wholebean

Wholebean refers to coffee that is sold as roasted coffee beans in intact form, rather than ground. In retail and specialty shops, wholebean products are marketed to customers who prefer to grind their coffee just before brewing. The term is used to distinguish from pre-ground coffee, which can begin to lose aroma and flavor more quickly once exposed to air.

After roasting, beans are packaged with emphasis on the roast date rather than the age of the beans. To maximize freshness, consumers store wholebean products in a cool, dark, airtight container away from heat and moisture. Avoid storing near strong odors, and grind only what you plan to brew to minimize exposure to air.

Grinding whole beans produces the necessary particle size for a chosen brewing method. Burr grinders are preferred for consistency; blade grinders create uneven particles that can lead to uneven extraction. Common grind settings align with methods such as espresso (fine), pour-over or drip (medium), and French press (coarse).

Freshness is a key advantage of wholebeans; whole beans generally retain aroma and flavor longer than ground coffee. For optimal taste, use roasted beans within about two to four weeks of the roast date, though some beans hold up longer in proper storage. Freezing is controversial and should be done with care to avoid moisture and temperature fluctuations.