Q: How do I know if my coffee is fresh?
Check the roast date on the bag. We ship within 48 hours of roasting. If the bag is less than 21 days from roast date, it’s still good. Past 30 days and you’ll notice the decline.
Q: Can I freeze coffee to extend freshness?
Small amounts, in an airtight container, briefly — yes. But freeze whole bean only, and never re-freeze after thawing. It’s a workaround, not a solution. The real fix is to buy smaller amounts more often.
Q: Why does fresh coffee look and smell different?
Fresh-roasted coffee is still releasing CO₂. The bag will inflate. The aroma is strong and complex. After 2-3 weeks, the CO₂ is gone, the aroma has flattened, and oxidation has started changing the flavor compounds.
Q: Does the 14-day window apply to pre-ground coffee?
Yes — and it’s even more urgent. Ground coffee oxidizes 10-20× faster than whole bean. Pre-ground is at peak for about 3-5 days. After that, you’re drinking shadow coffee.
Q: What do I do if I buy a large bag and can’t finish it in 14 days?
Buy smaller bags on a more frequent cadence. We offer 2, 4, and 8-week standing orders. If you’re on subscription, your bags will always arrive within the freshness window.
