How long does packed, blended coffee stay fresh?

QUESTION:

Hi,

I am getting married in February of 2011 and we have selected sealed packed blend coffee as part of our favors to our guests. It is October and I am about to order the favors... But I am hesitant as I do not know how good the coffee will stay if I order them now and do not use them until February.

How long can I keep blend coffee in sealed packages?


ANSWER:

Congratulations! And that’s a nice idea to include coffee in your favors.

But you’re right, the coffee certainly won’t be at its best if you order it now. Wait until the last feasible date, from an organizational point of view.

If you can, I would wait until you get to within a month of the wedding. If you can’t get that close, it’s not the end of the world. It’s not like the coffee will taste bad if it has been in a bag for a couple of months or so. It just won’t be at its best.

Just try not to order it yet. Wait for as long as you can.