TL;DR for Roasters
The realistic timeline
"Fresh crop" is a marketing term. What matters is cup quality. Well-stored green coffee can be excellent for 8–12 months, sometimes longer. Poorly stored coffee goes stale in weeks.
What fades in order
- 1 Aromatics: Delicate florals and fruit notes disappear first.
- 2 Brightness: Acidity flattens and becomes dull.
- 3 Complexity: Multi-note profiles simplify to single notes.
- 4 Sweetness: Can actually increase briefly before overall decline.
The last thing to go is body. Even past-crop coffee retains mouthfeel long after flavor fades.
Processing Differences
Naturals vs washed: different aging curves
Natural Process
Naturals age faster than washed coffees. The fruit sugars that create their distinctive character are also more volatile.
- → Peak: 2–6 months. This is when fruit character is most intense.
- → Good: 6–9 months. Fruit softens but still present.
- → Fading: 9+ months. Fruit notes become muddled or fermented.
Key spec: Target water activity 0.50–0.55 for naturals. Lower aW extends freshness.
Washed Process
Washed coffees are more stable because the fruit compounds are removed early. The flavors that remain are inherent to the bean.
- → Peak: 2–8 months. Maximum brightness and floral notes.
- → Good: 8–12 months. Acidity softens, still clean and balanced.
- → Fading: 12+ months. Becomes woody, papery.
Key spec: Washed coffees tolerate slightly higher aW (0.55–0.60) and still age well.
The Key Spec
Water activity predicts shelf life
Water activity (aW) is the single best predictor of how long green coffee will stay fresh. It measures how available water is for chemical reactions—not just how much is present.
Why aW matters more than moisture
Two coffees can have identical moisture content but very different water activity. Here's why:
- 1 Water bound to sugars behaves differently than free water
- 2 Free water drives chemical reactions and microbial growth
- 3 Naturals have more sugars that bind water, affecting the relationship
- 4 Moisture is static; aW predicts behavior
Storage Guide
How to maximize shelf life
Temperature control
Ideal: 60–70°F (15–21°C). Every 10°F above accelerates aging. Climate-controlled warehouse is best.
Humidity control
Target: 50–60% relative humidity. Too dry = moisture loss. Too humid = moisture absorption and mold risk.
GrainPro/barrier bags
Hermetic bags prevent moisture exchange with environment. Essential for long storage. We ship in GrainPro.
Away from odors
Green coffee absorbs odors aggressively. Never store near chemicals, paint, fuel, or strongly scented items.
Off the floor
Pallets or racks prevent ground moisture wicking. Concrete floors transfer moisture to bags.
FIFO rotation
First in, first out. Date everything. Use older stock before newer arrivals. Don't let coffee get lost in back.
Buying Strategy
How to think about inventory
Understanding shelf life changes how you buy. Here's the strategic approach:
Buy what you'll use in 6 months
For premium single origins, especially naturals, buy in quantities you'll roast within 6 months. Peak freshness window.
Stretch washed coffees longer
Washed coffees for blends can be bought with 9–12 month horizons. They're more forgiving.
Use warehousing
If your storage isn't ideal, leave coffee at the importer's climate-controlled warehouse. Call off as needed.
Application-based timeline
Competition/showcase coffees
Use within 4 months of arrival. Maximum complexity.
Premium single origins
Feature within 6 months. Still excellent at 8.
Blend components
Can use up to 12 months. Blending masks minor fading.
Decaf
More stable due to processing. 12+ months often fine.
Current Inventory
Coffees with fresh arrival dates
Natural Process
WUSH WUSH
Oromia, Hambela
Sangaria | Fruit Bomb | Floral | Sweet Finish
Natural, 120 hours dry Fermentation! · In Stock
Natural ARDI
Sidama, Damo
Clean Strawberry | Peach | Sweet Finish
Natural · In Stock
Harrar Gr 1
Oromia, Micheta
Chocolate | Barries | Carmel | Full Body
Natural · In Stock
NATURAL SIDAMA GR 4
Sidama
Dark Chocolate | Nuts | Medium Acidity | Complex | Comforting
Natural · In Stock
