Helpful Hints from joeeze: How to tell if coffee beans are fresh

In the latest issue (September & October 2009) of Cook's Illustrated appears the following nugget.

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Freshness Test

To check if your beans are fresh, scoop 1/2 cup into a zipper-lock bag and press out all the air, then seal the bag and leave it overnight. If the beans are within seven to 10 days of roasting, they will make the bag puff up from the carbon dioxide that they release. If the bag remains flat, then the beans are not producing gas — a sign they've passed the point of peak freshness.