Ten Taboos About Coffee Beans Fresh You Shouldn't Share On Twitter
How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh
Just like a banana that's left on the counter for a few days, coffee beans go bad. This is because of oxidation and loss of volatile flavor compounds.
You can keep the fresh roast taste for a couple of weeks by following a few simple tips. Moisture, air and heat are your beans' worst enemies!
How to store Coffee Beans
It's not a secret that coffee beans degrade quickly. To enjoy the best flavor of your beans, it is essential to store them in a proper manner. Many people are unsure of how to best do this, though. Some people think that they can simply put their beans into the fridge. This isn't the best way to go about it.
Keep your beans at room temperature in an opaque, airtight container. This will protect your beans from the two biggest enemies: moisture and air. Air and moisture can cause beans to lose their fresh-roasted flavor, while moisture can also weaken them. The heat can also degrade the flavor and aroma of the beans, and light (especially sunlight) can destroy their natural shine, too.
In reality, storing coffee beans in a refrigerator can be more harmful than useful. They could absorb the flavors and odors from other foods that are stored in the refrigerator like cheese and onions that can adversely affect the flavor of your coffee. They can also be exposed by the refrigerator's cool air to moisture and condensation.
Consider storing your beans in the original container or in a resealable plastic bag. Be sure to remove all air prior to sealing the bag and then store it in a cool, dark place. This will allow the beans last a bit longer, however it is best to use them within 72 hours of roasting.
Storing Coffee Beans in the Fridge
Most people store their coffee beans in the refrigerator, but it's not a good idea. Coffee beans stored in a refrigerator absorb moisture and food smells which can adversely affect their flavor. The best place to keep your coffee is in a dark cabinet, sealed with an airtight, transparent container.
If your beans don't come in a bag that has an open valve, you will need to transfer them to an container that is sealed and opaque, such as the Coffee Gator canister. It's important to keep in mind that the fridge may be a little cold for coffee, which may alter the taste.
Moisture, air and heat are the main enemies of coffee bean. To preserve the freshness of their roast, it is recommended to store your beans in an airtight, opaque (not transparent) container at the room temperature. A dark, cool and cool pantry is the ideal location to store them however a closet or cupboard can also work. Storing coffee in a refrigerator will help extend its shelf life, however it isn't recommended. The cold temperature can alter the flavor of your coffee, causing it to deteriorate faster. The smells of food and water in the fridge can affect the coffee beans.
Storing Coffee Beans in the Pantry
Once the seal on the packaging on your beans has been broken, it is best to store them in a dark place at room temperature and in an airtight container. This will keep the flavor, aroma and freshness of the coffee for a while (depending on the amount of exposure to heat, oxygen and moisture). Storing your coffee beans near an oven or kitchen counter, or any other area where they are exposed to direct sunlight could be an unwise choice. These places can get very hot and accelerate the process of oxidation.
Moisture is a big one because the beans can absorb moisture from the air and this could alter the natural flavors. Oxidation also accelerates with heat since the beans can degrade the molecular structures that give them their flavors and aromas. The heat also strips the bean of its natural oils and causes the flavor to fade away.
If you can keep your beans in the resealable single-way valve bag they came in, or in an airtight opaque container that's similar in size, they'll be fresh for approximately one week. You can store them longer in the fridge, but be aware that they could be prone to freezer burns or absorb any odors from food in the fridge.
Storing Coffeee in the Freezer
If you're spending 20 dollars or more for a bag of gourmet coffee beans, it's important to understand the best method to store them. Coffee absorbs flavor, aromas and moisture, so storing it in an opaque airtight container in a cool, dark location will help preserve the flavor. You can also freeze your beans but be careful if you do this, make sure to transfer them to a Ziploc bag before freezing to avoid freezing burn.
While freezing isn't the best option, it can help if you have a short amount of time or if you're planning to travel and bring along 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 pantry.
As you can see it's best to use your beans as a whole but sometimes we do not have the luxury of. Making sure that your coffee beans are stored properly will extend their shelf-life up to three times, if you're using them in a cold dark place in an airtight opaque container. So go ahead and give it a try (be sure to follow the above guidelines carefully) you may be amazed at how much better your coffee will taste compared to the dull and lifeless beans that rotted in the fridge or freezer.