also depends on the brewing method. Flavour can peak anywhere from 48 hours to 3 weeks, some people argue longer then that. Its a subjective thing though and depends on what characteristics you like in a bean.

Its more important to rest coffee for espresso. If your drinking plunger then fresher is better.

[purple]

Re: When to use freshly roasted beans?

I am so glad to see this thread as I just received some fresh beans that were roasted on the 24th August... does this mean they are good to go tomorrow for a 5 day wait? or do you try them out on day 6? or what? ...I am anxious not to spoil these beans and am waiting nervously to open the package.

[newbiesnob]

Re: When to use freshly roasted beans?

Just go for it, let your taste buds decide

[bolb]

Re: When to use freshly roasted beans?

Just go for it, you can then compare the taste as the beans age, if they last that long!!