Sign up for 10% off your first order
The Art of Fresh Coffee: Why Beans is the Best Choice and the Importance of Roasting Date

Why choose beans?

Preserving the Essence of Flavors:

Coffee beans are at their peak when they have just been roasted. During the roasting process, complex chemical reactions occur, bringing out distinct flavors and aromas. However, over time, these flavours begin to deteriorate as the beans are exposed to oxygen, moisture, and light. By opting for fresh coffee, you ensure that the original nuances and characteristics of the beans are preserved, leading to a truly exceptional cup of coffee.

Optimal Aroma and Taste:

Coffee is a delicate product, and its flavours are highly susceptible to environmental factors. Exposure to air causes the coffee beans to oxidise, resulting in a stale and lacklustre taste. When coffee is freshly roasted, it retains its natural oils and volatile compounds responsible for the enticing aromas and distinct flavours. By choosing coffee with a recent roasting date, you guarantee a more vibrant and flavourful experience in every sip.

Personalised Brewing Preferences:

Every coffee lover has their preferred brewing method, be it French press (Cafetière), pour-over, espresso, or any other technique. With fresh coffee, you have the flexibility to customise the grind size, brewing time, and water-to-coffee ratio to achieve your desired taste profile. The freshness of the beans allows for greater control over the brewing process, resulting in a cup of coffee tailored to your unique preferences.

Why are coffee roasting dates important?

The roast date on a coffee bag is important because it provides valuable information about the freshness and flavour profile of the coffee. Here are a few reasons why the roast date matters:

Freshness 

Coffee is at its best in terms of flavour and aroma within a certain period after roasting. Coffee beans contain volatile compounds that give them their unique flavours, and these compounds gradually dissipate over time. By knowing the roast date, you can ensure that you're consuming coffee that is still within its optimal freshness window. 

Flavour Development

After roasting, coffee goes through a process called degassing, where it releases carbon dioxide. During this time, the coffee flavours continue to develop and evolve. Some coffee roasters believe that allowing the coffee to rest for a few days after roasting before brewing can enhance its taste. The roast date helps you gauge the appropriate resting period for your coffee.

Taste Preference

Different people have different preferences when it comes to coffee flavour. Some prefer coffee with bright, fruity notes, while others enjoy deeper, chocolatey flavours. The roast date allows you to select coffee that aligns with your taste preferences. 

Brewing Parameters

Coffee beans undergo physical changes during the roasting process, including changes in density and moisture content. These factors can affect how the coffee extracts and brews. Knowing the roast date helps you adjust your brewing parameters accordingly to ensure the best possible cup of coffee.

It's worth noting that different coffee beans have different optimal freshness windows and flavour profiles, so the ideal time for consuming coffee after the roast date can vary. In general, though, many coffee enthusiasts recommend consuming coffee within a few weeks of its roast date for the best flavour experience.

Blogs

A Symphony of Flavours: H.R. Higgins Tea at the BBC Proms

As the evenings grow cooler and the leaves begin to turn, there's a sense of anticipation in the air for one of Britain’s most cherished cultural traditions: the Last Night of the Proms. This grand finale of the BBC Proms season is a celebration of music, heritage, and community, bringing together audiences across the globe. But for those in attendance at the Royal Albert Hall, there’s another tradition quietly brewing—a cup of HR Higgins Tea, crafted with the same dedication to excellence that has defined this historic concert series for generations.

Blogs

HR Higgins Honoured as One of the Best Artisan Coffee Shops in London by Forbes

HR Higgins received a prestigious nod from Forbes, who recognised us as one of the best artisan coffee shops in London – a testament to the shop's unwavering commitment to excellence.

Blogs

Light roast vs dark roast coffee

Light roast coffee is prized by many coffee enthusiasts, but how is it different from dark roast coffee? We’ve broken down the differences between the two roasting methods.

Recently Viewed

Join our world of delicious tea & coffee
Subscribe to our newsletter and we'll give you 10% off your next order
No thanks

Availability