How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh

Like a banana left on the counter for several days, coffee beans go bad. This is because of oxidation and loss of volatile flavor compounds.

The good news is you can preserve those fresh roast flavors for some weeks by implementing a few simple guidelines. The elements of heat, moisture and air are your beans' worst enemies!

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 in a proper manner. Many people are unsure of how best to do this, however. Some people think that they can simply put their beans in the refrigerator. This isn't the best option.

Store your beans at room temperature in an opaque, airtight container. This will protect your beans from their most formidable enemies: air and moisture. Air and moisture can cause beans to lose their fresh roast flavor, and moisture can also weaken them. Heat can also destroy the flavor and aroma of the beans. Light (especially sunlight) can also affect the natural shine of the beans.

It's not a great idea to store coffee beans in your refrigerator. They may absorb the flavor of other foods like cheese and onions in the fridge and alter the taste of your coffee. They are also exposed to cold air from the refrigerator to moisture and condensation.

Consider storing your beans in the original container or in a resealable plastic bag. Be sure to remove all the air from the bag prior to resealing it, and store it in a cool, dark place. This can also aid in keeping the beans fresh for a longer time, but the optimum length of time to use them is 72 hours after roasting.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Fridge

Many people store their coffee beans in their refrigerators but this isn't an ideal solution. Coffee beans stored in refrigerators absorb food smells and moisture which can adversely affect their flavor. The best place to keep your coffee is a dark cabinet, sealed with an airtight and transparent container.

A coffee bag that has a one-way valve will work perfectly in the fridge However, if your beans weren't packaged in this sort of packaging it is necessary to transfer them into a tightly sealed and opaque container, such as a glass canister or the Coffee Gator canister mentioned above. The fridge can also be too cold for the coffee, and this can alter the taste of the coffee.

The primary enemies of coffee beans are heat, air and moisture. To ensure freshness of the coffee beans, you must store your beans in an airtight and opaque (not transparent) container at temperatures of room temperature. A dark, cool pantry is the best storage space, however, a closet or cupboard can also be used. The storage of coffee in the fridge will extend its shelf life, but it's not recommended. The cold temperature can alter the flavor of your coffee and cause it to go through a stale-like process faster. The smells of food and moisture in the fridge can affect the coffee beans.

Storing coffee beans in the Pantry

Once the packaging seal is broken on the beans, it's best to keep them in a dark location at room temperature in an airtight container. This will help preserve the flavor, aroma, and freshness of your coffee for a long period of time (depending on how much oxygen or heat is absorbed by the beans). Storing your beans in a cabinet near an oven or counter where they get direct sunlight isn't the best option as these places can become extremely hot and accelerate the process of oxidation.

Moisture is a major factor since beans are able to absorb moisture from the air and this can reduce their natural flavors. It can also accelerate the process of oxidation, as beans destroy the molecular structure that gives them their aromas. The heat also strips the beans of their natural oils which results in them losing taste.

If you're able keep your beans in the sealed, resealable bag that they came from or an equivalent airtight opaque container the freshness will last approximately a week before they begin to decay. They can be kept 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 Coffee Beans in the Freezer

If you are spending $20 or more for bags of premium coffee beans sale beans, it's crucial to determine the best method of storing them. online coffee beans is like a sponge and can absorb moisture, aromas and flavors. Keeping it in a cool dark place in an airtight opaque container can help keep the taste and aromas safe. You can also freeze your beans but be careful if you decide to do this, make sure to move them into a Ziploc bag prior to freezing in order to avoid freezing burn.

While freezing isn't the best option, it can be helpful if you have a short period of time, or if you're traveling and wish to bring along some of your favourite roast. However, coffee beans that have been frozen aren't as fresh and will have a more muted flavor than beans that are properly stored in the fridge or pantry.

It's best to use your beans as quickly as you can however, we may not always have that luxury. If you store your coffee beans in a dark, cold container that is airtight and opaque container their shelf life can be extended by up to 3 times. If you decide to give your coffee a try (be sure to follow the instructions above carefully) you might be surprised at how much better the coffee will taste as compared to the dull and lifeless beans that rotted in the freezer or fridge.