How can the freshness of roasted coffee be determined?

Determining the freshness of roasted coffee primarily relies on the roast date. This date indicates when the coffee was roasted, which is crucial because coffee begins to lose its freshness soon after roasting. Factors such as oxidation and exposure to moisture can degrade the quality and flavor of the coffee over time.

Freshly roasted coffee beans typically taste better due to the presence of more aromatic oils and compounds that can dissipate. Ideally, coffee is best consumed within a few weeks to a couple of months post-roast, depending on the storage conditions. Monitoring the roast date helps baristas and coffee enthusiasts select beans at their peak freshness for brewing.

While other factors like the color of the beans, the aroma of the ground coffee, and the packaging type can provide some clues about coffee quality, they do not specifically measure freshness as effectively as the roast date. These aspects can indicate roast level, aroma characteristics, and preservation methods, but without knowing the roast date, one cannot accurately assess the coffee's overall freshness.