You don't need to be a coffee expert. Here's a quick routine you can do anywhere:
- Flip the bag and find the roast date. If it's not there, move on.
- Check the date—if it's more than a month old, put it back.
- Feel the beans through the bag (if you can). They should feel dry, not sticky.
- Smell it if possible. Fresh coffee smells sweet and roasty; stale smells sour or flat.
If you're shopping online, look for the roast date in the product description or photos. If it's missing, contact the seller before you buy.
