The Next Big New Coffee Beans Fresh Industry
How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh
Like a banana that is left on the counter coffee beans are prone to going bad. This is due to oxidation, and the loss of volatile flavor compounds.
The good news is you can preserve those fresh roast flavors for a few weeks by following a few simple guidelines. The elements of heat, moisture and air are your beans' biggest enemies!
How to store coffee beans
It's no secret that coffee beans deteriorate quickly. To ensure the best flavor from your beans, you must to store them in a proper manner. Many people are unsure of the best way to do this, though. Many people believe that they can just put their beans in the fridge, but this isn't actually the best way to go about it.
The key is storing your beans in an airtight and transparent container at room temperature. This will shield your beans from their biggest enemies: air and moisture. Air can strip beans of their fresh roast flavor and moisture may weaken the beans' flavor. Heat can also destroy the flavor and aroma of the beans. Light (especially sunlight) will also reduce the natural shine of the beans.
In fact, keeping coffee beans in the refrigerator could be more harmful than useful. They may absorb the flavor of other food items, like cheese and onions in the fridge and affect the flavor of your espresso. They could also be exposed to condensation and moisture from the frig's cold air.
Consider storing Coffeee either in the original container or in a resealable plastic bag. Make sure you push out all air prior to sealing the bag and store it in a cool, dark and dry place. This can also help the beans to last longer, but it's recommended to use them within 72 hours of roasting.
Storing coffee beans in the Fridge
Many people store their coffee beans in the refrigerator but this isn't an ideal solution. Coffee beans kept in the refrigerator absorb the smells of food and moisture and can affect their flavor. The best place to keep your coffee is in a dark cabinet with an airtight and transparent container.
If your beans don't come in a coffee bag equipped with a single-way valve, you'll need to move them into containers that are tightly sealed and opaque, such as the Coffee Gator canister. It's important that you note that the fridge could be a bit cold for coffee, which could impact its taste.
The primary enemies of coffee beans are heat, air and moisture. To keep the freshness of your coffee beans store them in an opaque container (not transparent), at the room temperature. The ideal place to keep them is a cool, dark pantry, but cabinets or wardrobes will also work. It is not recommended to store coffee in the refrigerator. It will prolong the shelf-life of your coffee, but you might want to try it. The cold temperature can alter the taste of your coffee, causing it to deteriorate faster. Additionally the food and beverage odors in the fridge can also harm your beans.
Storing Coffee Beans in the Pantry
Once the seal has been broken on your beans, it is best to store the beans in a dark space at room temperature in an airtight container. This will help preserve the flavor, aroma, and freshness of your coffee for a prolonged period (depending on the amount of oxygen, heat, or moisture is absorbed by the beans). The storage of your coffee beans near an oven, kitchen counter or other location that is exposed to direct sunlight could be a bad idea. These areas can become extremely hot and accelerate the process of the process of oxidation.
Moisture is a big one since beans are able to absorb moisture from the air, and this could alter the natural flavors. Oxidation is also enhanced by heat since the beans can destroy the molecular structure which give them their flavors and aromas. The heat also strips the beans of its natural oils, which makes them taste less.
If you're able keep your beans in the one-way valve bag that is resealable and resealable that they came in, or an equivalent airtight opaque container then their freshness will last about a week before they begin to degrade. You can store them for longer in the fridge but be cautious as they could be prone to freezer burn or absorb any odors from food in the fridge.
Storing coffee beans in the freezer
If you are spending $20 or more for bags of premium coffee beans, it's crucial to determine the best way to store the beans. Coffee absorbs aromas, flavors, and moisture, so storing it in an opaque airtight container in a dark, cool place will help to preserve the flavor. You can also freeze the beans but it is advisable to store them in a Ziploc bag prior to freezing to avoid burns from freezing.
Although freezing isn't a good idea, it can be helpful if you have a short amount of time or if you're planning to travel and bring along some of your favourite roast. The coffee beans that are frozen do not taste as fresh and have a weaker flavor than beans stored in the refrigerator or in the pantry.
It is best to consume the beans as soon as possible however, we don't always have that luxury. If you store your coffee beans in a dark, cold place in an opaque airtight container, their shelf life can be extended by as much as three times. You may be surprised at how much better the coffee will taste as compared to beans that have been rotten in the fridge or freezer.