Which variable does NOT influence coffee freshness?

Coffee freshness is significantly affected by several factors, but packaging color does not play a direct role in influencing coffee freshness.

Oxygen exposure is crucial because it can lead to oxidation, which degrades the flavor and aroma of coffee over time. Grinding coffee immediately before use preserves its freshness since ground coffee has a larger surface area exposed to air, which accelerates spoilage. Temperature also affects freshness; storing coffee at high temperatures can lead to faster degradation compared to storing it in a cool, stable environment.

While packaging color may have implications for light exposure, which can be a factor, it does not directly affect the chemical stability or freshness of the coffee itself in the same way that the other variables do. Therefore, the color of the packaging is not a primary factor in the freshness of the coffee compared to the significant effects of oxygen, grinding, and temperature.