How can you identify a fresh coffee bean?

Identifying a fresh coffee bean primarily involves assessing its strong aroma and oily surface. Fresh coffee beans typically have a robust, fragrant aroma, which is a result of the essential oils and volatile compounds that develop during the roasting process. This aroma is a key indicator of the bean's freshness, as it tends to diminish over time due to oxidation and the loss of these compounds.

Additionally, freshly roasted beans often exhibit a slight oiliness on their surface. This is especially true for medium to dark roasts, where oils are released as the roast progresses. The presence of these oils indicates that the beans have not gone stale and retains their flavor integrity, both crucial for brewing good coffee.

While size and shape can vary among different types of beans and do not specifically indicate freshness, and light color can be characteristic of certain beans but does not necessarily correlate with freshness, the packaging date only offers a timestamp. It does not provide the sensory experience required to determine the current state of freshness. Thus, the strong aroma and oily surface are the most reliable indicators of fresh coffee beans.