Packaging of fresh roasted coffee exhibiting improved aroma retention

Packaging (100) for coffee (500) which is to be packed as quickly as is feasible after roasting, i.e., without undergoing substantial off gassing. The packaging preferably comprises a semi-rigid, substantially gas-impervious container (300) capable of withstanding the pressures generated by the release of carbon dioxide and other gases from the fresh roasted coffee in the container. The semi-rigid container is preferably comprised of plastic and predetermined portions of the container are preferably capable of undergoing limited deformation. This prevents instability of the base of the container, thereby keeping its vertical axis erect, and ensures that the container does not become jammed within the shipping case in which it is transported due to lateral expansion. The semi-rigid container includes resealable closure means (200) which are capable of: initially forming and maintaining a substantially gas tight seal between the package and the atmosphere until the package is initially opened by the end user and establishing a reseal which is effective to substantially resist ambient atmospheric pressure changes upon snug reapplication of the closure means to the container. Means (400) are preferably provided to prevent aspiration of the pressurized coffee, particularly when it is in granular form, from the discharge orifice of the container upon initial opening by the consumer. Roasted coffee product placed in packaging of the present invention prior to substantial off gassing exhibits greatly improved aroma retention and reduced oxidation over the normal useful life of the package from initial opening by the consumer to emptying.