What role does freshness play in coffee quality?

Freshness is a critical element in determining coffee quality, and the assertion that freshly roasted coffee boasts more vibrant flavors and aromas compared to stale coffee highlights this point. Over time, coffee beans undergo chemical changes that lead to a degradation of their essential oils, flavors, and aromas. In freshly roasted beans, these attributes are at their peak, providing a rich and complex tasting experience.

As coffee sits, exposure to air, light, and moisture causes it to lose its delightful characteristics, resulting in a flat and dull cup. Therefore, the vibrant flavors and aromas in freshly roasted coffee make it significantly more enjoyable than older, stale beans. This preference for freshness among coffee enthusiasts underscores the importance of consuming coffee that has been recently roasted to truly appreciate its fullest potential.