Is Fresher Coffee Really Tastier?
Contents:
1. Why Coffee Bean Aging Matters?
2. Coffee Bean Aging Raising Extraction Rate.
3. Coffee Bean Aging Needs Time.
Does freshness equate to deliciousness? Why do people insist on buying freshly roasted coffee? Some say that coffee reaches its flavor peak after a certain period of time following roasting, which is why some coffee shops recommend aging the beans for 3 days, 7 days, or even a month. Why are there different recommendations? When is the best time to drink coffee for the best flavor?
When it comes to coffee, aroma and taste are the key factors. Freshly roasted coffee has a rich aroma, but the brewed coffee may not be as aromatic. Additionally, the best taste is often achieved after the beans have aged for a while.
Why Coffee Bean Aging Matters?
After roasting, the aroma of coffee reaches its peak but may be accompanied by carbon dioxide produced during the roasting process. While the excess carbon dioxide creates visually appealing blooms during pour-over brewing, it also reduces the contact time between water and coffee grounds, resulting in a lower extraction rate and decreased flavor and taste in the cup. Therefore, freshly roasted beans may have a captivating aroma when ground, but the brewed coffee may lack flavor. Furthermore, some aromas need time to slowly release into the coffee beans' oils and be extracted during brewing, which is the essence of aging the beans. So, while freshly roasted coffee is aromatic, it is only after aging the beans for a while that the brewed coffee will be truly aromatic.
Coffee Bean Aging Raising Extraction Rate.
When coffee has high sweetness and rich flavors, it will have a good mouthfeel, smoothness, and thickness, which are achieved with a sufficient extraction rate. If the extraction rate is not sufficient, sweetness may not be fully extracted, soluble substances in the coffee may be lacking, and the mouthfeel may not be good. The abundant carbon dioxide that accompanies freshly roasted beans can reduce the extraction rate. Therefore, it is often observed that aged beans may not have a strong aroma but still provide a good mouthfeel.
Ultimately, a coffee with rich aroma and smooth mouthfeel is the most desirable. By pursuing freshly roasted coffee, we can capture the aroma. Then, by properly aging the beans and combining them with our unique pour-over techniques, we can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee that offers both aroma and mouthfeel.
│Extended reading: Coffee Lovers must learn: Coffee Bean Aging and Decanting
Coffee Bean Aging Needs Time.
Aging the beans allows the aroma to develop while reducing the excess carbon dioxide from roasting. How long should beans be aged? For pour-over coffee, the optimal duration is typically around 5 to 7 days, depending on the roast level and bean characteristics. Light roasts may be aged for 7 to 14 days, medium-light roasts for 7 to 10 days, and dark roasts for 5 to 7 days. This is mainly determined by the expansion of coffee cell walls, where darker roasts have more expanded cell walls, resulting in faster degassing but also more gas production. Personally, we enjoy brewing coffee the day after it is roasted and then brewing it every 1 or 2 days to observe the changes in aroma and taste, which is quite fascinating. How long do you typically age your beans? Finding the perfect brewing time for your beans will allow you to savor a flavorful and enjoyable cup of coffee.
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