How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh

Like a banana that is left on the counter coffee beans can turn bad. This is because of oxidation and loss of flavor compounds that are volatile.

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

How to Store Coffee Beans

It's no secret, cafe coffee beans beans degrade rapidly. To ensure the best flavor from your beans, you must to store them properly. Despite this, many people are unsure of how best to go about it. Some believe they can simply put their beans in the fridge but that's not the best way to do it.

The most important thing is to store your beans in an airtight, transparent container at room temperature. This will shield the beans from the most formidable enemies such as moisture, air and heat. Air and moisture can take away the beans' fresh-roasted flavor, and moisture can also weaken them. Heat can also destroy the aroma and flavor of the beans. Light (especially sunlight) can also dull their natural shine.

In reality, storing coffee beans in the refrigerator can be more harmful than beneficial. They may absorb the flavor of other food items, like onions and cheese in the fridge which can affect the taste of your coffee. They could also be exposed by the refrigerator's cool air to moisture and condensation.

Consider storing your beans either in the original container or in a resealable plastic bag. Be sure to eliminate all the air from the bag before resealing it, and store it in a dark, cool place. This will allow 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 their refrigerators but this isn't the best idea. Coffee beans stored in the refrigerator absorb odors and moisture from food items and negatively impact their flavor. The best place to keep your coffee is a dark cabinet, sealed with an airtight, clear 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 kind of packaging, it is necessary to transfer them to a sealed and opaque container such as a glass canister or the Coffee Gator canister mentioned above. It's important to note that the fridge can also be a little cold for coffee, which could affect the taste.

Moisture, heat and air are the main enemies of coffee bean. To keep the freshness of your coffee beans keep them in a dark container (not transparent), at temperatures that are at room temperature. The best place to keep them is a dark, cool pantry, however a wardrobe or a cabinet could also work. Storing coffee in the refrigerator will help extend its shelf life, but it's not recommended. The cold temperature can alter the flavor of your coffee, causing it to deteriorate faster. The smells of food and moisture in the refrigerator can also affect the coffee beans.

Storing gourmet coffee beans beans in the Pantry

Once the packaging seal is broken on the beans, it's best to keep them in a dark place 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). Storing your coffee beans in an oven or kitchen counter area where they are exposed to direct sunlight can be not a good idea. These places can get very hot and accelerate oxidation.

Moisture can be a major aspect, since beans can absorb moisture from the air. This can alter the natural flavors. It can also accelerate the process of oxidation, as beans destroy the molecular structure, which gives them their aromas. Also, heat deprives the bean of its natural oils and causes them to lose flavor.

If you are able to keep your beans in a resealable one-way valve bag that they came in, or in an airtight opaque container that's similar and fresh, they should last for approximately one week. You can store them for longer in the fridge, but be aware that they may suffer from freezer burn or absorb any food odors in the fridge.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Freezer

If you're shelling out 20 bucks or more to purchase a premium bag of coffee beans it's important to be aware of how long they'll last and what the best methods are to keep them. Coffee is sponges and absorbs moisture, aromas and flavors, so keeping it in a cool, dark place in an airtight opaque container can help keep the taste protected. You can also freeze your beans, but be cautious if you do this it's best to transfer them to the inside of a Ziploc bag before freezing to avoid freezer burn.

While it's not ideal but it is a good option when you're short on time or you are traveling and want to take a cup of your favorite coffee beans bulk with you. Coffee beans that are frozen aren't as fresh and have a less distinct flavor than beans that are stored in the refrigerator or in the pantry.

It's best to use the beans as soon as you can however, we don't always have that luxury. Storing your Gourmet Coffee Beans beans properly will extend their shelf-life three times if you keep them in a cool, dark place in a sealed airtight container. You may be surprised at how much better the coffee will taste when compared to the beans that were rotten in the fridge or freezer.