Question for the roasting experts

Stevez · 12-19-2014, 07:13 AM

I bought a couple of 5 lb bags of green coffee beans from Sweet Maria's two years ago or so. Tried roasting and was disappointed with the results after 4 or 5 attempts, so I kind of let it go. My question is that I'd like to try it again and am curious if the green coffee beans would still be good. They have been stored in a dark area in the same bags they came in. Anyone have an idea what the shelf life is of raw green beans? Thanks. Steve

Chainsaw13 · 12-19-2014, 07:59 AM

I thought I read somewhere that 1 year was about the shelf life of green beans. But don't quote me on that. I say roast them, they're probably still good. If anything, roast them a little longer. You'll lose the nuances of the bean at lighter roasts, but with the age on them, it's likely those have started to diminish anyway.

T.G · 12-19-2014, 08:59 AM

I agree with Bob.

I think I recall reading the 1 year end consumer shelf life thing on Sweet Maria's website somewhere in one of Tom's postings. Not a strict science, but more like a logical conclusion the way he presented it.

RWhisenand · 12-19-2014, 02:48 PM

Even though they are more than likely past their prime, I'd follow the advice to roast them up anyway, just a darker roast.

Edit* I'm definatly not an expert though.

Stevez · 12-19-2014, 09:23 PM

Good advice; I wasn't thinking of going darker because of the age, but that does seem to have some merit. Will do and just in case someone else may be interested, I'll update this note. Thanks for the feedback.

Chainsaw13 · 12-19-2014, 10:20 PM

Interested to hear how it works out for you. Do you remember how dark you roasted them the first time?

Stevez · 12-20-2014, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chainsaw13

Interested to hear how it works out for you. Do you remember how dark you roasted them the first time?

Yes, I do. When I roasted before the beans looked and smelled fantastic. I just was disappointed in the flavor of the brewed coffee. I am pretty convinced that it was more how was grinding the beans and plan to experiment again now to try and get it right. I had a new grinder and I think I've worked through that. I'll post the result here.

12-19-2014, 07:13 AM	#1
Stevez Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Apr 2010 First Name: Steve Location: Louisville, Kentucky Posts: 487 Trading: (7)	Question for the roasting experts I bought a couple of 5 lb bags of green coffee beans from Sweet Maria's two years ago or so. Tried roasting and was disappointed with the results after 4 or 5 attempts, so I kind of let it go. My question is that I'd like to try it again and am curious if the green coffee beans would still be good. They have been stored in a dark area in the same bags they came in. Anyone have an idea what the shelf life is of raw green beans? Thanks. Steve

12-19-2014, 07:59 AM	#2
Chainsaw13 Møøse bites can be nasty Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Bob Location: The Enchanted Mitten Posts: 7,180 Trading: (96)	Re: Question for the roasting experts I thought I read somewhere that 1 year was about the shelf life of green beans. But don't quote me on that. I say roast them, they're probably still good. If anything, roast them a little longer. You'll lose the nuances of the bean at lighter roasts, but with the age on them, it's likely those have started to diminish anyway. __________________ My neighbor came by my house this morning at 2AM, pounding on the door. Good thing I was still up playing the drums.

12-19-2014, 08:59 AM	#3
T.G Grrrrrr Join Date: Mar 2009 First Name: The Other Adam Posts: 15,557 Trading: (37)	Re: Question for the roasting experts I agree with Bob. I think I recall reading the 1 year end consumer shelf life thing on Sweet Maria's website somewhere in one of Tom's postings. Not a strict science, but more like a logical conclusion the way he presented it.

12-19-2014, 02:48 PM	#4
RWhisenand Feeling at Home Join Date: Aug 2011 First Name: Rob Location: Nevada Posts: 798 Trading: (7)	Re: Question for the roasting experts Even though they are more than likely past their prime, I'd follow the advice to roast them up anyway, just a darker roast. Edit* I'm definatly not an expert though. __________________ No function well beer without.

12-19-2014, 09:23 PM	#5
Stevez Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Apr 2010 First Name: Steve Location: Louisville, Kentucky Posts: 487 Trading: (7)	Re: Question for the roasting experts Good advice; I wasn't thinking of going darker because of the age, but that does seem to have some merit. Will do and just in case someone else may be interested, I'll update this note. Thanks for the feedback.

12-19-2014, 10:20 PM	#6
Chainsaw13 Møøse bites can be nasty Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Bob Location: The Enchanted Mitten Posts: 7,180 Trading: (96)	Re: Question for the roasting experts Interested to hear how it works out for you. Do you remember how dark you roasted them the first time? __________________ My neighbor came by my house this morning at 2AM, pounding on the door. Good thing I was still up playing the drums.