How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh
Like a banana thrown on the counter coffee beans can turn bad. This is due oxidation and loss of flavor compounds that are volatile.
The good news is that you can preserve those fresh flavors for some weeks by implementing a few simple guidelines. The elements of heat, moisture and air are your beans'
most expensive coffee beans formidable enemies!
How to store coffee beans
It's not a secret that coffee beans lose their flavor quickly. In order to maximize the flavor of your beans, it is essential to store them in a proper manner. Many people are confused on the best way to do this, though. Some think they can just put their beans in the refrigerator, but this isn't actually the most efficient way to do it.
Store your beans at room temperature in an airtight, opaque container. This will shield your
decaf beans coffee from the two biggest enemies: air and moisture. Moisture and air can both ruin the beans' fresh-roasted taste, while moisture can also weaken them. Also, heat can destroy the aroma and flavor of the beans. Light (especially sunlight) can also affect their natural shine.
It is not a good idea to keep coffee beans in the refrigerator. They could absorb the flavors and odors from other foods in the refrigerator, including cheese and onions which could negatively affect the taste of your coffee. They can also be exposed by the refrigerator's cool air to condensation and moisture.
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 the air from the bag prior to resealing it, and store it in a cool, dark area. This will allow the beans last a bit longer, but it's ideal to use them within 72 hours after roasting.
Coffee beans are stored in the Fridge
A majority of people keep their beans in the refrigerator but it's not an ideal solution.
organic coffee beans beans stored in a refrigerator absorb odors and moisture from food items and can negatively affect their flavor. The best place to store your
cafe coffee beans is a dark cupboard with an airtight, transparent container.
A coffee bag that has an one-way valve can work perfectly in the fridge However, if your beans aren't in this type of packaging you'll need to move them to a tightly sealed and opaque container, like a glass container or the Coffee Gator canister mentioned above. The fridge could also be too cold for the coffee, which can affect the taste.
Air, heat and moisture are the main enemies of coffee bean. To preserve the freshness of their roast, you must store your beans in an airtight opaque (not transparent) container at temperatures of room temperature. The ideal place to store them is a cool, dark pantry, however cabinets or wardrobes will also work. Storing
Cafe Coffee beans in the refrigerator can help extend its shelf life, but it's not recommended. It can alter the taste of your brew and even make them stale more quickly due to the cold temperature. The smells of food and the moisture in the fridge can damage your coffee beans.
Coffee beans are stored in the Pantry
After the seal of the packaging has been broken on your beans, it is recommended to keep the beans in a dark space at room temperature in an airtight container. This will preserve the aroma, flavor and freshness of the
coffee bean near me for a long time (depending on the degree of exposure to heat, oxygen and moisture). Storing your coffee beans in a cabinet next to an oven or counter where they get direct sunlight isn't the ideal idea since these places could be extremely hot and accelerate oxidation.
Moisture is one of the main reasons since beans are able to absorb moisture from the air. This can dilute their natural flavors. Also, heat can accelerate the process of oxidation as the bean may destroy the molecular structure, which gives them their distinctive aromas. The heat also strips the bean of its natural oils and causes them to lose flavor.
If you're able to keep your beans in the bags that are resealable, one-way valves which they came in or an equivalent airtight opaque container, then the freshness will last about a week before they begin to degrade. They can be kept longer in the fridge, however, be aware that they could be prone to freezer burns or absorb any odors from food in the fridge.
Storing Coffee Beans in the Freezer
If you're spending 20 dollars or more for a bag of gourmet coffee beans, it is crucial to determine the best method to store the beans. Coffee absorbs moisture, aromas and flavors, so keeping it in an opaque airtight container in a dark, cool location will help preserve the flavor. You can also freeze your beans but be careful when doing this, it's best to transfer them to the inside of a Ziploc bag prior to freezing in order to avoid freezer burn.
While freezing isn't the best option, it can help if you have a short amount of time or you're traveling and wish to take along a cup of your favorite roast. Coffee beans frozen in the freezer aren't as fresh and have a less distinct flavor than beans stored in the refrigerator or in the pantry.
It is best to use the beans as soon as possible however, we don't always have that luxury. Storing your coffee beans properly can extend their shelf life by up to three times if you keep them in a cold dark place in a sealed airtight container. So, give it a try (be sure to follow the above instructions carefully) you might be amazed by how much better the flavor of your coffee is compared to the dull and lifeless beans that went bad in the fridge or freezer.