Resting your coffee refers to letting freshly roasted beans degas (release carbon dioxide) before brewing. It's not essential, but it can improve the taste by allowing the flavours to develop fully. Here's a breakdown of resting times based on roast level:
Dark Roasts: These tend to have less CO2 and can be used within 1-5 days.
Medium Roasts: For filter brewing, aim for at least 5-7 days. For espresso, aim for 7-10 days.
Light Roasts: These have the most CO2 and benefit the most from resting. Aim for 10-14 days for filter and even longer for espresso.
However, there's some flexibility! Here are additional factors to consider:
Grind: If you grind your coffee just before brewing, even very fresh beans will lose some CO2, potentially making them usable sooner.
Preference: Some people enjoy the slightly brighter flavour of coffee brewed with less-rested beans. Experiment and see what you like best!
Ultimately, the best way to determine your ideal resting time is to taste your coffee and see what works for you.