You’ve carefully sourced the beans. You’ve dialed in your roast profile. You’ve spent time, effort, and probably a few sleepless nights perfecting the process. But what happens after the roast? Because if you think coffee is ready to hit the shelves the second it leaves the drum, buddy, we need to talk.
Freshly roasted coffee is full of CO2. And while that’s completely natural, you don’t want to trap all that gas in your brew. That’s why degassing is key. Most beans need at least 24 to 72 hours to let off excess CO2—sometimes even longer for darker roasts. Rush this step, and you risk an uneven extraction and a sour, almost carbonic taste. Let your beans breathe, and they’ll thank you with a balanced, flavourful cup.
Air, moisture, light, and heat—the four horsemen of stale coffee. Once your beans have degassed, it’s all about protecting them from these enemies. That means airtight bags or containers with one-way valves, stored in a cool, dark place. And if you're bagging for retail? Invest in quality packaging. Nobody wants stale, lifeless beans.
Patience is a virtue, especially with coffee. Many roasters swear by a resting period—letting the beans settle and fully develop their flavorus. Espresso beans often hit their peak around 7-14 days post-roast, while filter roasts can be ready in as little as three to five days. Timing is everything. You don’t want to sell or serve coffee that’s still in its awkward adolescent phase.
Here’s a hard truth: once coffee is ground, the clock starts ticking. The flavours and aromatics you worked so hard to develop begin to fade fast. If you’re running a café or selling bags of beans, encourage grinding just before brewing. And if your customers insist on pre-ground? Guide them to the right grind size for their brew method, so they get the best possible experience.
A solid post-roasting process separates good coffee from truly great coffee. And if you’re at the point where you’re ready to take your roasting game to the next level, you’re going to need the right gear. Whether it’s upgrading your roaster or launching your own roasting operation, we’ve got the tools to help you make it happen. Let’s talk.
