How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh
Similar to a banana left on the counter for a few days, coffee beans can go bad. This is because of oxidation and loss of volatile soluble flavor compounds.
You can keep the fresh flavor of roasted beans for a few weeks by implementing a few tips. The elements of heat, moisture and air are your beans' most formidable enemies!
How do you store coffee beans
It's no secret that coffee beans degrade quickly. To enjoy the best flavor of your beans, you have to store them properly. However, a lot of people are unsure of how best to go about it. Many people think they can just put their beans in the fridge. This isn't the best option.
Keep your beans at room temperature in an airtight, opaque container. This will safeguard the beans from the greatest threats: air, moisture, and heat. Air and moisture can cause beans to lose their fresh roast flavor, and moisture can also make them taste weaker. Heat will also break down the flavor and aroma of the beans and light (especially sunlight) can ruin the natural shine of the beans as well.
It is not a good idea to keep coffee beans in your refrigerator. They could absorb the flavors and odors from other foods in the refrigerator, such as onions and cheese which could negatively affect the taste of your coffee. They can also be exposed to condensation and moisture from the frig's cold air.
Instead, consider storing your beans in the container they came in or in a resealable bag. Make sure you remove all air from the bag prior to sealing it and storing it in a dark, cool area. This will also make the beans last a bit longer, however the optimum length of time to use them is 72 hours after they have been roasted.
Coffee beans are stored in the Fridge
Most people store their beans in the refrigerator however it's not the best idea. Coffee beans stored in the refrigerator absorb odors from food and water which can adversely affect their flavor. The best place to keep your coffee is in a dark cabinet, sealed with an airtight and transparent container.
If your beans aren't in a bag with a one-way valve, you'll need to transfer them into an container that is sealed and opaque, such as the Coffee Gator canister. The fridge could also be too cold for the coffee, and this can affect the taste.
The most common enemies of coffee beans are air, heat and moisture. To ensure the freshness of your beans, keep them in a container that is opaque (not transparent), at temperatures that are at room temperature. A cool, dark pantry is a great location to store them, but a closet or a cupboard can also be used. It is not recommended to store coffee in the refrigerator. It can extend its shelf life, but you may want to try it. The cold temperatures can alter the flavor of your coffee, causing it to go through a stale-like process faster. The smells of food and moisture in the fridge can harm your coffee beans.
Storing coffee beans in the Pantry
Once the packaging seal is broken on your beans, it's best to keep them in a dark location at room temperature in an airtight container. This will preserve the aroma, flavor, and freshness of your coffee for a long time (depending on the amount of oxygen or heat is absorbed by the beans). Storing your coffee beans in an oven, kitchen counter or other location that is exposed to direct sunlight may be an undesirable idea. These areas can become extremely hot and accelerate the process of oxidation.
online coffee beans can be a major element, as beans absorb moisture in the air. This can dilute the natural flavors. The heat can also accelerate the process of the process of oxidation, as beans break the molecular structure that creates their distinctive aromas. Heating also deprives the bean of its natural oils and causes the flavor to fade away.
If you are able to keep your beans in the resealable one-way valve bag that they came in, or in an airtight opaque container that's similar in size, they'll be fresh for about one week. They can go longer if they are placed in the freezer, however you should be cautious because the beans could be affected by freezer burn and they could also absorb odors of food that are floating around in the freezer along with them.
Storing Coffee Beans in the Freezer
If you're spending $20 or more for a bag of gourmet coffee beans, it is essential to know the best way to store the beans. Coffee absorbs flavor, aromas and moisture, so storing it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place will help to preserve the flavor. You can also freeze the beans, but it is recommended to put them in a Ziploc bag first to avoid burning in the freezer.
While freezing isn't a good idea however, it can be beneficial if you are short on time or travel and wish to bring some of your favorite coffee with you. However, frozen coffee beans will not be as fresh and will have a less muted flavor than beans that are properly stored in the fridge or pantry.
As you can see, it's best to use your beans lickety-splitt but sometimes we do not have the luxury of. If you keep your coffee beans in a dark, cold place in an opaque airtight container, their shelf life can be extended by as much as three times. You might be amazed by how much better the coffee will taste when contrasted with beans that were rotten in the fridge or freezer.