How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh

Like a banana left on the counter coffee beans can go bad. This is due to oxidation and loss of volatile soluble flavor compounds.

You can keep the fresh flavor of roasted beans for a few weeks by following some simple tips. The most formidable enemies of beans are moisture, air and heat!

How to store coffee beans

It's no secret that coffee beans go through a process of degradation quickly. To enjoy the best flavor of your beans, it's important to store them properly. Many people are confused on the best way to do this, though. Many people think they can just put their beans in the refrigerator. This is not the most efficient method.

The key is to keep your beans in an airtight, opaque container at room temperature. This will protect your beans from their most formidable enemies: air and moisture. Moisture and air can both cause beans to lose their fresh-roasted flavor, and moisture can also dilute them. The heat can also ruin the aroma and flavor of the beans. Light (especially sunlight) can also affect the natural shine of the beans.

In reality, storing coffee beans in the refrigerator can be more harmful than beneficial. They can absorb the flavors and odors of food items in the refrigerator, including cheese and onions that can adversely affect the taste of your coffee. They can also be exposed to condensation and moisture due to the cold air in the refrigerator.

Consider storing your beans in the container that you originally used or in a plastic bag that can be resealable. Make sure you push out all the air prior to sealing the bag, and store it in a cool, dark location. This will help the beans to last longer, but it's recommended to consume them within 72 hours after roasting.

Storing coffee beans in the Fridge

Most people store their coffee beans in the fridge however it's not an ideal solution. Coffee beans kept in the refrigerator absorb the smells of food and moisture and can affect their flavor. The ideal place to keep your coffee in is a dark cabinet with an airtight, transparent container.

A coffee bag that has one-way valves will work just fine in the fridge However, if your beans weren't packaged in this type of packaging it is necessary to transfer them to a sealed and opaque container, like a glass container or the Coffee Gator canister mentioned above. The fridge can also be too cold for the coffee, which could affect the taste.

Moisture, air and heat are the primary enemies of coffee beans. To keep the freshness of your coffee beans place them in a dark container (not transparent) at temperatures that are at room temperature. A dark, cool, dark pantry is a great storage space, but a closet or a cupboard can also work. Storing coffee in the fridge can help extend the shelf life of your coffee, but it isn't recommended. The cold temperatures can alter the taste of your coffee and cause it to deteriorate faster. In addition the moisture and food smells from the fridge can also harm your beans.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Pantry

After the seal of the packaging has been broken on the beans, it's best to store them in a dark location at room temperature in an airtight container. This will keep the aroma, flavor and freshness of the coffee for a long time (depending on the degree of exposure to oxygen, heat, and moisture). It is best to store your coffee beans close to an oven or kitchen counter location that is exposed to direct sunlight could be an undesirable idea. These places can get extremely hot and accelerate the process of oxidation.

Moisture is one of the main reasons since beans are able to absorb moisture from the air. This can reduce their natural flavors. Oxidation is also accelerated by heat since the beans can destroy the molecular structure which give them their flavors and aromas. Heat also robs the bean of its natural oils, causing them to lose their taste.

If you can keep your beans in the sealed, resealable bag that they came in or an equivalent airtight opaque container then freshness should last for around a week or so before they begin to deteriorate. They may last longer if you store them in the freezer, however you should be aware because the beans might be prone to freezer burn and they may also absorb odors of food that are floating around in the freezer them.

Storing coffee beans in the freezer

If you are spending $20 or more for a bag of gourmet coffee beans coffee beans wholesale suppliers coffeee beans (Going to Pediascape), it is essential to know the best way to store the beans. Coffee is like sponges and absorbs aromas, moisture and flavors. Therefore, keeping it in a cool, dark space in an airtight container will keep the flavor secure. You can also freeze your beans but be cautious if you do this it's best to transfer them to a Ziploc bag before freezing to avoid freezing burn.

Although freezing isn't ideal, it can be helpful if you have a limited period of time, or if you're on the road and want to bring along your favourite roast. 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 as a whole but sometimes we simply don't have the luxury. If you keep your coffee beans in a dark, cold space in a dark, airtight container, their shelf life can be extended up to 3 times. You may be surprised by how much better the coffee will taste when as compared to beans that are rotten in the freezer or fridge.