How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh
Similar to a banana left on the counter for several days, coffee beans can go bad. This is because of oxidation and loss of volatile flavor compounds.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/778/151/napoli-1kg-italian-blend-roasted-coffee-beans-intense-dark-persistent-151.jpg)You can preserve the fresh roast flavor for a few weeks by following some simple tips. The beans' biggest enemies are air, moisture, and heat!
How to store coffee beans
It's not a secret that coffee beans break down quickly. To get the most flavor out of your beans, it is essential to store them properly. Despite this, many people are confused as to how best to store their beans. Many people think they can simply put their beans into the fridge. This is not the best method.
Store your beans at room temperature in an airtight, opaque container. This will shield your beans from the two biggest enemies: air and moisture. The air can rob beans of their fresh-roasted flavor and moisture can weaken the beans as well. Heating can also ruin the aroma and flavor of the beans and light (especially sunlight) can ruin their natural shine, too.
In reality, storing coffee beans in the refrigerator could be more harmful than helpful. They could absorb the flavors and odors of other foods in the refrigerator, like onions and cheese, which will negatively impact the taste of your coffee. They can also be exposed to moisture and condensation from the refrigerator's cold air.
Consider storing your beans either in the container that you originally used or in a plastic bag that can be resealable. Make sure you remove all air from the bag prior to sealing it and storing it in a dark, cool location. This can help the beans last a bit longer, however the optimum length of time to use them is 72 hours after they have been roasted.
Storing Coffee Beans in the Fridge
Most people store their beans in the fridge but it's not the best idea. Coffee beans in the fridge absorb moisture and food odors, which will negatively impact their flavor. The ideal place to keep your unroasted coffee beans in is a dark cabinet that has an airtight, opaque and airtight container.
If your beans don't come in a bag with a single-way valve, you'll need to transfer them into an container that is sealed and opaque, like the Coffee Gator canister. It's important to note that the fridge could be a little too cold for coffee, which may impact its taste.
Moisture, air and heat are the primary enemies of coffee beans. To preserve the freshness and quality of your roasted beans, store them in an opaque container (not transparent), at the room temperature. The ideal place to keep them is a dark, cool pantry, however a wardrobe or a cabinet could also work. Storing coffee in a refrigerator will extend its shelf life, however it's not recommended. The cold temperatures can alter the flavor of your coffee beans to buy and cause it to deteriorate faster. The smells of food and moisture in the refrigerator could damage your coffee beans.
Storing Coffee Beans in the Pantry
Once the packaging seal on your beans has been broken, it is best to keep them in a dark place at room temperature and in an airtight container. This will preserve the flavor, aroma, and freshness of your coffee for a long time (depending on how much oxygen or heat is exposed to the beans). Storing your beans in a cabinet near an oven or kitchen counter where they receive direct sunlight isn't the most ideal option because these areas can become very hot and will accelerate the process of oxidation.
Moisture is one of the main reasons since beans are able to absorb moisture from the air, and this can reduce their natural flavors. Oxidation is also enhanced by heat since the beans can degrade the molecular structures that give them their aromas and flavors. Heat also robs the bean of its natural oils and causes the flavor to fade away.
If you're able to keep your beans in the bags that are resealable, one-way valves that they came from or an equivalent airtight opaque container, then their freshness will last about a week before they begin to degrade. They may last longer if you place them in the freezer, but you have to be careful since the beans may be affected by freezer burn and they can also absorb odors from food that are floating around in the freezer along with them.
Storing Coffee Beans in the Freezer
If you're spending 20 dollars or more for a bag of gourmet coffee beans, it's important to know the best method to store the beans. Coffee is sponges and absorbs moisture, aromas and flavors, so keeping it in a cool dark place in an airtight opaque container will ensure that the flavor stays protected. You can also freeze the beans however, it is advised to place them in a Ziploc bag first to avoid freezer burn.
Although freezing isn't the best option but it can be helpful if you are short on time or traveling and want to take some of your favorite coffee with you. However, the coffee beans that are frozen will not be as fresh and will have a more bland flavor than beans that were properly stored in the fridge or pantry.
As you can see it's best to use your beans with a single hand, but sometimes you simply don't have the luxury. If you store your coffee beans in a dark, cool container that is airtight and opaque container, their shelf life can be extended by up to three times. So, give the idea a go (be sure to follow the above instructions carefully) you may be surprised by how much better the coffee will taste as compared to the dull, lifeless beans that have gone bad in the freezer or fridge.(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/778/14047/lavazza-qualita-oro-coffee-beans-ideal-for-bean-to-cup-machine-and-a-filter-coffee-machine-with-fruity-and-flowery-aromatic-notes-100-arabica-intensity-5-10-medium-roast-1-kg-14047.jpg)
