Why The Freshness Of Your Coffee Beans Matters When Making Lattes

Keeping your coffee at peak freshness

How can you ensure your coffee is fresh enough for the perfect latte? It all begins with being selective about where you buy your beans. Opting for a reputable source, like a local roaster, is always a wise choice. When shopping for coffee beans at grocery stores, look for packaging indicators that signal quality, such as sealed bags equipped with a valve.

Next, focus on storing your beans to maintain their freshness. The key is to minimize their exposure to oxygen, which can degrade the compounds that contribute to your coffee's best characteristics. One effective method is to freeze your beans, which helps preserve those volatile compounds. Alternatively, you can vacuum seal your coffee in a specially designed canister. Grinding your coffee fresh is also beneficial, as aromas and flavors diminish over time, and this degradation speeds up once the beans are ground.

However, it's important to note that you don't want your coffee beans to be overly fresh, as this can lead to a phenomenon known as off-gassing. By taking a few thoughtful steps before you prepare your portafilter each morning, you can ensure that your homemade latte is consistently at its finest.