WHY FRESHLY ROASTED COFFEE IS A GAME-CHANGER

Coffee is a fascinating experience. On one hand, it's like a resilient superhero food that can endure years on your shelf. Brew up a batch from a bag you bought ages ago, and chances are you will be fine and it will do the trick. But, on the flip side, it's also as delicate as any fresh produce, with its finest flavours only shining brightly for a brief moment.

If you've been around Crickle Creek for a while, you probably know that we roast to order and in small batches so coffee will be freshly roasted when we deliver. But what's the buzz about, why does it matter, and how can it elevate your coffee game?

Let's explore further!

COFFEE FRESHNESS - HOW DO COFFEE BEANS CHANGE OVER TIME?

First things first, let's break down what happens to your coffee over time using a relatable analogy: apples. Ever bitten into an apple only to find it slightly browned? That's oxidation, the same process at play with your coffee beans, especially when they're pre-ground. Time is also a factor – the elements that give coffee its magic gradually fade away, resulting in a less vibrant cup.

Oxidation and time gradually dim the flavours of your coffee, much like they do with any food. Freshly roasted coffee offers a generous window to enjoy those lively, vibrant tastes. As a general rule, we consider coffee fresh and vibrant until around 4 to 6 weeks post-roast, although some varieties can hold their charm for up to two months.

To sum it up:

3 REASONS WHY FRESHLY ROASTED COFFEE STANDS OUT:

Bursting with vibrant flavours
Experience the coffee notes
Coffee at its peak potential

Quick note: Coffee needs a bit of time to settle after roasting. Most beans require 3-7 days to reach their flavour peak. We usually deliver it two days after roasting, allowing you to enjoy it on the third day when the degassing process for most beans is complete. So, the freshest coffee isn't straight from the roaster. However, purchasing freshly roasted coffee ensures you get the maximum days of peak flavour.

TRY IT FOR YOURSELF: Save a bit of your last batch and do a taste test alongside a freshly roasted one. Brew them side by side and note the differences in taste. You'll likely find one has an extra zing – what we often call acidity, translating to fruity or rich chocolatey and nutty flavours. The older batch might seem mellower – still good, but lacking that spark.

HOW WE KEEP YOUR COFFEE FRESH All our online orders are roasted to order in small batches every Tuesday to minimized extra roasted coffee.

Side note: Green coffee loses its luster too! We source beans from the current harvest season to ensure maximum freshness and routinely taste them to ensure top-notch flavour.

5 TIPS FOR FRESHER, TASTIER COFFEE

GO WHOLE BEAN AND GRIND FRESH Whole beans retain freshness longer by minimizing surface area exposed to air and minimize oxidation.
STORE IN AIR-TIGHT CONTAINERS AWAY FROM LIGHT Opt for canisters like the Fellow Atmos or Airscape to keep air out and flavours in. Store glass canisters in a cupboard to avoid light exposure.
REMOVE EXCESS AIR FROM THE BAG Close coffee bag tightly after use to expel air. Our compostable bags come with a one-way valve to assist with this.
OPT FOR A SUBSCRIPTION Set up a recurring subscription for a hassle-free supply of fresh coffee delivered right to your door. If you are wondering how many bags and frecuency would be the best for you. Give us a call, we can check your coffee orders and try to guide you in the ideal mix that work best for you.

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR COFFEE

We believe buying freshly roasted coffee is a crucial link in the quality chain that starts at our own farm in El Salvador and coffee partners supliers around the world. Every step in the coffee journey, from cherry-picking to meticulous roasting, either enhances or detracts from the final brew in your cup. Purchasing freshly roasted coffee, grinding it fresh, and employing top-notch brewing methods adds the finishing touch to this incredible tale.