Everything You Need To Know About Coffee Beans Fresh
How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh
Like a banana left on the counter coffee beans are prone to going bad. This is due to oxidation and the loss of volatile flavor compounds.
You can keep the fresh flavor of roasted beans for a few weeks by following a few simple guidelines. The elements of heat, moisture and air are your beans' worst enemies!
How to keep coffee beans in storage
It's not a secret that coffee beans degrade quickly. In order to maximize the flavor of your beans, it's essential to properly store them. Despite this, many are unsure of the best to go about it. Some think they can just put their beans in the refrigerator but that's not the best way to do it.
The key is to keep your beans in an airtight, transparent container at room temperature. This will shield the beans from the most formidable enemies which are air, moisture and heat. The air can strip the beans of their fresh roast flavor, and moisture can dilute the beans' flavor. Heating can also ruin the flavor and aroma of the beans and light (especially sunlight) can destroy their natural shine too.
It's not a wise idea to keep coffee beans in the refrigerator. They can absorb the flavor and odors from other foods that are stored in the refrigerator like cheese and onions which could negatively affect the taste of your coffee. They also are exposed to condensation and moisture from the frig's cold air.
Instead, think about storing your beans in the container they came in, or in a resealable bag. Make sure you remove all air from the bag before sealing it and storing it in a cool, dark place. This will allow the beans last longer, but it's best to use them within 72 hours of roasting.
Coffee beans are stored in the Fridge
Most people store their beans in the refrigerator but this isn't an ideal idea. Coffee beans stored in a refrigerator absorb food smells and moisture and can affect their flavor. The best place to store your coffee is a dark cupboard with an airtight, opaque container.
If your beans don't come in a coffee bag equipped with a one-way valve, you'll have to put them in containers that are tightly sealed and opaque, such as the Coffee Gator canister. The fridge can also be too cold for the coffee, which can affect its taste.
Moisture, heat, and air are the main enemies of coffee bean. To preserve the freshness of their roast, you must store your beans in an airtight and opaque (not transparent) container at the room temperature. A cool, dark pantry is a great place to store them, however, a closet or cupboard is also acceptable. It is not recommended to keep coffee in the refrigerator. It can extend the shelf-life of your coffee, but you might want to try it. It can affect the flavors of your brew and even cause them to deteriorate faster due to its cold temperature. The smells of food and the moisture in the refrigerator can cause damage to your coffee beans.
Coffee beans are stored in the Pantry
When the seal on the packaging is broken on the beans, it's recommended to store them in a dark place at room temperature in an airtight container. This will keep the aroma, flavor and freshness of the coffee for a while (depending on the degree of exposure to heat, oxygen, and moisture). The storage of your coffee beans near an oven, kitchen counter or other place where they are exposed to direct sunlight may be a bad idea. These places can get very hot and accelerate oxidation.
Moisture is a major factor since beans are able to absorb moisture from the air and this can alter their natural flavors. Heat can also accelerate the process of oxidation since beans can break the molecular structure that provides them with their distinctive aromas. Heating also deprives the bean of its natural oils, causing them to lose their flavor.
If you're able to keep your beans in their bags that are resealable, one-way valves that they came from or an equivalent airtight opaque container, then freshness should last for about a week before they begin to degrade. They can go longer if they are placed in the freezer, but you should be cautious because the beans might suffer from freezer burn, and they could also absorb food odors floating around in the freezer them.
Storing Coffee Beans in the Freezer
If you're shelling out 20 bucks or more to purchase a haute bag of coffee beans, it's essential to be aware of how long they'll keep and what the best ways are to keep them. Coffee is sponges that absorb aromas, moisture and flavors. Keeping it in a cool, dark place in a airtight opaque container will ensure that the flavor stays and aromas safe. coffee beans bulk can also freeze the beans, but it is advisable to store them in the form of a Ziploc bag first to avoid burning in the freezer.
Although freezing isn't ideal, it could be beneficial if you have a short time frame or you're traveling and wish to bring along some of your favorite roast. Frozen coffee beans are not as fresh and have a weaker flavor than beans that are stored in the refrigerator or pantry.
As you can see it's ideal to use your coffee beans with a single hand, but sometimes you simply don't have the luxury. Making sure that your coffee beans are stored properly can extend their shelf life by at least three times if you keep them in a cool, dark place in a sealed airtight container. If you decide to give your coffee a try (be sure to follow the above instructions carefully) you may be amazed by how much better your coffee will taste compared to the dull and stale beans that went bad in the fridge or freezer.