Coffee bean shelf life?

pinggolfer96
pinggolfer96 Posts: 2,248 Member
edited November 26 in Food and Nutrition
I have unground coffee from trader joes that I bought probably 4 months ago. I did open the seal to make coffee when I first bought it, then put it in the cabinet and kinda just forgot about it. It's been in a dark and cool environment with the lid on the whole time. Is it still good since it's not ground yet? The bottom of the canister says it doesn't expire til dec, but wasn't sure if that was if it was unopened or not.

Replies

  • eugenia94102
    eugenia94102 Posts: 126 Member
    If it was kept dry, it won't harm you. It should be good. The only sure way to find out is to brew a cup.
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    I'm pretty sure the stuff we had in the Marine Corps was from the Vietnam era. You'll be fine.
  • KellieTru
    KellieTru Posts: 285 Member
    Sure it's fine. Grind up a small amount and make a pot...I'm sure the flavor is still good.
  • nordlead2005
    nordlead2005 Posts: 1,303 Member
    edited November 2015
    I believe coffee will essentially last forever, but they have a best by date of ~6 months regardless of if they were opened or not (some would argue as little as 2-3 weeks, but I believe them to be coffee snobs like the people who say home made ice cream only lasts 2-3 hours). It might taste like crap, but it won't kill you. The best method is just sniff the beans. If they still smell good they will still create good coffee, otherwise you should probably just toss it and buy new beans.
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    edited November 2015
    Just like spices and dried herbs, coffee generally does not go bad, it just loses flavor as the volatile oils dissipate into the air. Smell it or brew a cup and if it has lost its "oomph" dump it and get new. If you stored it in a cool, dark, dry place you should be good.
  • pinggolfer96
    pinggolfer96 Posts: 2,248 Member
    Thanks everyone! Just made a cup.....still good B)
  • bezlooney
    bezlooney Posts: 81 Member
    Its still good, just not as fresh. But it wont harm you in any way. Most commercialy roasted beans are coated with a ton of chemicals that perserve it. (I own a coffee shop so i know my beans) haha
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