Is Coffee Tasting an Art?

It takes time and practice to develop an appreciation for coffee.  Flavor profiles can overlap,  I suppose you can liken it to wine - you have to "train" those taste buds and nose through exercises so they can learn to distinguish between different tastes and aromas.  You will achieve a deeper appreciation of your brew with little effort each day.  Start the day off with that fresh is best brew.

Coffee Roasters will tell you that in all cases, your safest bet is to use coffee as close to the roasting date and don't get confused!!  Closest to the roasting date, not the expiry date.  Often the expiry date is a year from the date on which the beans were roasted.   If you have bought your coffee already pre-ground and it smells a bit "off" most likely it is -  smells such as mildewy, moldy or rancid, even if it smells flat it will taste that - CHUCK IT!! 

Freshness does matter!

coffee is made up of as many as a thousand different compounds including carbohydrates, amino acids, and lipids.  These compounds undergo physical and chemical changes that alter the aroma and taste of both the raw material and the finished product.  Carbs go stale, lipids go rancid, volatile organic compounds evaporate, and other components change with exposure to oxygen known as oxidation or water. 

The taste of your coffee can be impacted by small changes - To be honest and to answer the question of how long will coffee last?  It all depends on how it's stored.  The taste of coffee is my concern and should be yours also if you want that great cup of freshness - only since I have trained my taste buds do I have an appreciation of brews - let's say I don't buy Mcdonald's coffee any longer!!  Like myself, you can store your coffee in an airtight container and store it somewhere cool, dry and dark you will be amazed as whole beans will last up to nine months - if it's a good brew it won't last this long lol! Ground coffee can be used for a few months past expiration date and that instant coffee for up to 20 years.  I use to store the coffee in the freezer which is great and it will extend its shelf life.  However, freezing has been known to destroy its flavor.

As stated by the national coffee association - Once harvested, the coffee bean has an amazing journey ahead: http://www.ncausa.org/About-Coffee/10-Steps-from-Seed-to-Cup  and Once roasted, they should be used as quickly as possible before the fresh roast flavor begins to diminish.  If you have the beans and a grinder; as close to the date of roasting is the rule.  

 

 

 

Explore Further:

www.hilinecoffee.com

http://www.ncausa.org/about-coffee/what-is-coffee

eatbydate.com  How long Does Coffee Last?

canitgobad.com Can Coffee Go Bad?