Green Coffee Beans - expiration timeframe?

[netsurfr]

Well, I was doing some arranging of the basement this weekend and discovered a box of green coffee beans that I had purchased from Sweet Marias and carefully stored in an unmarked box that I lost track of. So, you might ask how long have these beans been misplaced. Well, it may have been somewhere between 3-5 years (the readers groan). So, whaddaya think? Do beans this old still have life in them? I know, I could just roast some up and see but I thought I would give everyone a chuckle about the guy that lost his green coffee beans in the basement for 5 years (or was it 7 years?).

 

[ambrose]

wow thats a long time, I thought I read they will keep for 2yrs if stored in a breathable bag.

 

[netsurfr]

Hmmm... ... ... You mean green beans don't age like my Pu-erh tea?

 

[Sweeney Todd]

I've also hear of the 2 year rule of thumb for greens once they're stored properly.

I tend to use up mine within a year but I've 1 kg of one of my all time favourite
Cuban beans that are almost 2.5 years old. I was saving them for
the launch of the Behmor in Europe! I picked up my Behmor last week and
hope to get them roasting this evening.

Roast up a batch of your old beans they might be ok.

 

[tsmba]

I've wondered about this myself. I can say that I've roasted beans that are several years old and they were fine. I'm sure that some flavor components degrade but I would never throw them out without trying them first.
Terroir Coffee makes a big deal about green bean storage.....vacuum-sealed, climate-control, etc. Whether that does much or is more a marketing gimmick is up for debate. Most of my beans never make it to the two-year mark.

 

[rmrdaddy]

I swear I had read that sored properly in a cool dry place, that beans were good basically indefinitely.
Roast 'em up! I'll take a batch!

 

[tsmba]

I'm sure the flavors change somewhat. There are "aged" beans some folks like, too. I think green bean storage conditions are pretty poor for the most part. Having burlap bags stacked indoors is probably as good as it gets most places. Wide swings in temperature and humidity are likely the norm.

 

[Scotto]

They'll be fine, but won't compare to the fresh stuff. Roast some up and try!

I generally vacuum pack my greens, and they'll keep for a couple of years, IMO. The conventional wisdom is about a year without any special treatment, but I have had nice cuppas from older beans.