Why Freshness Matters:

• Flavour and Aroma: As coffee beans age, they lose volatile compounds responsible for their rich flavour and aroma. Freshly roasted beans offer a more vibrant and complex taste profile compared to beans that have been sitting for weeks or months.
• Crema Quality: The crema on top of an espresso shot, which is a sign of quality extraction, is directly influenced by bean freshness. Stale beans produce less crema, which not only affects the visual appeal but also the mouthfeel and overall taste.
• Extraction Efficiency: Fresh beans grind more uniformly, leading to better extraction. Older beans can become brittle or oily, affecting how water flows through the coffee, which can result in uneven extraction.

• Storage: Coffee should be stored in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. Avoid keeping coffee in the fridge or freezer as it can absorb odours and moisture, impacting taste. Use ceramic or glass containers rather than plastic for better protection against air.
• Grind on Demand: Grinding coffee just before brewing is ideal because ground coffee starts to lose its freshness almost immediately. If possible, invest in a quality burr grinder for more consistent grinds and better control over freshness.
• Recognising Stale Beans: Look for signs like a lack of aroma when opening the bag, a dull or flat taste when brewed, or if the beans have lost their sheen and turned matte. If beans no longer produce a satisfactory crema or taste muted, they're likely past their prime.

• Commercial: Cafes usually have the advantage of frequent deliveries of freshly roasted beans. They should also have the infrastructure for storing large quantities correctly and grinding just before use to maintain freshness. However, the challenge lies in managing inventory to ensure beans aren't sitting unused for too long.
• Home: Home baristas have more control over when they buy their beans but might not consume them as quickly. Here, smaller quantities should be purchased more frequently, and beans should be stored optimally. Investing in a decent grinder can significantly impact the espresso quality at home.
  
  Understanding the importance of coffee freshness and applying these principles can transform your espresso experience. Whether you're running a busy café or enjoying your morning ritual at home, the difference in quality from using fresh beans is palpable. Freshness isn't just about taste; it's about capturing the essence of coffee in every shot.